Forklift Operator And Material Handler

Job Title: Forklift Operator and Material Handler

Job Description

This role supports a fast-paced manufacturing operation by safely operating forklifts and material handling equipment, assisting machine operators, and ensuring production lines run smoothly. You will load raw materials, remove finished products, perform basic machine support and preventative maintenance, and help maintain high quality and safety standards across multiple production lines.

Responsibilities

• Assist machine operators in setting up and operating production equipment, including extruders, laminating machines, and other production lines.
• Monitor machines during operation to maintain consistent product quality and output, promptly addressing irregularities.
• Load raw materials onto production lines and remove finished products in a safe and efficient manner.
• Operate forklifts and clamp trucks to move materials and products throughout the facility, following all safety guidelines.
• Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on machinery to minimize downtime and support reliable operation.
• Inspect products for defects, verify quality against standards, and report any issues or nonconformities to supervisors.
• Maintain accurate production and material handling records, including counts, labels, and documentation in line with company procedures.
• Follow all safety protocols, housekeeping standards, and operating procedures while working around machines and material handling equipment.
• Support general production tasks such as assembly, packing, picking, and packaging as needed to meet production goals.
• Use basic hand tools and mechanical aptitude to support machine adjustments and minor troubleshooting under guidance.
• Work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly with machine operators, supervisors, and other production staff.
• Participate in cross-training on multiple machines and production lines, including potential work on press and slitter machines.
• Help ensure that products and services consistently meet or exceed customer expectations through attention to detail and quality-focused work.

Essential Skills

• Previous industrial or manufacturing experience, including experience as a machine operator assistant or helper.
• Knowledge of basic machinery functions and willingness to work directly with production equipment.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate forklifts and clamp trucks; training will be provided as needed.
• Basic computer skills for recording production information and following digital work instructions.
• Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and verifying production quantities.
• Proficiency in communicating in English, both verbal and written, to follow instructions and document work accurately.
• Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds and perform physically active work throughout the shift.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate with machine operators and production staff.
• Demonstrated history of learning and applying new information, technology, and equipment quickly.
• Comfort working in an industrial production environment with machinery, noise, and varying temperatures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with machine operating, including extruder operation, laminating machines, or similar production equipment.
• Exposure to press and slitter machines or willingness to train on these machines.
• Experience in general labor, general production, assembly, packing, picking, and packaging roles.
• Familiarity with using hand tools and performing basic mechanical tasks.
• Experience using RF scanners for tracking materials or finished goods.
• Experience in preventative maintenance tasks on machines is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and quality when inspecting products and recording production data.
• High level of reliability and commitment to safety, productivity, and quality standards.

Why Work Here?

You will join a long-established organization with a decades-long presence in North America, where employees build lasting careers, support their families, and contribute to their local communities. The company fosters a strong, people-focused culture with high employee engagement and a commitment to sustainable initiatives. You can expect a stable work environment, opportunities to learn multiple machines and skills, and the chance to grow in a setting that values hard work, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This position is based in an industrial manufacturing facility focused on machine and forklift operations. The environment is hot and can be loud, especially near rewind and production machines, and you will work around multiple running lines. Team members are cross-trained on various machines, including extruders, laminating equipment, and potentially press and slitter machines, providing variety in daily tasks. Work is performed on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts, with many 3rd shift roles operating 12-hour schedules. Common shift times include 2nd shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 3rd shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., with 3rd shift typically running Sunday through Thursday. The role involves frequent standing, walking, lifting, and operating material handling equipment while following all safety and protective equipment requirements appropriate for a busy production floor.

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

The pay range for this position is $16.00 - $20.00/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 Ashland,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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.