Industrial Forklift Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Industrial Forklift Operator

📍 Location: Richmond, VA

Join a dynamic steel fabrication team where your skills in heavy equipment operation make a real impact. We’re looking for experienced sit-down forklift operators (30,000 lb capacity) and overhead crane operators to handle large steel components—beams, columns, and more—in an outdoor industrial setting. If you thrive in hands-on environments and enjoy working with raw materials, this is the role for you.

• Safely operate large-capacity forklifts and overhead cranes to unload trucks and transport steel materials.
• Work primarily outdoors, handling heavy steel components in a material yard.
• Accurately read bills of lading (BOL) and follow instructions for product pulling.
• Cross-train across departments and adapt to various tasks as needed.
• Maintain precision and care in all tasks, including reading tape measures and handling materials.

• 1–2 years of experience operating forklifts in a heavy industrial setting.
• Experience with crane operation is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to operate 30k lb forklifts .
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions .
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

• Ability to read blueprints and manage inventory.
• Familiarity with construction sites and material handling processes.

We’re more than just a fabrication facility—we’re a place to grow your career. Start in material handling and advance into machine operations, including saws, shears, brake presses, and even welding. We invest in cross-training and skill development to help you build a long-term future.

• Loud, heavy industrial setting with a strong safety culture.
• PPE required: steel toe boots and safety glasses .
• Shifts available:
  • 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • 2nd Shift: 3:30 PM – 2:00 AM
• Mandatory overtime (minimum 50 hours/week) and one Saturday/month .

If you're a reliable operator with a passion for industrial work and a desire to grow, we want to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your career!

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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 Richmond,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2025.

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.

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.

Company Description

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.