Warehouse Operations - Forklift Operator

CJ Logistics HR Team•Matteson, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently operates forklifts, electric pallet jacks (EPJs), and other material handling equipment to support accurate order fulfillment and inventory management in daily warehouse operations. The role includes loading, unloading, picking, replenishing, putting away, and consolidating products, as well as preparing shipments and maintaining inventory accuracy while meeting CJ Logistics America’s safety and quality standards. The position is performed on-site in a warehouse and distribution center. The stated schedule is first shift, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; hours may vary and can include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. The base hourly wage is $19.69. The work environment may include varying temperatures, including refrigerated or non-climate-controlled areas; loud machinery and vehicle noise; dust, odors, and airborne particles; concrete floors; moving mechanical equipment; and frequent warehouse traffic. Required PPE includes steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests. Physical demands include extended standing or walking, frequent climbing and reaching, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, and occasional heavier lifting with or without assistance. CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services and provides supply chain solutions for industries including food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive. The company emphasizes social responsibility, sustainability, employee wellbeing, diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity.

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 varying heights, including ground-level and racking zones.
Ability to reach overhead and below waist level.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier items with or without assistance.
Fine motor skills and manual dexterity to operate equipment, tools, or keyboards; frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, or control objects.
Visual 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 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.
Conduct manual case picking and other material handling tasks, including operation of equipment such as electric pallet jacks.
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 for accuracy and damage prevention.
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.