Forklift Operator

Job Title:

Forklift Operator Job Description This role involves operating a sit-down Toyota propane forklift with a clutch brake in a highly automated, organized manufacturing environment. You will move unfinished and finished cardboard materials, load and unload trailers, and support fast-moving production lines by staging and preparing bundles of cardboard for printing. The position combines skilled forklift operation with hands-on material handling and requires the ability to adapt to a very fast-paced workflow after training. Responsibilities Operate a sit-down Toyota propane forklift with a clutch brake to transport unfinished and finished cardboard materials throughout the facility. Load and unload trailers safely and efficiently using a forklift. Use an RF scanner and a touch screen computer mounted on the forklift to locate, track, and manage products and materials. Load bundles of cardboard onto production lines to be printed, typically handling 4-5 bundles at a time. Dismount the forklift to remove plastic wrapping and paper inserts from bundles, then return to retrieve additional material as needed. Handle and move bundles of cardboard and boxes that do not have skids or pallets, ensuring safe and secure transport. Stage, wrap, and unwrap bundles of cardboard and products as part of the production and shipping process. Support fast-paced machinery by quickly moving bundles from machines to staging areas and docks while maintaining accuracy and safety. Load and stage bundles for loading and unloading trucks, bringing materials to and from machinery and dock areas. Adjust to and maintain productivity in a very fast-paced environment once trained and acclimated to the machinery speed. Participate in training on first shift for approximately two weeks to learn processes, equipment, and safety procedures. Work assigned shift (first, second, or third) and remain flexible for occasional Saturday work or extended hours as discussed. Essential Skills At least 3 years of experience operating a sit-down propane forklift in a manufacturing or similar environment. Proven experience operating a forklift with a clutch brake and multiple pedals. Strong material handling experience, including moving and staging products in a production or warehouse setting. Ability and comfort moving bundles of cardboard and products without skids or pallets. Ability to work effectively in a very fast-paced environment after training and acclimation. Basic proficiency using RF scanners to scan and track materials. Ability to use a touch screen computer mounted on the forklift to access product locations and information. Capability to repeatedly get on and off the forklift to stage, wrap, unwrap, and prepare materials. Reliability to complete a two-week training period on first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Willingness to work first (6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), second (2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.), or third shift (Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.), as assigned. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working with corrugated or cardboard products. Experience in highly automated manufacturing environments. Comfort working occasional Saturdays or extended hours when needed, as discussed in advance. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality when handling and staging materials. Ability to adapt quickly to new processes and machinery speeds after training. Why Work Here? You will join a medium-sized, well-organized, and highly automated plant that values quality and efficiency. The environment supports learning, with structured training to help you get comfortable with the machinery and pace. The facility maintains a laid-back attitude while still focusing on doing the job right, offering a balance of productivity and a supportive culture. You will work with modern equipment and clear processes, giving you the opportunity to develop and refine your material handling and forklift skills in a stable and professional setting. Work Environment The role is based in a medium-sized, highly automated plant with approximately 30 workers on the production side. The facility is organized and focused on quality, creating a setting that is structured yet maintains a laid-back attitude among the team. Work is very fast paced around the machinery, especially once you are trained and acclimated to production speeds. You will use a sit-down Toyota propane forklift equipped with a touch screen computer, as well as RF scanners, and you will frequently move bundles of cardboard without skids or pallets. The position offers three primary shifts: first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., second shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and third shift from Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with training on first shift for approximately two weeks. Occasional Saturday work or extended hours may be required and will be discussed in advance. The dress code requires steel-toe boots for safety on the plant floor. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.