Forklift Operator

Job Title:

Forklift Operator Job Description This role involves operating forklifts and production equipment to safely move materials, support heat-treating and washing processes, and maintain a clean, efficient manufacturing environment. You will work with a variety of machinery, handle materials throughout the facility, and contribute to the production of critical products used by the U.S. military. Responsibilities Operate processing equipment such as washers, various hardening furnaces, annealing furnaces, and other related production machinery in a safe and efficient manner. Set up and monitor equipment according to established procedures and production requirements. Make up and stock cartons of materials and supplies to ensure workstations remain fully supplied. Load and unload parts and scrap into machines, ensuring correct placement and safe handling. Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts and hand trucks to move materials throughout the facility and position materials at workstations. Perform material handling tasks, including picking, loading, and staging materials for production. Clean tanks, washers, and other factory equipment to maintain a safe and orderly work area. Add chemicals and water to equipment as needed under supervision, following safety and handling guidelines. Follow all safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals and maintain high quality standards. Essential Skills Experience operating sit-down or stand-up forklifts in a manufacturing or warehouse environment. At least 6+ months of manufacturing experience. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Material handling experience, including picking and loading. Ability to operate or learn to operate processing equipment such as washers and furnaces. Willingness to obtain in-house forklift certification. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and safety procedures. Reliable attendance and punctuality for scheduled shifts. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous experience operating both sit-down and stand-up forklifts is a plus. Prior experience with furnace operations or machine operating in a production setting is beneficial. Comfort working in a louder, industrial environment that can become warm in the summer. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean and safe work area. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Why Work Here? You will join a very stable organization with a strong track record of avoiding layoffs and providing excellent benefits. The facility is the largest manufacturer in the county and produces products that support the U.S. military, giving your work a meaningful impact. The company offers on-the-job training, consistent opportunities for pay increases through regular reviews and union raises, and shift premiums for second and third shifts. You can earn additional rewards through attendance incentives, including extra paid time off, attendance bonus payouts, and monthly bonuses. There are attractive referral bonuses when your referrals stay with the company, as well as a generous vacation and holiday program that includes 10 paid holidays and increasing vacation time with tenure. The culture values reliability, development, and rewarding employees for their commitment and performance. Work Environment This is a unionized manufacturing plant environment with approximately 270 employees. The facility operates multiple shifts, including a second shift from Monday to Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and a third shift from Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Overtime is entirely voluntary, with opportunities to work 12-hour days and weekends for those who want to reach 50+ hours. The work area is louder and can get hot during the summer months, reflecting a typical heavy industrial setting. Personal protective equipment is required, including hearing protection, eye protection, and steel-toe or nonslip safety shoes. You will regularly work with forklifts, hand trucks, washers, furnaces, and other production equipment in a structured, safety-focused environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Antigo, WI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $19.09 - $22.50/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 Antigo,WI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.