Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role operates sit-down and stand-up forklifts in a refrigerated food production facility to keep production lines supplied with raw materials, stage finished goods in the freezer, and load and unload trailers. The forklift operator uses an RF scan gun to accurately track and document all material movements and supports efficient, safe, and timely production and shipping activities.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts safely and efficiently throughout the facility.
• Supply production lines with raw materials in a timely manner to support continuous operations.
• Stage finished products in the freezer, ensuring correct placement and organization.
• Load and unload trailers with finished goods and materials according to shipping and receiving requirements.
• Use an RF scan gun to document and track the movement of all materials and finished products.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food production safety standards while handling materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with facility guidelines.
• Handle materials and product loads of up to 40 lbs consistently as part of daily tasks.
• Work overtime as needed, including occasional Saturdays, to support production demands.
• Communicate effectively with production, warehouse, and logistics team members to coordinate material flow.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience operating sit-down forklifts.
• At least 2 years of experience operating stand-up forklifts.
• At least 2 years of experience using an RF scan gun for inventory or material tracking.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 lbs consistently throughout the shift.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a refrigerated food production environment.
• Strong attention to detail when staging, loading, and documenting materials.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a food production or GMP-regulated environment is beneficial.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-volume production setting.
• Ability to work extended hours, including overtime and occasional Saturdays.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with production and warehouse teams.

Why Work Here?

Team members in this role join a union environment that offers structured progression, benefits, and predictable annual increases. After 60 days of employment, employees become part of the union and gain access to benefits. At 6 months of service, employees are eligible to move to an Operator 2 level with a pay increase, and at 1 year, they can progress to a Level 3 with an additional increase. All employees receive a 2.5% annual pay increase every January 1st, providing clear, consistent growth over time. This structure supports long-term stability, career progression, and a transparent compensation framework. Pay starting at $19/hr.

Work Environment

This position is based in a GMP food production environment at the East Facility on second shift, working Monday through Friday from 3:45 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., with occasional Saturdays as needed. Employees typically work 50 or more hours per week, and any hours worked over 8 in a single shift are paid as overtime. The production floor is fully refrigerated, with temperatures maintained between 30 and 40 degrees, and involves working around meat processing operations similar to sausage patty production. Team members wear an overcoat, gloves, hardhat, ear plugs, safety glasses, and knee-high non-slip rubber boots to meet safety and GMP requirements. The role is physically active, involves regular forklift operation and material handling, and requires comfort working in a cold, fast-paced industrial setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pleasant Prairie, WI.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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 Pleasant Prairie,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 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.