Forklift Operator Loading Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Job Description

This role focuses on safely and efficiently handling large metal piping products in a high-volume warehouse environment. The forklift operator works primarily on the loading dock, using sit-down, battery-powered forklifts and RF scanners to pull orders, prepare shipments, and support daily warehouse operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down, battery-powered forklifts to load and unload trucks safely and efficiently.
• Work primarily on the loading dock handling large metal piping pieces for industrial applications.
• Pull orders accurately using an RF scanner and prepare large piping products for shipment.
• Lift and move materials weighing 50 pounds or more and palletize products as they arrive at the loading dock.
• Shrink wrap materials securely onto pallets and assist with moving pallets into trucks.
• Restock the warehouse by manually pulling parts and placing them in designated storage locations.
• Prepare and process 20–35 UPS and FedEx orders per day, including packaging and labeling.
• Assist walk-in customers picking up parts by locating, pulling, and staging their orders.
• Perform shipping and receiving tasks, including loading, unloading, and verifying incoming and outgoing shipments.
• Use pallet jacks and other material handling equipment to move products throughout the warehouse.
• Perform inventory control activities such as inventory counts and cycle counts to maintain accurate stock levels.
• Conduct wrapping, scanning, and order selection tasks to support production-focused operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including regular cleaning duties throughout the warehouse.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while operating forklifts and handling heavy materials.
• Support overall production goals by working efficiently, staying organized, and maintaining a strong work pace.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3+ years of experience operating sit-down forklifts in a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience loading trucks via forklift and performing material handling duties.
• Proven experience in a warehouse environment where production and efficiency are key priorities.
• Demonstrated experience with order pulling, order selection, and preparing shipments.
• Ability to lift and move 50+ pounds regularly and handle products that may weigh several hundred pounds with equipment.
• Experience using RF scanners or handheld scan guns for picking, inventory, and shipping tasks.
• Hands-on experience with shipping and receiving, packaging, and palletizing materials.
• Proficiency in using pallet jacks and other basic material handling equipment.
• Experience with inventory control, including inventory counts and cycle counts.
• Ability to prepare orders accurately and meet daily shipping targets.
• Ability to pack, strap, and shrink wrap pallets securely for shipment.
• Strong focus on maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
• Reliable work ethic with great attitude and the ability to work in a production-focused setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in material handling, warehouse operations, or distribution centers.
• Experience working with metal piping or other heavy industrial products.
• Comfort assisting customers in person and providing basic customer service at the warehouse counter.
• Ability to adapt to new warehouse layouts, racking systems, and processes.
• Attention to detail when scanning, labeling, and preparing packages for UPS and FedEx.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple orders and tasks throughout the shift.
• Demonstrated ability to meet performance goals and maintain consistent productivity.
• Willingness to take ownership of housekeeping and cleanliness in a shared workspace.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a bright, modern facility equipped with new forklifts, new racking systems, and state-of-the-art lighting, providing a clean and efficient environment to do your best work. The site plays a key role in a larger network and is recognized as one of the most efficient and profitable locations, creating strong opportunities for growth and additional responsibilities. The team values high performers, long-term stability, and a culture where employees can build tenure and pride in their workplace. As the operation continues to grow, you will have the chance to develop your skills, expand your experience, and contribute directly to the success of a flagship location.

Work Environment

The role is based in a warehouse environment that is bright, well-lit, and spacious with new racking systems and modern equipment. The facility does not have air conditioning, but large fans help improve airflow and comfort. The warehouse handles all-metal piping pieces, ranging from smaller components to large items that occupy full pallets and weigh several hundred pounds. Approximately 14 employees currently work in the facility, creating a close-knit team atmosphere. The site uses sit-down, battery-powered forklifts, RF scanners, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment as part of daily operations. Both day and second shifts are available, typically running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for day shift and 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. for second shift. Employees are expected to maintain a clean, orderly workspace and follow safety procedures appropriate for an industrial warehouse setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

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.

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 meet 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 in solving 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.