Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator and Material Handler

Job Description

This role supports high-volume manufacturing by operating forklifts and material handling equipment, assisting machine operators, and working directly on production lines. You will help set up and run machinery such as extruders and laminating equipment, monitor production quality, and perform basic maintenance while following strict safety and documentation standards in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist machine operators in setting up and operating production equipment, including extruder and laminating machines.
• Monitor machines during operation to ensure consistent quality, output, and adherence to production standards.
• Load raw materials onto production lines and remove finished products in a safe and efficient manner.
• Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move materials and finished goods throughout the facility, once trained and certified.
• Inspect products for defects, identify nonconformities, and promptly report issues to supervisors.
• Perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance on machines to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Work on laminating machines and support operations on press and slitter machines as needed.
• Ensure that products and services meet or exceed customer expectations through careful handling and quality-focused work.
• Maintain accurate production records, including counts, run times, and any issues encountered during shifts.
• Follow all safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and company policies while operating machinery and material handling equipment.
• Support general production tasks such as assembly, packaging, packing, picking, and use of hand tools.
• Use basic computer systems and RF scanners to track inventory, materials, and production data.
• Collaborate with team members across multiple lines and departments, assisting where needed to meet production goals.
• Participate in cross-training on multiple machines and lines to provide flexible support across operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to promote safety, efficiency, and product quality.

Essential Skills

• Previous industrial or manufacturing experience sufficient to work as an assistant or helper in a production environment.
• Hands-on experience with machine operating or strong aptitude to learn machine operation in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of basic machinery functions and mechanical processes.
• Ability to safely operate or learn to operate forklifts and clamp trucks; training will be provided.
• Basic computer skills to enter and retrieve production and inventory data.
• Basic math skills to perform counts, measurements, and simple calculations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to follow instructions and document work.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and support coworkers on multiple production lines.
• Physical capability to lift approximately 50 pounds and perform repetitive tasks while standing for extended periods.
• Comfort working in an industrial setting with machine operating, general labor, general production, and packaging tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating extruder machines, laminating machines, press machines, or slitter machines.
• Familiarity with hand tools and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
• Experience using RF scanners for material and inventory tracking.
• Demonstrated history of quickly learning and applying new information, technology, and production processes.
• Strong attention to detail and quality when inspecting products and documenting results.
• Comfort working around loud, high-speed machinery and multiple production lines.
• Willingness to cross-train on different machines and shifts to support changing production needs.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a long-standing, stable presence in the region, where generations of employees have built careers, supported their families, and contributed to their communities. The culture emphasizes hard work, commitment, and strong employee engagement, with a focus on sustainable initiatives and continuous improvement. You will join a team-oriented environment that values reliability, learning, and growth, providing opportunities to develop new skills and expand your experience across multiple production lines.

Work Environment

This position is based in an industrial manufacturing facility focused on machine operating and forklift operations. The environment can be hot and loud, particularly around rewind and other high-speed production machines, and hearing protection and other safety gear may be required. You will work around multiple production lines and be cross-trained on various machines, including extruders, laminators, presses, and slitters. The role involves standing for long periods, lifting up to approximately 50 pounds, and performing repetitive tasks. Shifts include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift options, with 2nd shift typically running from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 3rd shift typically running from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., with many 3rd-shift roles operating on a Sunday through Thursday schedule and some positions working 12-hour shifts. The facility promotes safety, teamwork, and cross-training to ensure flexible and efficient operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Doswell, VA.

The pay range for this position is $16.00 - $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 Doswell,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.