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Job Title: Industrial Forklift Operator

Job Description

Candidates will be operating a heavy industrial forklift to transport steel beams, pipes, plates, etc., in an indoor/outdoor steel distribution and manufacturing facility. After initial training, candidates will quickly transition to operating the heavy industrial forklift. They will spend most of their time learning the placement of materials and operating the forklift early on. This role involves physical work and walking, as candidates will need to locate materials, assist crane operators, and travel between steel yards.

Responsibilities

• Operate a heavy industrial forklift to transport steel materials.

• Assist crane operators and locate materials in the facility and steel yards.

• Perform physical tasks, including climbing onto flatbed trailers and walking significant distances.

• Load flatbed trailers and railcars, including rigging and receiving inventory.

• Move materials using overhead cranes and document outgoing loads.

• Adhere to all safety rules and maintain visibility to other associates.

• Learn and retain information based on the color-coded inventory system.

Essential Skills

• 2-3 years of experience operating a heavy industrial forklift (15,000-20,000 lbs).

• Experience in construction or heavy industry.

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and perform physical tasks such as reaching, stooping, and squatting.

• Proficiency in equipment operation and safety protocols.

• Strong memory and ability to recognize and memorize color-coded inventory systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with warehouse inventory, banding, loading, and material handling.

• Skills in operating cranes, bobcats, and industrial machinery.

• Experience in shipping and receiving, including filling out shipping reports and bills of lading.

Why Work Here?

Employees receive competitive pay with opportunities for raises based on experience and performance. The company offers a shares program with quarterly payouts, providing an additional financial incentive. Most associates achieve a higher base rate within the first 6 months to 1 year. The company values hard work and provides a robust support system for career growth.

Work Environment

The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings, as steel is stored in the building and in two separate yards onsite. The facility can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Candidates must be comfortable wearing safety gear, such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, and safety vests, in a construction-like setting. Training will take place on the day shift for a few days up to a month before moving to the assigned shift.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Petersburg, Virginia.

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.