Job Information
Aerotek Forklift Operator in Ruther Glen, Virginia
Job Title: Forklift Operator
Job Description
The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently moves raw materials, work-in-process items, and finished goods between manufacturing and warehouse locations to support continuous production. This role focuses on operating forklifts and other material handling equipment to supply fabrication and production areas, stage and store materials, and maintain accurate inventory flow. The position operates primarily in a fabrication environment and requires close coordination with manufacturing, planning, and warehouse teams to ensure materials are delivered to the right place at the right time.
Responsibilities
Operate forklifts and material handling equipment to transport materials between manufacturing and warehouse locations.
Supply fabrication and production areas with required materials to prevent downtime and maintain smooth production flow.
Remove finished or partially completed products from production areas and transfer them to designated warehouse or staging locations.
Accurately move, stage, and store materials according to production schedules, warehouse procedures, and inventory guidelines.
Verify materials, quantities, and storage locations using production documents, pick lists, or inventory systems.
Perform routine forklift inspections before use and promptly report any maintenance or safety issues.
Maintain clean, orderly, and well-organized work areas in warehouses and fabrication spaces.
Follow all safety procedures, OSHA requirements, and company policies while operating equipment and performing material handling tasks.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, production staff, and warehouse personnel to coordinate material movements and resolve issues.
Assist with inventory counts, cycle counts, and material audits to support accurate inventory control.
Pick, load, and stage materials and products for internal movement within the manufacturing process.
Move equipment and materials between multiple warehouses on the site as part of the manufacturing process.
Essential Skills
Proven warehouse experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
Ability to operate a forklift, hand truck, pallet jack, and other warehouse equipment.
Basic knowledge of warehouse data or inventory systems.
Strong material handling, picking, loading, and inventory control skills.
Ability to lift or move heavy products safely as part of daily work.
Effective communication skills to work closely with supervisors, production staff, and warehouse teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when staging, storing, and verifying materials.
Commitment to following safety procedures, OSHA requirements, and company policies.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Willingness to start in general warehouse duties before operating a forklift during initial employment period.
Ability to work effectively as a team player in a fast-paced fabrication and warehouse environment.
Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled facility while maintaining productivity and safety.
Interest in growing within a manufacturing and warehouse setting with opportunities to take on additional responsibilities over time.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ruther Glen, 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 Ruther Glen,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 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.