**Job Title: Forklift Technician – Seed Production and Warehouse Operations** **Job Description**
This role supports all stages of seed production and warehouse operations, with a strong focus on safe and efficient forklift operation. You will handle seed processing, packaging, inventory management, and material handling, while also performing data entry and basic equipment maintenance. The position involves working primarily in a warehouse environment, with opportunities to cross-train in packaging and other production activities as needed.
**Responsibilities**
+ Operate sit-down electric forklifts safely and efficiently for approximately 80-90% of the workday to move, organize, and place seed and materials in storage and shipping areas.
+ Handle material loading and unloading, including lifting and stacking bags weighing between 35-65 pounds (most around 50 pounds) onto pallets.
+ Perform indoor seed processing and packaging activities such as receiving, scanning, cleaning, treating, sorting, counting, labeling, and warehousing seed.
+ Support outdoor seed production activities as needed, including planting, pollinating, note taking, data entry, and hand harvest.
+ Use RF scanners and electronic inventory systems to maintain accurate inventory records and track seed movement within the facility.
+ Complete timely and accurate data entry using MS Excel, MS Word, and other standard computer systems for inventory, production, and operational records.
+ Assist with packaging operations, including loading bags into the packaging machine, monitoring the equipment, and stacking finished pallets.
+ Perform basic preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment in assigned areas to support reliable and safe operation.
+ Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and site safety requirements, including understanding and applying verbal and written task and safety instructions in English.
+ Work collaboratively with the warehouse team to support shipping, receiving, and production schedules, including extended hours during peak seasons.
+ Sit, stand, bend, and lift for extended periods as required by warehouse and production activities.
+ Support accurate organization and storage of seed and materials to ensure a clean, orderly, and efficient work area.
**Essential Skills**
+ High school diploma or equivalent GED and/or related experience.
+ 1-3 years of warehouse experience, including material handling and inventory-related tasks.
+ At least 1 year of sit-down electric forklift operation experience in a warehouse environment.
+ Ability to understand and follow verbal and written task and safety instructions in English.
+ Proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word, and other standard computer and software systems for data entry and record keeping.
+ Basic mechanical ability and understanding of equipment maintenance, including the ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment as needed.
+ Ability to use RF scanners and electronic inventory systems or willingness to learn these tools.
+ Capability to lift and move bags weighing 35-65 pounds repeatedly and safely.
+ Ability to sit, stand, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
+ Reliability, strong work ethic, and consistent attendance to support a close-knit warehouse team.
**Additional Skills & Qualifications**
+ Experience in seed production, agriculture, or related manufacturing environments.
+ Experience with packaging operations, including operating or assisting with packaging machines.
+ Familiarity with electronic data collection in field or laboratory settings using PCs and handheld devices.
+ Comfort working in environments with varying temperatures, including cooled warehouses and warmer areas.
+ Willingness to cross-train in multiple functions such as warehouse, packaging, and seed processing.
+ Interest in developing skills with RF scanners and tablet devices as experience grows.
+ Demonstrated attention to detail in inventory accuracy, labeling, and documentation.
**Why Work Here?**
You will join a close, supportive warehouse team that values reliability, hard work, and collaboration. The environment offers variety in your day-to-day tasks, with opportunities to cross-train in packaging and seed production and to build skills in equipment operation, inventory systems, and data entry. The schedule provides a consistent shift structure with the potential for additional hours during peak seasons, allowing you to grow your experience in a stable, production-focused setting.
**Work Environment**
This role is primarily based in a warehouse setting with a standard schedule of 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and an alternative schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when assigned to dock work. Packaging typically operates on one shift, while the warehouse runs across three shifts. During busy seasons, overtime may be required, including staying later or coming in earlier. Warehouse areas may be cooled to around 50 degrees, while other areas can become warm, so dressing in layers and bringing a sweatshirt in colder months is recommended. The team is relatively small, with around 10 individuals during the main shipping season, fostering a close-knit and supportive atmosphere. Work involves frequent forklift operation, use of RF scanners and computers, and regular lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods in an active production and storage environment.
**Job Type & Location**
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.
**Pay and Benefits**
The pay range for this position is $20.00 – $22.00/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)
**Workplace Type**
This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA.
**Application Deadline**
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.
**About Aerotek**
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
**San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:**
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
**Massachusetts Lie Detector:**
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
**Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):**
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.