1st Shift Forklift Operator/material Handler

Aerotek; Kutztown (Berks County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a 1st Shift Material Handler / Forklift Operator for a contract-to-hire role in Kutztown, PA. Responsibilities include unloading and inspecting shipments, organizing inventory, picking and packing orders, and safely operating forklifts and related equipment.

The position emphasizes accurate documentation, adherence to safety protocols, and collaboration with distribution and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

Qualifications

• 6 months+ warehouse and distribution experience.
• 13 years of manufacturing and/or distribution and logistics experience.
• 13 years of sit-down forklift operating experience.
• 13 years of palletizing, inventory, picking, and/or staging.
• 1+ years of experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Experience with machine operation in plastic materials environments.
• Proficiency in loading/unloading and material handling.
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly.
• Basic computer skills for inventory management and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced warehouse.
• Commitment to safety and maintaining a clean work environment.

Responsibilities

• Unload, inspect, and accurately record incoming shipments to ensure correct quantities and quality.
• Organize, label, and store materials and products to maintain accurate inventory.
• Pick, pack, and prepare customer orders for shipment per specifications.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment safely and efficiently.
• Palletize products, stage orders, and support shipping and receiving activities.
• Use WMS and basic computer tools to complete inventory, shipping, and receiving documentation.
• Perform inventory control tasks, including cycle counts and stock verification.
• Support QA by checking materials and orders for accuracy and damage.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area by following safety protocols.
• Collaborate with team members in distribution and assist manufacturing to meet goals.

Skills

Warehouse experience

Forklift operation

Inventory control

WMS experience

Machine operation (plastic materials)

Safety procedures

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Load/unload trucks

Basic computer skills

Independent work

Tools

WMS software

Job description

1st Shift Material Handler / Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting the efficient operation of a busy warehouse by handling, storing, and shipping products with accuracy and care. You will work extensively with plastic sheeting and other materials, help maintain precise inventory records, and contribute to a clean, safe, and well-organized work environment.

Responsibilities

• Unload, inspect, and accurately record incoming shipments to ensure correct quantities and quality.

• Organize, label, and store materials and products in designated locations to maintain accurate inventory and efficient workflow.

• Pick, pack, and prepare customer orders for shipment according to specifications and deadlines.

• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment safely and efficiently to move materials and load or unload trucks.

• Palletize products, stage orders, and support shipping and receiving activities to keep operations running smoothly.

• Use warehouse management systems (WMS) and basic computer tools to complete inventory, shipping, and receiving documentation.

• Perform inventory control tasks, including cycle counts and verification of stock levels, to maintain inventory accuracy.

• Support quality assurance by checking materials and orders for accuracy, damage, and compliance with standards.

• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area by following all safety protocols and housekeeping practices.

• Work collaboratively with team members in distribution and assist the manufacturing facility as needed to meet production and shipping goals.

Essential Skills

• 6 months or more of warehouse and distribution experience.

• 13 years of manufacturing and/or distribution and logistics experience.

• 13 years of sit-down forklift operating experience.

• 13 years of experience with palletizing, inventory, picking, and/or staging.

• 1+ years of experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS).

• Experience with machine operation, especially in environments dealing with plastic materials.

• Proficiency in materials handling, including loading and unloading trucks.

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly.

• Basic computer skills for inventory management and documentation.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to maintain accurate records and orders.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.

Work Environment

You will work in a distribution-focused environment supporting a manufacturing facility, with approximately 270 internal employees across three buildings. The role includes both inside and outside work, depending on operational needs, and involves regular use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment. Standard schedules follow a Monday through Friday structure, with first shift running from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and second shift from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The setting is active and team-oriented, with an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and efficient material flow.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kutztown, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $21.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kutztown,PA.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.