Forklift Operator

Aerotek; Gilroy (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek seeks a Forklift Operator to safely operate a sit-down forklift in a warehouse/manufacturing setting. You will receive, move, and load palletized products, enter data into the system, and support shipping and receiving activities.

The role requires forklift certification, 6+ months of warehouse experience, and basic computer skills. Work is on-site in Gilroy, CA with day shifts and training provided. The company emphasizes safety and accuracy in logistics operations.

Qualifications

• Current forklift certification with demonstrated ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Six months to one year of previous warehouse experience preferred.
• Six months to one year of forklift operation experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English to follow instructions, complete documentation, and communicate with team members.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming product, verify counts and lot numbers, and enter information into the computer system.
• Operate a sit-down forklift to remove palletized product from trucks and place in storage areas.
• Move products to loading docks and designated storage areas following safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of product movement and shipping activities in the computer system.
• Follow safety guidelines and complete required training for Shipping/Receiving Operator.

Skills

Forklift certification

High school diploma or GED

Warehouse experience

English communication

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Computer data entry

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Pallet jacks

Job description

Job Title: Forklift Operator

This role focuses on safely operating a forklift to handle palletized products throughout a warehouse and manufacturing environment. You will receive, move, and load products using powered equipment, accurately record inventory information in the computer system, and support shipping and receiving activities to ensure efficient product flow.

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming unprocessed product, verify customer counts and lot numbers, inspect for visible damage, and accurately enter all information into the computer system.
• Operate a sit-down forklift to remove palletized product from trucks and place it in designated unprocessed storage areas.
• When loads are floor-loaded, use the forklift to handle cartons as required, ensuring they are safely placed on pallets and moved to the correct storage location.
• Move products via forklift to and from various areas of the facility for processing, following established routes and safety procedures.
• Remove samples from customer product as required and coordinate the shipment of samples according to established procedures.
• Shrink-wrap palletized finished product when needed to prepare it for return shipment to the customer.
• Contact trucking companies as needed to schedule pick-up of finished product and coordinate loading times.
• Use a forklift to safely load palletized product onto trailers, ensuring loads are stable and secure.
• Maintain accurate records of product movement, inventory, and shipping activities in the computer system.
• Follow all safety guidelines, equipment operating procedures, and company policies related to forklift operation and warehouse activities.
• Complete all required training for a Shipping/Receiving Operator as outlined in the training manual and apply that knowledge in daily work.
• Assist with additional warehouse, shipping, and receiving tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Essential Skills

• Current forklift certification with demonstrated ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of previous warehouse experience preferred.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience operating a forklift preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English to follow instructions, complete documentation, and communicate with team members.
• Willingness to work established shifts and adapt to schedule requirements as needed.
• Proficiency using a computer, including the ability to enter and analyze data in databases or spreadsheets.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive bending and lifting motions over extended periods of time.
• Commitment to completing all required training for a Shipping/Receiving Operator as outlined in the training manual.
• Strong attention to detail when verifying counts, lot numbers, and product condition.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in shipping and receiving operations, including loading and unloading trailers.
• Experience in material handling, inventory control, and warehouse inventory processes.
• Hands-on experience with order picking, packing, and packaging tasks.
• Familiarity with using pallet jacks and other warehouse equipment.
• Comfort working in a general labor and warehouse environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to coordinate with trucking companies and logistics partners for pick-ups and deliveries.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a professional warehouse and manufacturing operation that values safety, reliability, and teamwork. The role offers consistent, structured shifts and the opportunity to deepen your skills in forklift operation, shipping, and receiving. You will work in an environment that emphasizes proper training, clear procedures, and support from experienced supervisors, helping you grow your experience in logistics and warehouse operations.

Work Environment

This position is based in a warehouse and manufacturing environment where you will primarily operate a sit-down forklift and use other material handling equipment such as pallet jacks. Work involves handling palletized products rather than moving materials by hand, though you must still be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and performing repetitive bending and lifting motions. The standard schedule is a day shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the potential for four 10-hour shifts depending on operational needs. You will work around active loading docks, storage racks, and processing areas, following established safety protocols and wearing appropriate attire and personal protective equipment as required for a warehouse setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Gilroy, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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 & 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 Gilroy,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 2026.

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.