Forklift Operator (contract)

Please Note: This is a 3 month contract role.

About You:

You are an organized and reliable operations professional who takes pride in keeping materials moving smoothly and accurately. You enjoy hands-on work, pay close attention to details like labels, quantities, and documentation, and understand how timely, precise shipping and receiving underpins R&D and manufacturing. You are comfortable and familiar with computer systems, entering and confirming data. You have a keen ability to quickly learn new tasks, work independently and prioritize your work effectively to get the job done each day. You communicate clearly, follow procedures consistently, and are comfortable collaborating with warehouse, supply chain, quality, and lab teams in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll do:

• Receive incoming shipments of raw materials, components, reagents, and equipment; verify quantities, part numbers, lot/serial information, and condition against packing slips and purchase orders.

• Perform visual inspections of incoming materials, noting and reporting any damage, discrepancies, or documentation issues.

• Accurately enter receipt transactions into the ERP/MRP system, ensuring correct part numbers, quantities, locations, and lot/serial data.

• Move incoming materials to QC hold locations and specialized storage where applicable.

• Label, kit, and stage materials for put-away or direct delivery to point-of-use locations in labs and manufacturing areas.

• Maintain organized storage areas and ensure inventory is properly labeled and stored.

• Troubleshoot shipping and receiving issues and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

• Operate warehouse equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks and hand trucks (as certified).

• Prepare and package outgoing shipments, including finished goods, prototypes, returns, and samples, in accordance with shipping instructions and safety requirements.

• Generate shipping documentation (labels, packing slips, customs forms where applicable) and coordinate pickups with carriers.

• Maintain supplies for shipping and receiving of materials, components and assemblies.

• Process returns to vendors, RMAs, and internal transfers, ensuring proper documentation and system updates.

• Perform inventory transactions to issue materials to individuals and fulfill inventory requests.

• Conduct cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliations as needed.

• Maintain shipping and receiving areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition, aligned with 5S and EHS expectations.

• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Inventory, Finance, Manufacturing, and Quality to resolve shipping/receiving issues and improve material flow.

What you'll need:

• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary coursework in logistics, operations, or a related field is an asset.

• 2+ years of experience in shipping/receiving, warehousing, or materials handling, preferably in a technical, lab, or manufacturing environment.

• Basic familiarity with ERP/MRP or inventory management systems and comfort entering structured data accurately.

• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in documentation and record-keeping.

• Ability to read and interpret packing slips, purchase orders, shipping labels, and basic technical documentation.

• Good communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional partners.

• Ability to work on-site, be on your feet for extended periods, and safely handle boxes, totes, and materials.

• Capability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 kg.

Bonus points for:

• Experience in medical device, biotech, pharma, or other regulated industries.

• Familiarity with controlled environments (labs, cleanrooms) or specialized storage (cold chain, hazardous materials).

• Experience with packaging and shipping reagents, consumables, and electro-mechanical assemblies.

• Forklift certification or experience with material-handling equipment.

• Exposure to lean, 5S, or other continuous improvement practices.

• Experience in a start-up or scale-up setting where processes are evolving.

Why Join Us?

At Vital Bio, you will:

• Play a key role in keeping our labs and production lines supplied with the right materials at the right time.

• You’ll see a direct connection between your work and our ability to build, test, and ship diagnostic products that impact patient care.

• You’ll collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Inventory, Manufacturing, and Quality in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• As we scale, you’ll have the opportunity to refine shipping and receiving processes, contribute to new workflows, and grow your skills alongside a team that values clarity, ownership, and thoughtful execution.

The compensation for this role will be $20-24/hr. Compensation will be determined based on the individual’s demonstrated experience, education, training, relevant certifications or licensure, and other applicable business and organizational factors.

This role is a current, onsite vacancy.

About Vital

Vital is revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics with our VitalOne platform, delivering real-time care wherever patients are. Our mission is to democratize health technology, making healthcare more accessible and proactive.

Our global team of experts spans chemistry, software, engineering, and microfluidics. We thrive on change, operate on trust, and value diverse perspectives. Our growth-minded culture empowers front-line decision-making and fosters impactful work.

We seek tenacious, bold individuals ready to transform healthcare. At Vital, your talent will make a difference as we work to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Vital Biosciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to participate in our hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance