Forklift Operator

Aerotek; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek in Ankeny, IA is seeking a Material Handler to support manufacturing and warehouse operations. You will attach labels, transport finished goods, operate forklifts, and maintain production records.

The role requires a high school diploma, forklift certification, and strict safety standards; it is a fully onsite third shift from 6:45 pm to 5:15 am with union benefits and on-site training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Forklift certification upon hire.
• Completion of Material Handler qualification checklist and lockout/tagout training.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Strong attention to detail and inventory accuracy.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Reliability and commitment to workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Attach product identification labels and pallet documentation.
• Transport finished goods to and from warehouse staging areas.
• Operate forklifts and material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate production records, inventory transactions, and material usage documentation.
• Perform production line changeovers and equipment setup according to established procedures.
• Count, weigh, and document materials throughout the production process.
• Read production schedules and work orders to determine material requirements.
• Supply packaging lines with raw materials and other production components.
• Operate palletizing, depalletizing, dumping, and material transfer equipment.
• Inspect materials, equipment, and work areas to maintain quality and safety standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate shortages or discrepancies to supervisors.
• Assist with training new team members and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Recycle applicable production materials including cardboard, plastic, and paper products.

Skills

Material handling

Forklift operation

Inventory tracking

Materials supply

OSHA compliance

Communication & teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

Reach lift

Hoist

Job description

Job Title: Material Handler

Job Description

As a Material Handler, you will play a critical role in ensuring smooth and efficient operations within our manufacturing and warehouse environment. Your primary responsibilities will include attaching product identification labels, transporting finished goods, operating forklifts and material handling equipment, maintaining accurate production records, and performing production line changeovers. You will be responsible for supplying packaging lines with necessary materials, inspecting materials and work areas for quality and safety, and assisting with training new team members.

Responsibilities

• Attach product identification labels and pallet documentation.
• Transport finished goods to and from warehouse staging areas.
• Operate forklifts and material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate production records, inventory transactions, and material usage documentation.
• Perform production line changeovers and equipment setup according to established procedures.
• Count, weigh, and document materials throughout the production process.
• Read production schedules and work orders to determine material requirements.
• Supply packaging lines with raw materials and other production components.
• Operate palletizing, depalletizing, dumping, and material transfer equipment.
• Inspect materials, equipment, and work areas to maintain quality and safety standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate shortages or discrepancies to supervisors.
• Assist with training new team members and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Recycle applicable production materials including cardboard, plastic, and paper products.

Essential Skills

• Experience in material handling and forklift operation.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, reach lifts, hoists, and other material handling equipment.
• Proficient in inventory tracking, production recording, and material transactions.
• Capability to supply production and packaging lines with required materials efficiently.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, and company safety standards.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Forklift certification upon hire.
• Completion of Material Handler qualification checklist and lockout/tagout training.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Strong attention to detail and inventory accuracy.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Reliability and commitment to workplace safety.

Why Work Here?

Enjoy direct placement opportunities within a Union company offering excellent Union benefits and support. Benefit from on-site training tailored to your specific job responsibilities, including equipment setup and operation.

Work Environment

Work in a dynamic manufacturing plant environment surrounded by moving mechanical parts and air-born particles such as spices. While the facility has a strong spice smell, employees report becoming accustomed to it after a short time. The shift available is the 3rd shift, Monday through Thursday, from 6:45 pm to 5:15 am.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ankeny, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60382.00 - $60382.00/yr.

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.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ankeny,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026.

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.

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.