Forklift Operator

Aerotek; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek seeks a Forklift Operator for the 1st shift in Madison, WI. The role involves operating sit-down gas forklifts, moving materials, and performing basic maintenance while working indoors and outdoors in a fast-paced environment.

You will handle loading/unloading, use pallet jacks, and support general labor tasks to ensure smooth facility operations. A strong safety mindset and reliability are essential for this physically demanding role.

Qualifications

• Experience operating sit-down gas forklifts.
• 1+ year operating skid steers, loaders, or similar machinery.
• Proven material handling experience in an industrial, warehouse, or recycling environment.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds regularly.
• Experience using pallet jacks and other basic material handling tools.
• Comfort working around garbage, recycling materials, and in hot, dirty, and loud conditions.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors for extended periods.
• Strong adherence to safety procedures and equipment operating guidelines.
• Willingness to work 1st shift, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and transport recycling material and garbage throughout the facility.
• Load, unload, and relocate materials, ensuring safe and efficient material handling at all times.
• Empty full containers and bins and move them to designated areas for processing or disposal.
• Perform general preventative maintenance on forklift equipment to keep machinery in safe working condition.
• Use additional material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, loaders, and skid steers if experienced or once hired directly.
• Assist with general labor tasks, including picking, loading, and other duties as needed to support facility operations.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying conditions, including hot, dirty, and loud environments around garbage and recycling materials.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Collaborate with team members and help out wherever needed to ensure smooth and efficient facility operations.
• Lift and move heavy items, including loads of 50 pounds or more, as part of daily tasks.

Skills

Forklift operation

Small equipment operation

Material handling

Heavy lifting

Pallet jacks

Safety compliance

Indoor/outdoor work

Team collaboration

Overtime willingness

Tools

Skid steers

Loaders

Balers

Job description

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

The 1st Shift Forklift Operator safely operates sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and handle recycling material and garbage throughout the facility. This role supports daily operations by transporting materials, emptying containers, and performing basic preventative maintenance on equipment. The position is highly collaborative, with all team members pitching in where needed, and involves working both indoors and outdoors in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and transport recycling material and garbage throughout the facility.

• Load, unload, and relocate materials, ensuring safe and efficient material handling at all times.

• Empty full containers and bins and move them to designated areas for processing or disposal.

• Perform general preventative maintenance on forklift equipment to keep machinery in safe working condition.

• Use additional material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, loaders, and skid steers if experienced or once hired directly.

• Assist with general labor tasks, including picking, loading, and other duties as needed to support facility operations.

• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying conditions, including hot, dirty, and loud environments around garbage and recycling materials.

• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

• Collaborate with team members and help out wherever needed to ensure smooth and efficient facility operations.

• Lift and move heavy items, including loads of 50 pounds or more, as part of daily tasks.

Essential Skills

• 25 years of forklift operating experience, preferably with sit-down gas forklifts.

• At least 1 year of experience operating small equipment such as skid steers, loaders, or similar machinery.

• Proven material handling experience in an industrial, warehouse, or recycling environment.

• Ability to safely perform heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more on a regular basis.

• Experience using pallet jacks and other basic material handling tools.

• Comfort working around garbage, recycling materials, and in hot, dirty, and loud conditions.

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods.

• Strong adherence to safety procedures and equipment operating guidelines.

• Reliability and willingness to work 1st shift hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating skid steers, loaders, balers, or similar heavy equipment.

• Ability to adapt to changing tasks and assist in multiple areas of the facility as needed.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Willingness to work overtime, including extended shifts and occasional Saturdays, especially after holidays.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers long-term stability in a resilient industry that is not going anywhere, providing strong job security and clear opportunities for upward mobility and career growth. Team members can take advantage of unlimited overtime, with no cap on weekly hours for those who want to increase their earnings. After being hired on directly, employees receive a pay increase and gain access to a comprehensive full-time benefits plan, including competitively priced health plans. The culture emphasizes retention and loyalty, with a large majority of employees staying for more than five years, reflecting a supportive and consistent work environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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 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 & 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 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

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.