Forklift Operator (1st Shift)

CJ Logistics HR Team•Elwood, 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. The role includes loading, unloading, picking, put-away, replenishing, and consolidating products, as well as preparing shipments and supporting inventory counts while meeting CJ Logistics America’s safety and quality standards. This is an on-site warehouse and distribution center position. The listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. The position pays $20.28 per hour, with no shift differential and no incentive eligibility. The work environment may involve varying temperatures, including refrigerated or non-climate-controlled areas; loud machinery and vehicle noise; dust, odors, and airborne particles; concrete flooring; moving mechanical equipment; and frequent warehouse traffic. Employees are required to wear PPE, including steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests. The role requires frequent standing or walking, climbing, reaching, handling objects, and operating equipment, as well as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting heavier items with or without assistance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, 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 forklifts and electric pallet jacks.
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 meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing or walking for extended periods, climbing, reaching, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a high-volume, fast-paced warehouse or logistics environment.
Prior experience operating 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 operating equipment such as electric pallet jacks as needed.
Replenish inventory in appropriate storage bays and maintain accurate product placement.
Palletize, wrap, and stage products for shipment according to shipping requirements.
Assist with physical inventories and cycle counts as directed.
Visually inspect products and outbound shipments to ensure accuracy and prevent damage.
Audit outbound loads, resolve labeling discrepancies, and address shortages.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following company policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE protocols.
Participate in required safety and compliance training, including forklift and hazardous material handling training.
Coordinate with warehouse associates, leads, and supervisors to achieve 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.