Forklift Operator (3rd shift)

CJ Logistics HR Team•Champaign, IL

32d•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, inventory management, and daily warehouse operations. The role involves loading, unloading, picking, putting away, and consolidating products while meeting CJ Logistics America’s safety and quality standards. The position is on-site in a warehouse and distribution center. The stated schedule is third shift, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.; schedules may vary and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. Compensation is $19.36 per hour, with a $0.75-per-hour shift differential; the position is incentive eligible. The work environment may include varying temperatures, loud noise, dust, odors, airborne particles, concrete floors, moving mechanical equipment, and frequent warehouse vehicle traffic. Required PPE includes steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests. The position requires standing or walking for extended periods, climbing, bending, reaching, handling equipment, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting with or without assistance. CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services and focuses on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities. The company serves regulated industries including food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive. CJ Logistics values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer.

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 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 role, including extended standing or walking, climbing, reaching, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds.
Ability to see clearly at close range and at a distance, including peripheral vision and depth perception, and to adjust focus.
Ability to hear and understand 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 as needed, including using equipment such as electric pallet jacks.
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 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.