Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Clerk / Inbound Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on safely and accurately handling inbound and outbound products in a large distribution warehouse using stand-up forklifts and electric pallet jacks. You will load and unload trucks, pick full pallets, and put product away while maintaining strict quality standards for FDA-regulated goods and following established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and electric pallet jacks to move, load, and unload pallets and product throughout the warehouse.
• Perform inbound and outbound activities, including loading and unloading trucks, staging product, and ensuring accurate placement in designated storage locations.
• Pick full pallets and dedicated cases with a high level of accuracy, using RF scanners and basic math skills to verify product, quantities, and locations.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to handle FDA-regulated products safely and correctly.
• Inspect products and pallets for damage, labeling errors, and other discrepancies, promptly identifying and correcting mistakes.
• Maintain a strong focus on quality over quantity, ensuring all work meets strict quality standards and documentation requirements.
• Use SAP or other inventory systems, when applicable, to assist with tracking, locating, and updating inventory records.
• Support shipping and receiving functions, including verifying counts, checking documentation, and assisting with accurate inventory control.
• Work as part of a warehouse team to meet operational goals while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area.
• Lift, move, and handle materials up to 50 lbs as needed to support daily warehouse operations.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating stand-up forklifts, including Crown stand-up and high-reach equipment.
• Hands-on experience with warehouse inbound and outbound operations, including loading and unloading trucks.
• Ability to operate electric pallet jacks (EPJ) and other powered industrial equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail, especially when working with FDA-regulated products where quality is more important than quantity.
• Ability to recognize and correct mistakes and ensure adherence to GMPs and SOPs.
• Good computer skills and proficiency using RF scanners for picking, receiving, and inventory tasks.
• Stable and consistent work history that demonstrates reliability and strong attendance.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks in a warehouse environment.
• Solid basic math skills for counting, verifying quantities, and checking inventory.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is a plus.
• Experience working with SAP or similar inventory management systems is a plus.
• Experience in shipping, receiving, and general warehouse operations is beneficial.
• Experience as a dedicated case picker is an advantage.
• Previous experience in a semi-climate-controlled or food-related distribution environment is helpful.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a newer, well-maintained facility that prioritizes safety and employee engagement. Once hired on, you can enjoy 12 paid holidays, your birthday off with pay, low-cost benefits, a 401(k) plan, and annual raises. The compensation structure includes clear level-based increases, with raises tied to performance and attendance during the contract-to-hire period. The company invests in recognition and community through employee events, parties, giveaways, and other engagement activities, creating a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, modern, 500,000 square foot distribution warehouse that serves as a hub for chocolate-related products such as roasted beans, chocolate liquor, powders, and cocoa butter. The facility is semi-climate controlled, with air conditioning in the summer and no heat in the winter to keep products below a required temperature. The building is newer, very safe, and houses a team of around 40 employees. You will work with stand-up and high-reach Crown forklifts, electric pallet jacks, RF scanners, and inventory systems. Multiple shift options are available, including day and night shifts such as 7:00 am–3:30 pm Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–7:15 pm or 7:00 pm–7:15 am on rotating three-day schedules with every other Wednesday, and 7:00 pm–3:30 am Sunday–Thursday. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork, with appropriate warehouse attire required for operating equipment and working around industrial processes.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethlehem, PA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Bethlehem,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 3, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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.