Forklift/Material Handler

Surestaff, LLC; Illinois; On-site; USD 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Weekly pay

Medical, vision, dental

Employee advocacy & job support

Job summary

Surestaff is hiring a Forklift/Material Handler for a cold food packaging facility in Montgomery, IL. You will operate forklifts, manage inventory, stage finished pallets, and ensure accurate labeling and traceability under USDA guidelines.

The role is temp-to-hire with first and second shift options, paying $19–$19.50 per hour. You’ll shrink-wrap pallets, move goods to staging areas, and coordinate with production teams to maintain continuous material flow in a fast-paced, 40°F or lower

Qualifications

• Experience operating a forklift (stand-up or sit-down).
• Experience driving walkie, rider, buggies or sit-down forklifts preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing, warehouse or industrial labor is preferred.
• Familiarity with GMPs and basic food-safety requirements helpful.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs and stand throughout shift.
• Must work in temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Responsibilities

• Complete all inventory documentation and spreadsheets to monitor stock levels.
• Bring all materials needed for the production room, including supplies for all active production lines.
• Remove finished pallets of product from the production area in a safe and timely manner.
• Verify that each product label meets specification and quality guidelines before staging.
• Scan each pallet of finished product into the computer system to ensure accurate inventory and traceability.
• Shrink-wrap all finished product pallets securely to maintain product integrity during storage and transport.
• Transport finished product to the appropriate staging area as directed by production or shipping personnel.
• Communicate effectively with production teams to ensure continuous material flow and prevent downtime.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Skills

Forklift operation

Inventory documentation

Team communication

Safety awareness

Tools

Forklift

Walkie/rider

Pallet jack

Job description

SURESTAFF is immediately hiring Forklift/Material Handlers for a large, lunchmeat packaging facility in Montgomery, IL. As a Forklift/Material Handler, you will be responsible for effectively performing all the required duties of the position in an accurate, thorough, and safe manner. Employees are responsible for producing a safe, quality food product in accordance with USDA guidelines and are required to report all food safety-related problems to their Supervisor/Manager and/or the Quality Assurance department to initiate immediate action. The Forklift/Material Handler is responsible for operating material handling equipment for the purpose of receiving, moving, locating, relocating, and shipping merchandise. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, make safety a priority, and enjoy working in a fast-paced cold environment. Temperatures in the facility are at or below 40 degrees. Positions are temp-to-hire. Available shirts and pay rates below: 1st Shift - 6:30 AM - 3:30 PM or 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM - $19/HR 2nd Shift - 3:30 PM - 11:30 PM or 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM - $19.50/HR

Responsibilities of the Forklift/Material Handler:

• Complete all inventory documentation and spreadsheets to monitor stock levels.
• Bring all materials needed for the production room, including supplies for all active production lines.
• Remove finished pallets of product from the production area in a safe and timely manner.
• Verify that each product label meets specification and quality guidelines before staging.
• Scan each pallet of finished product into the computer system to ensure accurate inventory and traceability.
• Shrink-wrap all finished product pallets securely to maintain product integrity during storage and transport.
• Transport finished product to the appropriate staging area as directed by production or shipping personnel.
• Communicate effectively with production teams to ensure continuous material flow and prevent downtime.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications of the Forklift/Material Handler:

• Previous experience operating a forklift, stand-up and sit-down
• Experience driving walkie, rider, buggies, and sit-down preferred.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing, production, warehouse, or industrial labor is preferred.
• Familiarity with GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and basic food-safety requirements is helpful
• Willing to work in temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower
• Position requires lifting up to 60lbs and standing throughout shift

About Surestaff:

At Surestaff, we are dedicated to helping individuals unlock their career potential through meaningful job opportunities. As a leading staffing agency in the light industrial and manufacturing space, we pride ourselves on connecting talent with top employers across the Midwest and Southeast. We understand that finding the right job is about more than just a paycheck - it's about finding the opportunity that fits your skills, goals, and lifestyle.

Here are the benefits you'll enjoy when you partner with us:

• Access to a wide range of job opportunities
• Competitive pay
• Health and Wellness Programs (including EAP)
• Medical benefits including medical, vision, dental, and prescriptions
• Electronic weekly pay
• Employee Advocacy & Personalized Job Support

Surestaff also follows all applicable state and local laws regarding sick time, paid time off, and retirement savings programs.

Surestaff is an equal opportunity employer.

Notice Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions In accordance with state mandates, we are providing this notice to inform all applicants and employees that artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used at various stages of our employment processes. This may include recruitment, screening, hiring, promotion, or other employment-related evaluations. AI tools may assist in reviewing application materials, assessing qualifications, or supporting decision-making. These tools do not replace human judgment; rather, they are used to support consistent and efficient evaluation. Our commitment to speed-to-hire means we work efficiently to get you placed in the right role, fast.