Forklift Operator (1st Shift)

CJ Logistics HR Team•Joliet, IL

41d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently operates forklifts, electric pallet jacks (EPJ), and other material handling equipment (MHE) to support accurate order fulfillment, inventory management, and daily warehouse operations. Duties include loading, unloading, picking, put-away, replenishment, product consolidation, inventory counts, and shipment preparation while following company safety and quality standards. The position works on-site in a warehouse and distribution center and requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Work hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least six months of related warehouse or distribution experience.
Basic math and reading skills.
Ability to operate material handling equipment, including a forklift and electric pallet jack.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Effective problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Ability to perform essential duties while adhering to safety and operational standards.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods, up to 10 hours depending on shift.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed.
Ability to frequently climb stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolds at various heights, including ground-level and racking zones.
Ability to reach overhead and below waist level with hands and arms.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier items with or without assistance.
Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to operate equipment, tools, or keyboards; frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, or control objects.
Ability to see clearly at close range and at a distance, with peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, alarms, and equipment signals in a noisy environment.
Ability to work in varying temperatures, loud noise, dust, odors, airborne particles, concrete-floor areas, and around moving mechanical equipment and warehouse traffic.
Ability to wear required PPE, including steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse or logistics environment.
Prior experience with multiple types of forklifts and material handling equipment.
Prior experience with warehouse management systems (WMS).
Familiarity with electronic record-keeping and label printing systems.
Experience collaborating with customer operations and inventory teams.

Responsibilities

Safely operate stand-up and/or sit-down forklifts to move, load, unload, pick, put away, and consolidate products.
Perform manual case picking and other material handling tasks, including use of an electric pallet jack or other MHE as needed.
Replenish inventory in appropriate storage bays and maintain accurate product placement.
Prepare products for shipment by palletizing, wrapping, and staging them according to shipping requirements.
Assist with physical inventories and cycle counts as directed.
Visually inspect products and outbound shipments for accuracy and to prevent damage.
Audit outbound loads, resolve labeling discrepancies, and address shortages.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE protocols.
Participate in required safety and compliance training, including forklift and hazardous material handling.
Coordinate with warehouse associates, leads, and supervisors to meet daily productivity and service targets.
Promptly communicate product defects, inventory issues, and operational concerns to management.
Contribute to teamwork and continuous improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required.