Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

The Forklift Operator plays a key role in a fast-paced agricultural warehouse environment by safely operating forklifts to move, load, and unload materials, maintaining accurate inventory records, and supporting overall warehouse efficiency. This position focuses on safety, quality, and teamwork while helping ensure that products are handled and stored correctly to meet customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts professionally and safely, maintaining an accident-free record and completing required forklift inspections accurately and on time.
• Perform systematic maintenance and cleaning of forklifts to ensure they remain in good working condition.
• Use the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to continuously track the location of goods during material handling and ensure accurate data entry.
• Carry out manual tasks as directed by the warehouse supervisor or team lead, including sampling, inventory activities, and general cleaning.
• Keep the warehouse clean, organized, and free of debris to support safety and efficiency.
• During seed delivery and return seasons, properly load and unload transport vehicles with quality packages to meet customer expectations.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to operate forklifts safely and professionally, with a strong focus on accident-free performance.
• Ability to stand, sit, and operate forklifts for extended periods, perform repetitive motions, and lift a minimum of 60 lbs.
• Ability to work in warm and cold weather conditions and in a dusty, production-oriented environment.
• Clear and respectful communication skills to interact effectively with coworkers and leadership.
• Strong focus on safety and quality, with a self-starting attitude and willingness to follow safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Approximately 1 year of forklift experience is preferred.
• Approximately 1 year of warehouse experience is preferred.
• Prior forklift certification is preferred and may be validated through a hands-on demonstration.
• Experience with sit-down forklifts is preferred.
• Experience with stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, and order picking is beneficial.
• Familiarity with material handling processes, shipping and receiving, and packing is advantageous.
• Mechanical aptitude or awareness and comfort working around machinery are helpful.
• Experience using RF scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for inventory tracking is beneficial.
• Ability to adapt to shift changes and seasonal schedule variations.
• Resume submission and interview participation are required as part of the hiring process.

Why Work Here?

Join a safety-focused, fast-paced agricultural operation where your work directly supports farmers and contributes to feeding the world while protecting the planet. You will collaborate with supportive colleagues in a structured environment that values quality, reliability, and respect. The role offers consistent full-time hours with opportunities for overtime, hands-on experience with modern warehouse systems, and the chance to build and grow your skills in material handling and logistics.

Work Environment

This role is based in a temperature-controlled, dusty production and warehouse environment that operates on multiple shifts. The standard workweek is approximately 40 hours with the possibility of overtime up to 6 days per week, depending on season and business needs. Scheduling is subject to change, and flexibility for different shifts during training is required. Typical shifts include 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2nd shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and periodic split shifts such as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The environment involves regular operation of forklifts, pallet jacks, RF scanners, and other warehouse equipment. Safety attire is mandatory, including steel-toe work shoes or boots, long durable pants (such as jeans), and a shirt with sleeves that cover the shoulders and are not loose. Leggings, sweatpants, and yoga pants are not permitted. The company provides hi-visibility hard hats, safety vests, general-purpose gloves, and safety eyewear. Work involves standing and sitting for extended periods, repetitive motion, and lifting at least 60 lbs, with exposure to both warm and cold conditions inside the facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Des Moines, Iowa.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 – $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, Iowa.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 2026.