Forklift Operator

Aerotek; Rochelle (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k)

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Forklift Operator for a unionized, seasonal role based in Rochelle, IL. You will operate a sit-down forklift for most of the shift, move materials around the facility, and support production lines 2nd or 3rd shifts.

This contract-to-hire position emphasizes safety, documentation, and reliable attendance with potential weekend work during peak periods. PPE and safety footwear support are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a sit-down forklift in a production, warehouse, or distribution environment.
• Strong documentation to maintain production logs and shift reports.
• Ability to adapt to new equipment, processes, and lines.
• Tolerance for extended or weekend shifts during seasonal peaks.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift for the majority of the shift to move materials throughout the facility.
• Supply production lines with required materials in a timely and accurate manner.
• Load and unload trailers safely, following all procedures.
• Transport finished goods and raw materials between storage, production, and shipping areas.
• Handle material-management tasks, including staging and inventory replenishment.
• Maintain accurate production logs and shift reports.
• Identify and report basic equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Ensure correct labeling and packaging before moving to next stage.
• Communicate with team members and supervisors to coordinate workflow.

Skills

Forklift operation

Documentation

Safety awareness

Communication

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Reliability

Union environment experience

Job description

Job Title: Forklift Operator (Seasonal)

Job Description

This seasonal Forklift Operator role runs through January and focuses on safely and efficiently operating a sit-down forklift for most of the shift. You will support production lines, load and unload trailers, and move materials throughout the facility on 2nd or 3rd shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift for the majority of the shift to move materials throughout the facility.
• Supply production lines with required materials in a timely and accurate manner.
• Load and unload trailers safely, following all material-handling and safety procedures.
• Transport finished goods and raw materials between storage, production, and shipping areas.
• Handle material-management tasks, including staging, organizing, and replenishing inventory as directed.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including production logs and shift reports.
• Identify, report, and help troubleshoot basic equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Ensure product labeling and packaging meet quality and accuracy standards before materials move to the next stage.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors to coordinate workflow and resolve issues.
• Assist in multiple departments as needed to support production and distribution demands during peak seasonal periods.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures, including proper use of PPE and safe operation of material-handling equipment.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality, especially during busy seasonal operations.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience operating a sit-down forklift in a production, warehouse, or distribution environment.
• Proficiency in using material‑handling equipment and general labor tasks related to material movement.
• Quick learning ability to adapt to new equipment, processes, and production lines.
• Basic troubleshooting skills to recognize and promptly report equipment or operational issues.
• Strong documentation skills to maintain accurate production logs and shift reports.
• High attention to detail to ensure correct product labeling, packaging, and material placement.
• Effective communication skills for clear interaction with team members and supervisors.
• Flexibility to assist in multiple departments or work areas as operational needs change.
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality, with the ability to support extended or weekend shifts during seasonal peaks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a unionized production or distribution environment.
• Background in material management or inventory staging in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with evolving production lines and processes.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and adhere to established safety and quality standards.

Why Work Here?

This is a union facility that offers a structured environment with clear processes and protections. The operation is part of a leading canned goods distribution network, managing a significant share of market distribution and investing in brand-new production lines with the goal of becoming a premier canned goods operation. Team members can benefit from annual merit increases based on union negotiations and have opportunities to move into leadership roles, as promotion from within is strongly supported. Personal protective equipment is provided, along with financial support for safety shoes and safety glasses, reflecting a strong commitment to safety and employee well-being.

Work Environment

The role is based in a unionized production and distribution facility that focuses on canned goods. You will spend nearly the entire shift on a sit-down forklift, working around active production lines, trailers, and material-handling areas. Standard shifts are 810 hours, with 2nd shift running approximately 3:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. and 3rd shift running overnight. There is potential for Saturday work during busy periods when the full team is scheduled. The facility emphasizes safety, provides PPE, and offers an allowance toward safety shoes and safety glasses. The environment is fast‑paced, with new production lines being introduced and a strong focus on efficient, safe material movement to support high-volume canned goods distribution.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochelle, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rochelle,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 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.