Forklift Operator (1st Shift)

CJ Logistics America; Romeoville (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision, life, and DIS

401(k) retirement savings

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Early access to earned wages

High-performance culture

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

CJ Logistics America is seeking a Forklift Operator to safely operate forklifts, EPJ, and other MHE to support daily warehouse operations. You will be responsible for loading, unloading, picking, and consolidating products while maintaining CJ Logistics America's safety and quality standards.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, at least six months of related warehouse experience, basic math/reading skills, and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent experience.
• Basic math and reading skills required.
• Ability to operate forklift and EPJ safely.
• Strong attention to detail in a fast-paced setting.
• Follow written and verbal instructions precisely.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate stand-up forklifts to move and consolidate products.
• Perform manual case picking and EPJ tasks as needed.
• Replenish inventory and prepare products for shipment.
• Assist with inventories and cycle counts.
• Maintain clean, safe work environment and adhere to safety policies.

Skills

Basic math

Reading skills

Forklift operation

EPJ operation

Attention to detail

multitasking

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Follow instructions

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

WMS

Label printing systems

Job description

Who We Are And Why We’re Hiring

CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services, connecting every corner of the world via air, sea and land. As a lead logistics partner (LLP), third-party logistics provider (3PL) and supply chain consultant, we help customers leverage supply chain management as a competitive advantage, reducing total system costs, transforming business processes, improving service and facilitating growth and change. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities, we prioritize the wellbeing of the end consumer, our customers and our employees. CJ Logistics is responsible for the North America region, specializing in solutions for regulated industries such as food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive.

Schedule:

(1st Shift - Monday to Friday from 6:30 am - 3:00 pm)

Compensation

Base Hourly Wage :$20.28 per hour

Incentive eligible: Yes

Position Overview

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of forklifts, electric pallet jacks (EPJ), and other material handling equipment (MHE) to ensure accurate order fulfillment and inventory management in support of daily warehouse operations. This role supports daily warehouse operations through loading, unloading, picking, and consolidation of products while upholding CJ Logistics America’s safety and quality standards.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations

• Safely operate stand-up forklifts to move, load, unload, pick, put away, and consolidate products.
• Conduct manual case picking and other material handling tasks as needed for order fulfillment. This may include utilizing other forms of MHE such as, but not limited to, an EPJ.
• Replenish inventory in appropriate storage bays and maintain accurate product placement.
• Prepare products for shipment, including palletizing, wrapping, and staging in accordance with shipping requirements.
• Assist with physical inventories and cycle counts as directed.

Quality & Compliance

• Perform visual inspections and quality checks on all products and outbound shipments to ensure accuracy and prevent damage.
• Conduct audits of outbound loads, resolving labeling discrepancies and addressing shortages.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, adhering to all company policies, OSHA safety requirements, and PPE protocols.
• Participate in required safety and compliance training, including forklift and hazardous material handling.

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with warehouse associates, leads, and supervisors to achieve daily productivity and service targets.
• Communicate product defects, inventory issues, or operational concerns promptly to management.
• Demonstrate positive teamwork and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent – or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least six (6) months of related warehouse or distribution experience.
• Basic math and reading skills.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment including, but not limited to a forklift and electric pallet jack.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform essential duties while adhering to safety and operational standards.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Perform other related job duties as assigned or required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse or logistics environments.
• Prior experience with multiple types of forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Prior experience with warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Familiarity with electronic record-keeping and label printing systems.
• Experience collaborating with customer operations and inventory teams.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and/or walk for extended periods (up to 10 hours, depending on shift)
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed
• Climb stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolds at various heights including ground-level and racking zones frequently
• Reach with hands and arms overhead and below waist level
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally lift heavier items with or without assistance
• Use fine motor skills/manual dexterity to operate equipment, tools, or keyboards
• Frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, or control objects
• See clearly at close range and at distance, with peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Hear and understand verbal instructions, alarms, and equipment signals in a noisy environment

Work Environment

• Varying temperatures, including but not limited to refrigerated or non-climate-controlled areas
• Loud noise levels, such as machinery, forklifts, and conveyor systems
• Dust, odors, and airborne particles
• Concrete flooring and moving mechanical equipment
• Frequent exposure to powered industrial vehicles and warehouse traffic

Location/Remote Eligibility

This role may be performed on-site only.

Schedule

Work hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Early access to earned wages
• High-performance culture with a continuous improvement mindset
• Opportunities for advancement!

CJ Logistics About Statement

At CJ Logistics, we value diversity, equity, and an inclusive workplace. If you think you might be a good fit for the role, but don't necessarily meet every single requirement on the job posting, we still encourage you to apply.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and

or/harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or related medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military statue, disability (physical or mental) medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

This job posting sets forth the essential job duties and responsibilities for the position. An employee assigned to this position must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. The Company will provide reasonable accommodation(s) to a disabled employee in accordance with, and as required by, applicable law.

This job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and other applicable federal, state, and local fair chance laws, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

CJ Logistics participates in the E-Verify program.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or support for work authorization.

CJ Logistics is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing equal access to applicants with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation or wish to request an alternative, non-automated evaluation process due to a disability, medical condition, or neurodivergence, please contact our Talent Acquisition Accommodations Team at [e-mail]. Requesting an accommodation or alternative review process will not negatively affect your candidacy.