Forklift Operator And Material Handler

Aerotek · United States

Forklift Operator And Material HandlerThis role combines sit-down forklift operation with hands-on material handling in a clean, well-lit vacuum carburizing and hardening facility. You will load and unload trucks and trailers, move parts and products throughout the facility, and support general labor tasks while working with a small, collaborative team. The position offers significant independence, ownership of your work, and opportunities for growth within a specialized manufacturing environment.ResponsibilitiesOperate a sit-down forklift safely and efficiently for approximately 20% of the workday.Load and unload trucks and trailers on the dock with parts and products, ensuring accuracy and care in handling.Perform general labor and material handling tasks throughout the facility when not operating the forklift.Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds as part of daily operations.Handle and unload parts related to government contracts, including items such as handguns, barrels, and other components, following all safety and handling procedures.Transport materials between vacuum equipment, quenching chambers, and tempering furnaces as needed to support production.Maintain a clean and organized work area to support the facility’s high standards of cleanliness and safety.Work independently for the majority of the day while communicating effectively with the small team and ownership when needed.Follow all workplace safety guidelines and operational procedures in a warm environment with active furnaces.Essential Skills12 years of sit-down forklift experience in a production, warehouse, or industrial environment.Proven ability to safely operate a sit-down forklift for loading and unloading trucks and trailers.Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.Experience with material handling and general labor tasks in a manufacturing or industrial setting.Comfort working in a warm environment due to furnaces operating inside the facility.Ability to work independently for most of the day while staying productive and focused.Attention to detail when handling parts and products, including items for government contracts.Reliable work habits, including punctuality and consistent performance on a first-shift schedule.Additional Skills & QualificationsPrevious experience loading and unloading parts and products from trucks and trailers.Experience in handling metal components, firearms parts, or similar precision items.Familiarity with vacuum carburizing, heat treating, or related industrial processes is a plus.Comfort working in a small-team environment where each person has visible impact and ownership.Willingness to perform a mix of forklift operation and off-lift tasks throughout the day.Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and facility leadership as needed.Why Work Here?You join a small, close-knit team where you are recognized as an individual, not a number, and enjoy a culture built on respect, independence, and growth. The role offers rare weekend work, promoting work-life balance, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with matching, paid time off and vacation, and clear opportunities to grow within a specialized, high-tech industrial environment.Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a newer, Nadcap-accredited vacuum carburizing and hardening facility located near Interstate 80 in the Eastern Iowa Industrial Park. The building houses multi-chamber vacuum equipment, oil and gas quenching chambers, and both traditional and vacuum tempering furnaces, creating a very warm environment inside due to active furnaces. The facility is clean, well-lit, and designed for efficient material flow. You work on a first-shift schedule, spend about 20% of your time on a sit-down forklift, and the rest performing material handling and general labor tasks. The team is small, with ownership present in the building, and you will be on your own for the majority of the day, enjoying a high degree of independence while working in standard industrial attire appropriate for a warm, manufacturing setting.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Davenport, IA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Davenport, IA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.