Forklift Operator Stand Up (3rd Shift)

CJ Logistics HR Team•Elwood, IL

42d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forklift Operator safely and efficiently operates stand-up and/or sit-down forklifts, electric pallet jacks (EPJs), and other material handling equipment to support accurate order fulfillment, inventory management, and daily warehouse operations. The role includes moving, loading, unloading, picking, replenishing, and consolidating products, as well as preparing shipments and maintaining product accuracy. Employees are expected to uphold CJ Logistics America’s safety, quality, and operational standards while working collaboratively with warehouse associates, leads, and supervisors. This is an on-site warehouse and distribution center role. The scheduled shift is Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.; hours may vary and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs. Compensation is $20.28 per hour, plus a $0.75-per-hour shift differential. The role is not incentive eligible. The work environment may include refrigerated or non-climate-controlled areas, loud machinery and conveyor noise, dust, odors, airborne particles, concrete floors, moving equipment, and frequent warehouse vehicle traffic. Required PPE includes steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and a high-visibility vest. The position involves extended standing or walking, frequent reaching and handling, climbing, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting with or without assistance.

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; climb stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolds; and 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.
Manual dexterity and ability to use hands and fingers to operate equipment, tools, keyboards, and handle objects.
Vision sufficient for close and distance viewing, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
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 use of equipment such as an electric pallet jack.
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 compliance with 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 meet daily productivity and service targets.
Promptly communicate product defects, inventory issues, and operational concerns to management.
Demonstrate positive teamwork and contribute to continuous improvement.
Perform other related job duties as assigned or required.