Forklift Operator

1st & 2nd Shift Forklift Operator in Nashville

Job Description

This role is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an electric sit-down forklift in a high-volume manufacturing and warehouse environment. You will spend the majority of your shift on the forklift handling materials, loading and unloading trucks, and supporting shipping, receiving, and inventory activities in a food manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate an electric sit-down forklift for approximately 85%–95% of each shift to move materials, pallets, and packaged products throughout the warehouse and manufacturing areas.
• Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently, ensuring products are handled with care and positioned correctly in the trailer and on the dock.
• Use RF scanners to scan pallets and packages, accurately record movements, and support real-time inventory tracking.
• Handle materials in accordance with established procedures, including picking, staging, and storing products in designated locations.
• Work within a warehouse racking system that uses sliding track racks, ensuring proper placement and retrieval of materials from these specialized racks.
• Support shipping and receiving operations by verifying counts, organizing loads, and preparing materials for outbound and inbound shipments.
• Maintain accurate inventory by following scanning and documentation procedures and reporting discrepancies to appropriate personnel.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) at all times to protect product quality and food safety, including proper attire and hygiene standards.
• Inspect the forklift and related equipment before use, report any mechanical issues, and operate equipment in a safe manner in line with company and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist with general warehouse tasks when off the forklift, including organizing materials, keeping work areas clean, and supporting team members as needed.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures, including safe lifting techniques, traffic rules within the facility, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Work the assigned shift schedule, including most Saturdays and some Sundays, and stay after the shift as needed for 1–2 hours to meet operational demands.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience operating a sit-down forklift in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency operating electric sit-down forklifts for extended periods during a 10-hour shift.
• Experience with material handling, including loading, unloading, picking, and staging pallets and packages.
• Ability to use RF scanners to scan pallets and packages and support accurate inventory management.
• Working knowledge of inventory processes and basic shipping and receiving procedures.
• Ability to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a food manufacturing environment.
• Capability to work safely and efficiently around warehouse racking systems, including track racks with sliding tracks.
• Reliability to work 10-hour shifts Monday through Friday, with most Saturdays and some Sundays, and remain after the shift for 1–2 additional hours as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a food manufacturing or food warehousing environment.
• Familiarity with shipping and receiving documentation and processes.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment for extended periods.
• Ability to follow detailed safety and hygiene requirements, including restrictions on jewelry, fake nails, and loose clothing.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when scanning, counting, and handling inventory.
• Ability to work collaboratively with warehouse and production teams in a fast-paced setting.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a stable role in a well-established food manufacturing operation that produces high-quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise, and sauces. You will work in a consistent production environment where processes are clearly defined and safety and product quality are top priorities. The organization provides a comprehensive suite of benefits with strong health and wellness coverage designed to be affordable and supportive of your overall well-being.

Work Environment

The role is based in a food manufacturing and warehouse facility that operates in a non-climate-controlled environment. You will spend most of your time on an electric sit-down forklift, working around track rack systems and active shipping and receiving areas. The dress code follows strict GMP requirements, including wearing 6" steel toe boots, hair nets and beard nets as applicable, and avoiding jewelry, fake nails, and loose clothing. Shifts are 10 hours, with a 1st shift from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and a 2nd shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, both including most Saturdays and some Sundays, with an expectation to remain after the scheduled shift for an additional 1–2 hours as needed to support production and warehouse demands.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Nashville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 27, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.