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3Rd Shift Forklift Operator Jobs in Rochester, MN

Forklift Operator 1st shift

Plainview, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.66/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating a forklift for picking orders, moving product ... Fill out forklift checklist at the start of each shift. * Utilize SAP & RF scanning equipment daily ...

Forklift Operator 1st shift

Plainview, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.66/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating a forklift for picking orders, moving product ... Fill out forklift checklist at the start of each shift. * Utilize SAP & RF scanning equipment daily ...

US salary ranges USD $22.25 / Hourly (+$1.25 Shift Differential) US pay transparency The base salary range for this role will vary based on experience in job and industry, training and education ...

US salary ranges USD $22.25 / Hourly (+$1.25 Shift Differential) US pay transparency The base salary range for this role will vary based on experience in job and industry, training and education ...

Must be able to work shift rotations and do cleanup duties as assigned. This is an hourly union ... Maintain forklift as necessary. * Remove waste dumpsters, pallets, barrels, cardboard, etc from ...

Must be able to work shift rotations and do cleanup duties as assigned. This is an hourly union ... Maintain forklift as necessary. * Remove waste dumpsters, pallets, barrels, cardboard, etc from ...

Must be able to work shift rotations and do cleanup duties as assigned. This is an hourly union ... Maintain forklift as necessary. * Remove waste dumpsters, pallets, barrels, cardboard, etc from ...

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3Rd Shift Forklift Operator information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$11

$18

$22

How much do 3rd shift forklift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd shift forklift operator in Rochester, MN is $18.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3rd shift forklift operator?

3rd Shift Forklift Operators are warehouse or manufacturing workers who operate forklifts during the overnight or late-night shift, typically starting in the late evening and ending early in the morning. Their main responsibilities include moving, loading, and unloading materials or products, organizing inventory, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Working the 3rd shift often comes with shift differentials and requires adaptability to nighttime hours, attention to safety, and the ability to operate heavy machinery efficiently. These roles are essential in industries that operate around the clock, such as logistics, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants.

What are some challenges unique to working as a 3rd shift forklift operator, and how can I prepare for them?

Working as a 3rd Shift Forklift Operator often means operating during overnight hours, which can affect your sleep schedule and energy levels. You may also experience a quieter work environment with fewer staff on site, making self-motivation and strong communication skills especially important. Preparing for this role involves maintaining a consistent sleep routine, being vigilant about safety in lower-light conditions, and staying alert to ensure productivity and accident prevention. Building good relationships with your team and supervisors can help you feel supported during less traditional hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd shift forklift operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Shift Forklift Operator, you need a valid forklift certification, experience in warehouse operations, and a strong understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanners, and various types of forklifts is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work independently during overnight hours are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure efficient, accurate, and safe movement of goods during less supervised shifts, maintaining productivity and safety standards.

What is the difference between 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator vs Material Handler?

Aspect3Rd Shift Forklift OperatorMaterial Handler
CertificationsForklift certification requiredUsually no certification needed, but may require forklift or safety training
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, manufacturing, distribution centers working overnightWarehouse, shipping, receiving areas, often with manual handling tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating forklifts to move pallets and materialsPicking, packing, loading, and organizing inventory

The main difference is that 3Rd Shift Forklift Operators focus on operating forklifts during overnight shifts, while Material Handlers perform manual and logistical tasks. Both roles are essential in warehouse operations, but the forklift operator role emphasizes equipment operation and safety certifications, whereas material handlers focus on inventory management and manual labor.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forklift Operator jobs in Rochester, MN?

The most popular types of Forklift Operator jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What are popular job titles related to 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator jobs in Rochester, MN?

For 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 3Rd Shift Forklift Operator job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,709 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Forklift Operator 1st shift

Lakeside Foods, Inc.

Plainview, MN • On-site

$16.50 - $21.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate a forklift to pick orders, move product, load and unload trucks, and complete shipping and receiving paperwork.

  • Maintain safe and efficient operation of the forklift to prevent damage and unnecessary wear, and perform safety checks such as forklift checklist.

  • Utilize SAP and RF scanning equipment to locate inventory, create storage labels, and ensure accurate inventory management and documentation.


Lakeside Foods rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

255th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people's lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together - valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there's a seat at the table for you.
The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating a forklift for picking orders, moving product, loading and
unloading trucks and completing shipping and receiving paperwork. The operator is accountable for the safe
and efficient operation of the forklift to avoid damage to other trucks, personnel, equipment, product and
eliminate unnecessary wear and tear to the forklift.
Pay Range: $16.50 - $21.66
What You'll Get:
  • Competitive wages based on experience and Mechanical placement test
  • Stable work environment with a growing company
  • Schedules to maintain work/life balance
  • Excellent market-leading medical insurance, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid vacation and personal time after 30 days of employment
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Prescription safety glasses & safety shoe reimbursement
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Paid onsite training
  • Broken tool replacement program

What You'll Do:
  • Will work in one or more areas: feeding, take-away, shipping and/or receiving.
  • Keep lines fed by locating and delivering stock to appropriate machines safely and on time, maintaining
  • inventory, staging product, and completing the necessary paperwork.
  • Create location storage stickers, move finished goods to appropriate location for storage, and bring labels to
  • lines.
  • Unload and inspect inbound inventory & materials, receive product into SAP, use SAP to determine
  • appropriate location for storage.
  • Accurately select, prepare, and load product for outbound shipment per customer specifications,
  • create/complete the necessary paperwork. Checks materials against vendor invoices, bill of lading, customer
  • orders and similar papers.
  • Fill out forklift checklist at the start of each shift.
  • Utilize SAP & RF scanning equipment daily to locate inventory, create location stickers, maintain accurate
  • inventory and complete shipping & receiving paperwork.
  • Perform cycle counts when needed.
  • Able to take initiative to avoid production or shipping delays.
  • Must be qualified and licensed to properly operate a forklift, hoist, motorized conveyor and other material
  • handling equipment in a safe manner.
  • Must be knowledgeable of mechanical aspects of lift truck to be able to detect mechanical problems and
  • recommend inspection and or repairs.
  • Must be familiar with Distribution Center Operations and layout to be able to place pallets for proper loading
  • and labeling.
  • Maintain neat, orderly, and safe stacks of stock in designated storage areas.
  • Complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Works independently under the general supervision of warehouse manager(s).
  • May assist in training new employees

What You'll Bring:
  • High school diploma or GED, preferred
  • Forklift experience (1-3yr), preferred
  • Must become Lakeside forklift certified
  • Basic computer skills required
  • Must have attention to detail, excellent customer service skills and basic math skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Required to maintain a safe driving record and a current forklift certification.
  • Positive attitude
  • Strong work ethic
  • Safety mindset

Where You'll Work:
WELCOME TO PLAINVIEW
Located 30 miles from Rochester, 35 miles from Winona and 33 miles from Red Wing, Plainview residents have the best of both worlds-"big city" jobs, amenities in nearby cities... and the comfort and security of "small town living". If you love the outdoors, you'll love Plainview! Area attractions include Lark Toys in Kellogg, The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Carley State Park and Whitewater State Park, the Weaver Dunes and numerous DNR areas in the Whitewater, Zumbro and Mississippi River Valleys. Most are within fifteen minutes to a half-hour from Plainview and offer year-round activities and interpretive centers
Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

What Lakeside Foods employees say

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