Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role operates forklifts and supports warehouse and production activities in a fast-paced agricultural facility. You will safely move raw materials, seed products, and finished goods throughout the site, load and unload trucks, and assist with a variety of manual and machine operating tasks as needed. The position requires flexibility to work any day of the week, any time of day, for shifts up to 12 hours, and to contribute to a safe, efficient, and well-organized operation that helps farmers feed the world while protecting the planet.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts professionally and safely to push, pull, lift, stack, tier, and move products, equipment, and materials in the warehouse and production areas.
• Perform accident-free forklift operation and complete required forklift inspections accurately and on time.
• Systematically maintain and clean the forklift to ensure reliable and safe operation.
• Continuously track the location of goods during material handling using warehouse management systems (WMS), including accurate and timely data entry.
• Use PCs, scanners, tablets, or similar technology to track materials, document movements, and complete job tasks.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and storage areas with accuracy and care, ensuring products are handled and stacked properly.
• Support warehouse operations including inventory handling, counting, sorting, staging, and sample collection.
• Assist with production tasks such as packaging, palletizing, conditioning, and product movement as directed.
• Participate in seasonal activities including harvesting, drying, seed delivery, seed returns, and seed processing operations, ensuring proper loading and unloading of transport vehicles.
• Perform manual tasks at the direction of the warehouse supervisor or team lead, such as sampling, inventory counts, and general cleaning.
• Keep the warehouse and work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Follow all safety procedures, equipment inspection protocols, and proper material handling techniques.
• Initiate and follow emergency procedures when necessary to maintain a safe environment.
• Accurately count inventory when moving materials and verify quantities against documentation.
• Read and use scales correctly to weigh materials as required.
• Work independently or as part of a team to meet operational goals and deadlines.
• Communicate clearly with coworkers and supervisors to coordinate material movements and resolve issues.
• Operate forklifts safely in tighter, confined spaces while remaining alert and aware of surroundings.
• Comply with regulatory requirements related to equipment operation, material handling, and warehouse activities.
• Maintain enthusiasm, a positive attitude, honesty, and a willingness to treat all colleagues and partners with respect.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience operating a forklift in a warehouse environment is preferred.
• At least 1 year of warehouse experience is preferred.
• Experience operating a sit-down forklift in a fast-paced warehouse setting.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts to move raw materials, seed products, and finished goods throughout the facility.
• Ability to load and unload trucks, trailers, and storage areas accurately and carefully.
• Ability to count inventory accurately when moving and handling materials.
• Ability to read and interpret scales for weighing products and materials.
• Strong attention to safety and detail in all material handling and equipment operations.
• Ability to work in tighter, confined spaces with a forklift while remaining alert and aware.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining a high level of accuracy and detail orientation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use scanners, tablets, PCs, and warehouse management systems.
• Ability to adapt to seasonal workflows and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Comfort working in indoor and outdoor environments under varying conditions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation and ability to arrive at the work site as instructed.
• Willingness to work any day of the week, any time of day, for shifts up to 12 hours.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior forklift certification is preferred; certification may be required and can be obtained in the role.
• High school diploma or GED, or willingness to obtain one.
• Experience with inventory handling, material handling, loading, picking, shipping, and receiving in a warehouse environment.
• Comfort operating forklifts in a fast-paced warehouse environment with frequent material movements.
• Good communication and problem-solving abilities to address operational issues and improve workflows.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, enthusiasm, honesty, and respect for others in daily interactions.
• Willingness to learn and use company-specific systems and processes for warehouse and production operations.

Why Work Here?

You join a mission-driven agricultural organization that helps farmers feed the world while protecting the planet. The work environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and respect, giving you the opportunity to grow your skills with modern warehouse technology and equipment. You benefit from a fast-paced yet supportive culture where reliability, initiative, and continuous improvement are valued, and where seasonal variety in tasks keeps your work engaging and dynamic.

Work Environment

The role is based in a warehouse and production facility that supports agricultural seed products. You work in a fast-paced environment that includes both indoor and outdoor areas, with exposure to varying temperatures and conditions depending on the season and specific tasks such as harvesting, drying, and seed processing. The position requires flexibility to work any day of the week, at any time of day, for shifts up to 12 hours. You regularly operate sit-down forklifts in open and confined spaces, and use technology such as PCs, scanners, tablets, and warehouse management systems to track inventory and materials. The facility follows strict safety standards, including equipment inspections, emergency procedures, and proper material handling techniques, and maintains clean, organized warehouse and production areas to support efficient operations.

This is a Contract position based out of Durant, IA.

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

This is a fully onsite position in Durant,IA.

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

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.