Forklift Operator

Aerotek

Nashville (TN)

On-site

USD 26,000 - 27,000

Full time

19 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Short and long-term disability

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation / Sick Leave

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an Electric Sit-Down Forklift Operator in Nashville, TN to operate a powered forklift in a food manufacturing and warehouse setting. You will load/unload trucks, manage pallet movement, and use RF scanners while following GMP and food safety standards.

This contract-to-hire role requires 1+ year of forklift experience, stamina for extended shifts, and the ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment. Shifts run 5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Qualifications

At least 1 year of sit-down forklift experience in a warehouse/manufacturing setting.
Experience operating electric sit-down forklifts for extended periods.
Proficient in using RF scanners to manage inventory.
Knowledge of GMP and food safety standards.
Ability to work in non-climate-controlled environments.
Willingness to overtime or stay late to meet production needs.
Strong attention to safety, accuracy, and quality.

Responsibilities

Operate an electric sit-down forklift for 85–95% of shift.
Load and unload trucks with pallets and bulk materials.
Move products in/out of warehouse racking systems.
Use RF scanners to scan pallets and packages and record movements.
Support inventory activities including tracking and counting materials.
Assist with shipping and receiving tasks such as staging and picking.
Follow GMP and food safety procedures at all times.
Maintain a clean, safe work area.
Inspect forklift and equipment before and after use.
Adhere to safety rules including PPE and dress code.
Work full shifts and stay 1–2 hours post-shift when needed.
Collaborate with team and supervisors for efficient workflow.

Skills

Forklift experience

RF scanner operation

Inventory management

Shipping & receiving

GMP & food safety

Stamina for long shifts

Attention to safety

Teamwork & communication

Tools

RF scanners

Track rack systems

Job description

Job Title: Electric Sit-Down Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on operating an electric sit-down forklift in a busy manufacturing and warehouse environment that supports food production. You will spend the majority of your shift on the forklift, handling materials, loading and unloading trucks, and working within a specialized warehouse racking system. When off the forklift, you will use RF scanners to manage inventory, scan pallets and packages, and support shipping and receiving activities while complying with strict food safety and GMP standards.

Responsibilities

Operate an electric sit-down forklift safely and efficiently for approximately 85%–95% of each shift.
Load and unload trucks with pallets, bulk materials, and packaged products.
Move product in and out of warehouse racking systems, including track racks with sliding tracks.
Use RF scanners to scan pallets and packages and accurately record product movement.
Support inventory activities by tracking, counting, and verifying materials as needed.
Assist with shipping and receiving tasks, including staging, picking, and organizing loads.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all food safety and quality procedures at all times.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in the warehouse and production areas.
Inspect forklift and related equipment before and after use and report any issues promptly.
Adhere to all safety rules, including proper use of required PPE and compliance with dress code.
Work full scheduled shifts and stay for 1–2 hours after the shift when needed to meet production and shipping demands.
Collaborate with team members and supervisors to ensure efficient workflow and timely order fulfillment.

Essential Skills

At least 1 year of experience operating a sit-down forklift in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
Proficiency operating an electric sit-down forklift for extended periods during the shift.
Demonstrated material handling skills, including safe loading, unloading, and movement of pallets and products.
Ability to use RF scanners to scan pallets and packages and update inventory records.
Working knowledge of inventory processes and product flow in a warehouse setting.
Experience in shipping and receiving, including picking, staging, and preparing loads.
Ability to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety standards.
Capability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment and perform physically active tasks.
Attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and accuracy in all tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Previous experience in a food manufacturing or food distribution environment is beneficial.
Familiarity with track rack or other specialized warehouse racking systems is an advantage.
Comfort working long shifts with additional hours as needed to support production and shipping.
Ability to follow strict dress code requirements, including wearing hair nets and beard nets as applicable.
Willingness to wear 6-inch steel toe boots and other required personal protective equipment.
Ability to work with minimal jewelry and avoid fake nails and loose clothing in accordance with GMP and safety guidelines.
Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate effectively with warehouse and production staff.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, established manufacturing operation that plays a key role in supplying fats, oils, and high-quality dressings, mayonnaise, and sauces to the food industry. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of benefits with strong health and wellness coverage designed to be affordable and supportive of your overall well-being. You will work in an environment that values safety, consistency, and quality, providing long‑term stability and opportunities to grow your skills in a critical part of the food supply chain.

Work Environment

This position is based in a food manufacturing and warehouse facility that is non-climate controlled, so temperatures may vary with the seasons. The role involves extensive time operating an electric sit-down forklift, working around track rack warehouse systems, and using RF scanners and related inventory technology. The schedule includes two primary shifts: a first shift from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with most Saturdays and some Sundays, and a second shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with most Saturdays and some Sundays. Team members are expected to stay 1–2 hours after the scheduled shift when needed. The environment follows strict GMP and food safety standards, with a dress code that includes 6-inch steel toe boots, hair nets, beard nets where applicable, and restrictions on jewelry, fake nails, and loose clothing to maintain safety and product quality.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.50/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: