Forklift Operator

Aerotek; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off (PTO)

Discounts on fresh produce

Stable, structured growth path

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Forklift Operator for a contract-to-hire role in Mankato, MN. The position involves safe loading/unloading, palletizing, packing, and moving materials in a cold-production warehouse environment.

You will operate sit-down forklifts and pallet jacks, handle packaging tasks, and assist with order picking and staging for efficient food distribution. Attendance reliability is essential, with onsite work in a fully onsite facility.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of warehouse experience.
• At least 6 months of forklift experience.
• Ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift.
• Ability to operate a pallet jack for material movement.
• Experience with material handling in a production or distribution environment.
• Ability to perform packaging tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Basic picking and order-handling skills.
• Strong reliability and commitment to consistent attendance.
• Ability to work in a colder production warehouse environment.

Responsibilities

• Unload and load trucks with daily freight in a safe and efficient manner.
• Palletize products and materials according to established procedures and quality standards.
• Store pallets on shelves and in designated warehouse locations to maintain organized inventory.
• Operate sit-down forklifts and pallet jacks to move, stack, and retrieve materials.
• Handle packaging tasks to prepare products for distribution.
• Support food distribution activities by accurately picking and staging orders.
• Follow all safety guidelines and warehouse operating procedures at all times.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area within the production warehouse.
• Adhere strictly to attendance expectations and reliability standards.

Skills

Warehouse experience

Forklift experience

Sit-down forklift

Pallet jack operation

Material handling

Packaging tasks

Order picking

Attendance reliability

Cold environment

Job description

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

The Material Handler safely loads and unloads daily freight, palletizes products, and stores pallets on shelves in a busy production warehouse environment. This role supports efficient food distribution operations by accurately handling materials and using warehouse equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.

Responsibilities

• Unload and load trucks with daily freight in a safe and efficient manner.

• Palletize products and materials according to established procedures and quality standards.

• Store pallets on shelves and in designated warehouse locations to maintain organized inventory.

• Operate sit-down forklifts and pallet jacks to move, stack, and retrieve materials.

• Handle packaging tasks to prepare products for distribution.

• Support food distribution activities by accurately picking and staging orders.

• Follow all safety guidelines and warehouse operating procedures at all times.

• Maintain a clean and orderly work area within the production warehouse.

• Adhere strictly to attendance expectations and reliability standards.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of warehouse experience.

• At least 6 months of forklift experience.

• Ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift.

• Ability to operate a pallet jack for material movement.

• Experience with material handling in a production or distribution environment.

• Ability to perform packaging tasks accurately and efficiently.

• Basic picking and order-handling skills.

• Strong reliability and commitment to consistent attendance.

• Ability to work in a colder production warehouse environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food distribution environments.

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures.

• Attention to detail when palletizing and storing materials.

• Strong awareness of safety practices in a warehouse setting.

• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a supportive production environment with opportunities to transition to a direct role that offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with paid time off. Team members also receive attractive discounts on fresh produce and food items, creating added value beyond regular compensation. The culture emphasizes reliability, safety, and teamwork, providing a stable and structured setting for long-term growth.

Work Environment

This role is based in a production warehouse environment focused on food distribution and material handling. The facility operates in a colder setting, so employees need to dress appropriately in warm, practical attire suitable for warehouse work. Team members use equipment such as sit-down forklifts and pallet jacks and work around palletized goods and shelving systems. The environment is fast-paced, safety-conscious, and structured, with clear expectations around attendance and performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mankato, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 & 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mankato, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mankato,MN.

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.