Industrial Forklift Operator

Industrial Forklift Operator Job Description The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating various types of heavy-duty equipment for processing bulk materials, such as soil and mulch. This role involves working under close supervision with detailed instructions and short-term assignments. Responsibilities Operate equipment such as forklifts, front-end loaders, and grinders to process or move raw materials to designated areas. Maintain and repair equipment as necessary, perform daily safety and maintenance checks, and conduct basic preventative maintenance on assigned equipment. Operate equipment in accordance with company procedures, starting engines and using controls to maneuver machines. Learn and adhere to safety regulations, operating equipment safely and efficiently while avoiding potential hazards. Drive and maneuver equipment with blades in busy areas for processing or removal of soil and mulch materials, keeping work areas neat and clean. Maintain proper paperwork and meet production quotas and inventory records, assisting in physical inventories and cycle counting. Perform other duties as assigned by site management. Essential Skills Experience with forklift and heavy equipment operating. Strong skills in material handling and general labor work. Reliability and a strong work attitude. Adherence to safety standards and regulations. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in warehousing and industrial forklift operation is beneficial. Ability to work in varying weather conditions. Capability to work a 10-hour day if needed, with an aim to keep it at 8 hours daily. Why Work Here? We offer a dynamic work environment where safety, reliability, and team collaboration are highly valued. Join us for a role that provides opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth in a supportive setting. Work Environment Work takes place in an open-air concrete yard, requiring the ability to work in various weather conditions, including hot, cold, rainy, windy, and dusty environments. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, from 6 or 7 AM to 3 to 5:30 PM, with a 45-minute lunch (15 minutes paid). Safety gear such as steel-toed boots, hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, long pants, and recommended long shirts are necessary to ensure safety and comfort. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashland, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Ashland,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 2026. About Aerotek 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. 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.