Fast Facts

Join hand2mind as a Forklift Operator, where you'll be part of a dedicated team responsible for accurate and efficient material handling at our Distribution Center in Vernon Hills, IL. We create engaging educational materials and value our employees' growth with a supportive workplace culture.

Responsibilities: Operate forklifts and material handling equipment; fulfill customer orders efficiently; ensure compliance with safety guidelines; maintain a clean work environment.

Skills: Forklift certification; ability to lift up to 50 pounds; excellent time management; good organizational skills; teamwork and communication skills; basic math abilities.

Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED preferred; English proficiency is required; bilingual in Spanish is a plus; ability to work weekends as needed.

Location: This position is based in Vernon Hills, IL, with no specified requirement for remote work.

Compensation: $20 - $21 / Hourly

About hand2mind:

We bring learning to life! Trusted by teachers for more than 55+ years, hand2mind creates engaging, classroom-tested materials that empower children to learn by doing. We are a 150-person strong, family-owned company that's been voted one of the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces for the last five consecutive years. In addition to building high-quality, hands-on learning materials for the classroom like VersaTiles® and Cuisenaire® Rods, we also develop educational toys for the home that make learning math, reading, social-emotional learning, and STEM fun and interactive. As a company, we are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development. That’s why we offer a competitive benefits package, a supportive culture, and training and development opportunities by Harvard and UCLA professors. We are looking for professionals who are truly just kids at heart! We hope you’ll come join our award-winning team today!

Position Description:

The Forklift Operator is responsible for ensuring assigned workload is completed with maximum accuracy and efficiency at the Hand2Mind Distribution Center in Vernon Hills, Illinois. This includes, but is not limited to, customer order picking, replenishing, shipping activities, and daily assignments to support these activities. This position reports to the Fulfilment Operations Supervisor

Scope of Responsibilities: 

• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as necessary to move materials while complying with all safety and operating rules. 
• Fulfill customer orders, which includes working within an assigned zone, using RF scanners, and accurately picking orders according to location, product code, lot number, and quantity requested.
• Replenish locations with finished product as requested (reverse pick).
• Observe all safety guidelines; Inform Supervisor of any safety hazards; attend all required safety training classes. 
• Clean, maintain and ensure proper housekeeping in the facility to meet and exceed GMP requirements. 
• Comply with Company policies and procedures
• Other duties for this role will be assigned as necessary/appropriate. 

Requirements/Preferences: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Able to interpret, understand, follow, and communicate instructions in English. Bi-lingual (Spanish) is a plus but not required.
• Flexible to work weekends and extended periods of time when needed.
• Forklift certification, or ability to be certified to operate powered equipment is required for this position.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to perform basic math functions.
• Ability to work well with others and be a team member.
• Self confident with strong initiative, good organizational skills and excellent time management.

Ideal attributes:

• Displays a strong sense of urgency, excellent time management
• Self confident with strong initiative
• Proven organization skills with high level attention to detail
• Communicates effectively
• Flexible and adaptable
• Collaborates; works well with other team members and leads
• Demonstrates Accountability

Physical Demands: (standard; based on Position Type)

• Standing or sitting for long hours 
• Bending and/or stooping
• Ability to lift up to 40lbs

We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.

Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.

Compensation Range: $20.25 - $21.50 per hour - Actual compensation may vary due to other factors such as: years of experience, skill set or location. Total compensation includes profit sharing bonus potential, 401k matching, and a variety of other benefits. (details can be found here). 

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