Example Forklift Operator Job Description (2022)

Free forklift operator job description. A forklift operator is a professional who works within a warehouse or factory, transporting heavy materials. These professionals move, locate, and stack merchandise from one location to another. They are responsible for loading and unloading shipments from trucks and transporting the merchandise to their destinations within the warehouse.

A forklift operator is sometimes referred to as a forklift driver or "forklift operator."

Forklift Operator Job Description Sample

Our warehouse is seeking an experienced and careful forklift operator to assist in the operation of heavy equipment. And to transport merchandise through our warehouse and loading docks. The forklift operator will unload trucks that arrive carrying merchandise. And transport each pallet to their destination, and account for all goods or merchandise on the powered industrial truck. The forklift operator will take instructions from the warehouse worker, warehouse manager, and other warehouse staff. Previous experience with material handling equipment is preferred.

Forklift Operator Duties and Responsibilities

Sample job duties and forklift operator responsibilities:

• Unload and load powered industrial trucks.
• Transport pallets of goods and merchandise to their tagged locations in the warehouse.
• Track all goods and merchandise that are transported.
• Ensure all freight trucks are loaded and unloaded according to safety procedures.
• Assist warehouse workers with general forklift operation.
• Work closely with the warehouse manager and warehouse associates to manage inventory, goods, and merchandise.
• Work closely with the warehouse manager and warehouse associates to organize the warehouse and transport goods. Operate and move heavy equipment.
• Operate a forklift truck. Load and unload shipments. Follow company safety protocol. Help other warehouse workers and forklift operators. Unload materials and products as necessary.

Forklift Operator Requirements

Qualified candidates should have the following:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous warehouse experience and training.
• Professional training in operating a forklift (Certified Forklift Operator).
• Any type of forklift certification is preferred.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery and operate forklift machinery.
• Ability to practice heavy lifting (25lb’s plus).
• Reasonable accommodation can be provided. Unload materials as neccessary.

A required qualification might change depending on the environment the forklift operator is working within. Be sure to speak with the warehouse associates and warehouse manager regarding the requirements of the role before writing a forklift job description.

Forklift Operator Salary

According to Salary.com, a forklift operator earns $37,603 per year, on average. With the top percentile of workers earning $47,368 per year, on average. And entry-level workers earning $29,579 per year, on average.

Forklift Operator Skills

Top candidates have one or more of the following skills:

• Stock skills.
• Pallet jack skills.
• Instruction giving skills.
• Forklift operating skills.
• Math skills.
• Attention to detail skills.
• Physical fitness skills.
• Mechanical skills.
• Self-motivation skills.
• Time management skills.
• Cooperation skills.
• Coordination skills.

Forklift Operator Certifications

The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA 1910.178 (i)(6)) requires all forklift operators to be certified before operating a lift truck or warehouse product. Proper training and evaluation are completed before the operation of industrial forklifts.

A forklift operator's license is a certificate. The certificate indicates that the employee has been trained and evaluated by the employer to operate the truck. It is required by OSHA that the employer certifies the training. Employers use license issuance to show the employee is certified to operate a forklift in their particular application.

Forklift Operator Job Boards

An employer posting a warehouse job should consider these top job boards for warehouse workers and forklift operators:

• Warehouse Jobs
• Jobs4People

Posting an available warehouse job in local communities can be highly effective for job seekers and employers. Most warehouse associate positions are filled in local geographic areas.

Forklift Operator Resources

• Industrial Truck Association
• Book: Forklift Safety: A Practical Guide to Preventing Powered Industrial Truck Incidents and Injuries
• Modern Materials Handling