Forklift Operator @ Aerotek

Job Title: Forklift OperatorJob DescriptionThe Forklift Operator plays a key role in a busy pre-fabrication shop, handling project-specific materials such as ductwork, sheet metal, and HVAC supplies. In this position, you operate a sit-down forklift to safely offload incoming shipments, stage and stock materials in racking systems, and load finished products onto trucks and trailers for delivery to field crews. You help ensure that materials are accurately organized by project and that the production floor receives the correct supplies to keep work flowing smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently to handle a variety of materials, including ducts, sheet metal, and HVAC supplies.
• Load and offload trucks and trailers with incoming materials and outgoing finished products.
• Read and interpret bills of lading (BOLs) and other shipping documents to verify shipments.
• Conduct inventory checks to confirm quantities, identify discrepancies, and maintain accurate stock levels.
• Perform shipping and receiving activities, including verifying deliveries and preparing outbound shipments.
• Manage inventory control by organizing, stocking, and rotating materials within racking systems by project.
• Handle materials throughout the pre-fab shop, ensuring proper placement and accessibility for production and field crews.
• Wrap and unwrap pallets to prepare materials for storage or transport.
• Provide the production floor with the correct supplies and finished products as needed to support fabrication activities.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds as part of daily operations.
• Perform data entry tasks, including updating inventory records and shipment details, using Excel and related tools.
• Use RF scanners to pick orders and track materials accurately within warehouse or WMS systems.
• Support cycle counting activities to maintain accurate inventory records and identify variances.
• Follow established safety procedures and shop protocols to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience operating a sit-down forklift in a warehouse, fabrication, or similar environment.
• Proficiency in loading and offloading trucks and trailers with a sit-down forklift.
• Hands-on experience with shipping and receiving processes, including verifying deliveries and preparing outbound shipments.
• Ability to read and work with bills of lading (BOLs) and other shipping documentation.
• Experience with inventory tasks, including inventory checks and basic inventory control.
• Comfort with material handling tasks, including wrapping and unwrapping pallets and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Basic data entry skills, including entering and updating information in Excel.
• Experience using RF scanners to pick orders and track materials.
• Ability to follow instructions, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently in a fast-paced shop environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling materials and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Manufacturing experience, ideally in metal fabrication shops, is preferred but not required.
• Experience with cycle counting to support ongoing inventory accuracy is a plus.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) is beneficial.
• Understanding of basic warehouse, shipping, and inventory procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with production and field teams to meet project timelines.
• Reliable work habits and willingness to adapt to changing project needs.

Why Work Here? This opportunity offers a clear path from contract to hire, providing long-term stability for motivated individuals. You benefit from very consistent hours on a MondayFriday schedule, supporting a predictable work-life balance. Upon conversion to a permanent role, you gain access to company benefits, adding financial security and support for your well-being. You join a team-oriented environment where your contribution to accurate material handling and smooth operations is valued and recognized.

Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a pre-fabrication shop for a mechanical and electrical contractor, working primarily indoors in a non-climate-controlled environment. You spend most of your time in and around racking systems, loading docks, and the fabrication floor, operating sit-down forklifts and using RF scanners and computers for data entry and inventory tasks. The schedule is Monday through Friday, typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with potential shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing consistent daytime hours. The environment is active and production-focused, requiring appropriate work attire suitable for a fabrication and warehouse setting.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Henrico, VA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Henrico,VA.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.