Forklift Operator

Responsibilities: Operate sit-down gas forklifts to move, stack, and transport recycling material and garbage throughout the facility. Load, unload, and relocate materials, ensuring safe and efficient material handling at all times. Empty full containers and bins and move them to designated areas for processing or disposal. Perform general preventative maintenance on forklift equipment to keep machinery in safe working condition. Use additional material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, loaders, and skid steers if experienced or once hired directly. Assist with general labor tasks, including picking, loading, and other duties as needed to support facility operations. Work both indoors and outdoors in varying conditions, including hot, dirty, and loud environments around garbage and recycling materials. Follow all safety procedures and guidelines to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area. Collaborate with team members and help out wherever needed to ensure smooth and efficient facility operations. Lift and move heavy items, including loads of 50 pounds or more, as part of daily tasks. Essential Skills:25 years of forklift operating experience, preferably with sit-down gas forklifts. At least 1 year of experience operating small equipment such as skid steers, loaders, or similar machinery. Proven material handling experience in an industrial, warehouse, or recycling environment. Ability to safely perform heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more on a regular basis. Experience using pallet jacks and other basic material handling tools. Comfort working around garbage, recycling materials, and in hot, dirty, and loud conditions. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periods. Strong adherence to safety procedures and equipment operating guidelines. Reliability and willingness to work 1st shift hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays.

Additional Skills & Qualifications: Experience operating skid steers, loaders, balers, or similar heavy equipment. Ability to adapt to changing tasks and assist in multiple areas of the facility as needed. Strong teamwork and communication skills to work effectively in a collaborative environment. Willingness to work overtime, including extended shifts and occasional Saturdays, especially after holidays.

Why Work Here? The organization offers long-term stability in a resilient industry that is not going anywhere, providing strong job security and clear opportunities for upward mobility and career growth. Team members can take advantage of unlimited overtime, with no cap on weekly hours for those who want to increase their earnings. After being hired on directly, employees receive a pay increase and gain access to a comprehensive full-time benefits plan, including competitively priced health plans. The culture emphasizes retention and loyalty, with a large majority of employees staying for more than five years, reflecting a supportive and consistent work environment. Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)