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AppleOne
Certified Forklift Operator
Career Insights for Forklift / Pallet Jack Operator
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Scorecard
Based on Washington data
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What they do
A Forklift or Pallet Jack Operator operates forklift machinery used to lift heavy loads or pallets at a construction site, warehouse or factory.
$50,460 / year median in Washington
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Certified Forklift Operator for a temp-to-hire opportunity in Tacoma, WA. This role is ideal for a reliable warehouse professional with strong forklift skills, a safety-first mindset, and experience supporting shipping, receiving, inventory, and material handling operations. The Certified Forklift Operator will play a key role in keeping warehouse operations moving efficiently by loading and unloading trucks, staging materials, supporting inventory accuracy, and safely operating material handling equipment. Candidates with certifications and hands-on experience using multiple forklift types are highly encouraged to apply. This opportunity offers the chance to join a team-oriented manufacturing and warehouse environment where accuracy, safety, communication, and dependable performance are valued. The right candidate will work closely with operations, shipping, receiving, and inventory teams in a fast-paced setting with supportive leadership and a strong focus on long-term success. Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate forklifts and material handling equipment to move inventory, materials, and products throughout the warehouse.
- Load and unload incoming and outgoing trucks accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with safety procedures.
- Pull, stage, transport, and prepare materials for shipment, delivery, storage, or customer pickup.
- Verify product information, quantities, shipping documents, and receiving paperwork for accuracy.
- Support inventory control through scanning, documentation, cycle counts, proper labeling, and organized storage practices.
- Complete daily equipment inspections, report safety concerns or equipment issues, and maintain a clean and organized work area. Compensation and Benefits
- Pay range: $27.00 to $30.00 per hour.
- Job type: Temp-to-hire.
Location:
Tacoma, WA. Required Qualifications and Skills- Operate forklifts and material handling equipment safely in a warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, or distribution environment.
- Load and unload trucks while verifying product quantities, shipment details, and material accuracy.
- Support shipping, receiving, staging, inventory movement, cycle counts, and warehouse organization.
- Follow OSHA, company, and facility safety requirements while maintaining accurate records and clean work areas.
- Minimum 3 years of forklift operating experience.
- Current forklift certification or ability to provide proof of certification.
- Experience safely loading and unloading trucks in a warehouse or industrial setting.
- Basic knowledge of shipping, receiving, inventory control, and warehouse procedures.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to verify quantities, labels, and product information accurately.
- Stable job history demonstrating reliability, consistency, and commitment.
- Positive professional references from previous supervisors or employers.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the shift.
- Ability to safely operate equipment for extended periods in a warehouse or industrial environment. Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications on multiple forklift types.
- Experience operating a sit-down forklift, stand-up forklift, reach truck, cherry picker, order picker, electric pallet jack, clamp truck, or high-reach equipment.
- Reach truck experience.
- Cherry picker or order picker experience.
- Experience using RF scanners and warehouse management systems.
- Shipping and receiving experience.
- Inventory control and cycle counting experience.
- Experience working in fast-paced distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or warehouse operations.