Job Information
Aerotek Forklift Operator And Material Handler in Richmond, Virginia
Job Title: Forklift Operator and Material Handler
Job Description
This role supports a high-volume manufacturing environment by operating forklifts and material handling equipment, assisting with machine operation, and ensuring smooth production flow. You will load raw materials, remove finished products from production lines, perform basic machine maintenance, and help maintain a safe, clean, and efficient workspace. The position involves cross-training on multiple machines and working collaboratively with production teams to meet quality and output goals.
Responsibilities
Assist machine operators in setting up and operating production equipment, including extruders, laminating machines, and other production lines.
Monitor machines during operation to ensure consistent product quality and output, promptly addressing any irregularities.
Load raw materials onto production lines and remove finished products, using forklifts, clamp trucks, and other material handling equipment as needed.
Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on machinery to support reliable operation.
Inspect products for defects and report quality issues or equipment concerns to supervisors in a timely manner.
Maintain accurate production records and documentation while following all established safety protocols and procedures.
Support other general production tasks as needed, including assembly, packaging, packing, picking, and general labor duties.
Operate or assist with operating extruder, laminating, press, and slitter machines, as training and experience allow.
Use hand tools and basic mechanical skills to support machine setup, adjustments, and minor troubleshooting.
Ensure that the production of products and services meets or exceeds customer expectations for quality and timeliness.
Participate in cross-training on multiple production lines to provide flexible support across the facility.
Follow all workplace safety guidelines, including proper use of equipment, safe lifting techniques, and adherence to lockout/tagout and other safety procedures.
Essential Skills
Former industrial or manufacturing experience sufficient to work as an assistant or helper in a production environment.
Knowledge of basic machinery functions and how production equipment operates.
Basic computer skills for recording production data and following electronic work instructions.
Basic math skills to support measurements, counts, and production tracking.
Ability to operate or learn to operate forklifts and clamp trucks; training is provided.
Proficiency in communicating in English, both verbally and in writing, to follow instructions and document work.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with machine operators and other production staff.
Capability to lift approximately 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.
Experience with machine operating, assembly, general labor, or general production work.
Comfort using hand tools and applying basic mechanical aptitude in a production setting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working with extruder machines, laminating machines, press machines, or slitter machines.
Experience using RF scanners for tracking materials or finished goods.
Demonstrated history of learning and applying new information and technology in previous roles.
Familiarity with preventative maintenance practices on production machinery.
Ability to adapt to cross-training on multiple machines and production lines.
Strong attention to detail when inspecting products and documenting production activities.
Why Work Here?
You join a stable, long-established manufacturing organization with deep roots in its local communities and a strong record of employee loyalty. The company emphasizes sustainable initiatives, invests in big employee engagement efforts, and fosters a strong, supportive culture. You benefit from opportunities to cross-train on multiple machines, develop new skills, and grow within a collaborative production environment that values hard work, commitment, and continuous improvement.
Work Environment
The role is based in a busy manufacturing facility focused on machine operating and forklift or clamp truck operation. The environment can be hot and loud, especially near rewind and other production machines, and requires consistent use of hearing protection and other safety gear as provided. You will run and support multiple different production lines and receive cross-training on various machines, including extruders, laminators, presses, and slitters. Shifts include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift options, with most 3rd shift positions operating 12-hour shifts. Standard 2nd shift runs from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and 3rd shift typically runs from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., with many 3rd shift schedules operating Sunday through Thursday. The work is hands-on, physically active, and performed on the production floor around industrial equipment, with a focus on safety, reliability, and teamwork.
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 $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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.