Forklift Operator (Weekend Nights)

CJ Logistics HR Team•Matteson, IL

2d•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, replenishing, putting away, and consolidating products, as well as preparing shipments and conducting product and outbound-load checks. The employee is expected to uphold CJ Logistics America’s safety, quality, and operational standards, collaborate with warehouse colleagues, and communicate operational or inventory concerns to management. The schedule is Friday through Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Work hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. The position is performed on-site in a warehouse and distribution center, with exposure to varying temperatures, noise, dust, airborne particles, concrete flooring, mechanical equipment, and warehouse traffic. Required PPE includes steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests. The position requires frequent standing or walking for extended periods, climbing, reaching, handling objects, and operating equipment. Employees may need to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier items with or without assistance. CJ Logistics describes its workplace as diverse, equitable, and inclusive and provides reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.

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 climb stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolds at various heights, including ground-level and racking zones, frequently.
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 including close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, alarms, and equipment signals in a noisy environment.

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 using equipment such as an electric pallet jack.
Replenish inventory in appropriate storage bays and maintain accurate product placement.
Palletize, wrap, and stage products for shipment in accordance with shipping requirements.
Assist with physical inventories and cycle counts as directed.
Visually inspect products and outbound shipments to verify accuracy and 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.