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Straddle Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate ... straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

What You'll Do Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate ... straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Job Title Forklift Operator Primary Responsibility: Under general supervision, the Forklift ... straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage ... straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage ... straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Straddle Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$21

$36

How much do straddle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for straddle operator in Chicago, IL is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do straddle operators make?

Straddle operators typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require safety certifications and operate heavy machinery in industrial or construction settings.

What is a straddle operator?

A straddle operator is a worker who operates a straddle carrier, a large piece of equipment used to lift and move shipping containers in ports and freight yards. The role requires knowledge of machinery, safety protocols, and often involves working in outdoor, high-volume environments. Certification and training are typically necessary for safe operation.

What are popular job titles related to Straddle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Straddle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Straddle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Straddle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Straddle Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,991 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Forklift Operator

Crest Hill, IL

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Americold Logistics rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What You'll Do

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.

Essential Functions

  • Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout facility.
  • Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management.
  • In compliance with OSHA standards, operate equipment (sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners) in a manner that promotes safety.
  • Must be able to meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
  • Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes and may be required to perform other duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed.

What Experience and Education You Need

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
  • Three (3) months of related work experience preferred.

What Could Set You Apart

  • An ability to work independently.
  • Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or to attend meetings as assigned, and the ability to adhere to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time.
  • Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements

  • Able to work in spaces with 55 inches (1.4 meters) of headroom.
  • Able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) to minus 45 (-45) degrees Fahrenheit (-43 degrees Celsius), as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
  • Able to climb ladders or step ladders.
  • Able to tolerate heights up to 30 ft. (9 meters) and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
  • Able to wear personal protective equipment required for working at heights and in cold temperatures.
  • Able to stand and/or walk continuously or frequently over an 8-10-12 hour shift. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Able to frequently step up/on or step down/off to mount and dismount material handling equipment.
  • Able to perform fine articulation movements with fingers/hands and/or feet to operate equipment.
  • Depending on specific role, must be able to lift boxes of varying weights up 80 lbs. (36 kg) and carry product a distance of up to 6 ft. (2 meters) without mechanical assistance.
  • Able to meet specific vision abilities required by this job, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Able to hear and speak in order to comprehend, respond to, and provide instructions and safety warnings, as well as able to read and understand packaging, shipping documents, and safety guidelines.

The Company's good-faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $22.00 hourly. Rate may vary based on work location.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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