Forklift Operator

Aerotek; Minnesota; On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan with Roth option

Life Insurance (voluntary)

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an experienced Forklift Operator for a contract-to-hire role in Long Prairie, MN. The position requires operating sit-down propane forklifts in a climate-controlled food manufacturing warehouse, primarily in receiving, with occasional lifting up to 50 pounds and routine RF scanner use.

Responsibilities include loading/unloading trucks, staging loads, maintaining accurate paperwork, and ensuring proper labeling and storage.

Qualifications

• Proven sit-down propane forklift experience in a warehouse.
• Experience loading/unloading trucks in a food manufacturing setting is ideal.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Strong attention to safety procedures and paperwork.
• Comfort with RF scanners and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down propane forklifts safely in narrow aisles throughout the shift.
• Load and unload trucks and move materials between shipping, receiving and storage areas.
• Ensure materials are labeled and stored correctly in warehouse locations.
• Stage loads for trucks and organize pallets according to priorities.
• Communicate with shipping team and leadership about schedules and changes.
• Follow established shipping/receiving procedures and complete accurate paperwork.
• Maintain accurate inventory records using warehouse equipment and scanners.
• Conduct daily/weekly/monthly cycle counts and resolve discrepancies.
• Keep shipping/receiving areas clean and organized per food facility standards.
• Move pallets with pallet jacks and other handling equipment as needed.
• Adhere to all forklift safety guidelines.

Skills

Sit-down forklift

Narrow aisles operation

Loading/unloading trucks

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Documentation/paperwork

Team communication

RF scanners

Safety procedures

Food manufacturing environment

Tools

RF scanners

Job description

Job Description

Forklift Operator

This role operates sit-down propane forklifts in a climate-controlled, clean food manufacturing warehouse. You will primarily work in the receiving area, where the forklifts are narrower than standard models and the racking offers very tight clearances, requiring confident and experienced forklift operation. You will spend most of your shift on a forklift, loading and unloading trucks, moving materials throughout the warehouse, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds while supporting efficient shipping and receiving operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down propane forklifts safely and efficiently throughout the shift, including in narrow aisles with tight clearances.
• Load and unload trucks, ensuring materials move accurately and efficiently between shipping, receiving, and storage areas.
• Ensure all packaged materials are correctly labeled and stored in the appropriate warehouse locations.
• Stage loads for trucks scheduled for the next morning, organizing pallets and materials according to shipping priorities.
• Communicate regularly with the shipping team and leadership to stay informed about upcoming trucks, production schedules, and changing priorities.
• Understand and follow established shipping and receiving procedures, including documentation and workflow requirements.
• Produce accurate, legible paperwork for all shipping, receiving, and inventory transactions.
• Use RF scanners and related warehouse equipment to track inventory movement and maintain accurate records.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts of the finished goods warehouse, identifying and resolving any inventory discrepancies.
• Maintain a clean and organized shipping and receiving area, including regular housekeeping and adherence to food facility cleanliness standards.
• Handle pallets and materials using pallet jacks and other material handling equipment as needed.
• Follow all safety guidelines and standard operating procedures for forklift operation and food manufacturing environments.

Essential Skills

• Proven forklift experience, specifically operating sit-down propane forklifts.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts in narrow aisles and tight clearances.
• Experience with loading and unloading trucks in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed during the shift.
• Material handling experience, including moving, staging, and organizing pallets and finished goods.
• Ability to read, complete, and maintain accurate and legible paperwork.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with shipping teams and leadership throughout the shift.
• Ability to follow shipping and receiving procedures and standard operating processes.
• Comfort using RF scanners or similar inventory tracking devices.
• Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and organization in a shipping and receiving area.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a food manufacturing or food-grade facility.
• Familiarity with pallet jacks and other warehouse equipment.
• Attention to detail when performing inventory counts and resolving discrepancies.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and production schedules.
• Strong awareness of safety practices in a warehouse and forklift environment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $23.00/hr.

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 & 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 Long Prairie,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expe