Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Forklift Operator

🎯 Role Definition

As a Forklift Operator or Material Handler, you are a critical component of our logistics and supply chain team. Your primary objective is to facilitate the seamless movement of products and materials from receiving to storage, through production, and ultimately to shipping. You will operate various types of powered industrial trucks (PIT), including sit-down, stand-up, reach, and cherry pickers, to manage inventory, fulfill orders, and maintain a highly organized and safe warehouse environment. This position requires a steadfast commitment to safety protocols, precision in execution, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a larger team to meet operational goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
Order Picker / Packer
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Lead Forklift Operator / Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Specialist
Logistics Coordinator
Safety Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate sit-down, stand-up, reach trucks, cherry pickers, and other powered industrial equipment to move materials throughout the warehouse and production areas.
Execute the precise loading and unloading of materials and merchandise from incoming and outgoing vehicles, including tractor-trailers, box trucks, and shipping containers.
Efficiently stack and store merchandise in designated storage bays, racks, and other assigned locations, ensuring stability and accessibility.
Pull and prepare products for shipment, ensuring that the exact quantity and type of product is loaded and shipped according to the pick ticket or work order.
Transport raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products from receiving or storage areas to production lines or other designated locations.
Utilize Radio Frequency (RF) scanning equipment to accurately track inventory movement, complete transactions, and ensure data integrity within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Perform daily pre-operational safety checks on forklifts and other equipment, reporting any malfunctions, damages, or maintenance needs to the shift supervisor immediately.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and best practices for material handling to prevent accidents and injuries.
Accurately identify and sort materials, supplies, and finished goods, verifying against documentation for part numbers, quantities, and quality.
Participate in regular cycle counts and physical inventory audits to maintain precise inventory records and investigate discrepancies.
Secure materials onto pallets before transport by wrapping, strapping, or otherwise preparing them for safe and stable movement.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area, including clearing aisles and removing empty pallets, to ensure a safe operational environment.
Efficiently consolidate partial pallets and rearrange stored inventory to maximize warehouse space utilization.
Weigh or count items for distribution within the plant to ensure conformance to company standards and record-keeping.
Assist in staging finished products for order fulfillment, ensuring all items for a specific order are grouped and ready for final loading.
Report any product damage, safety hazards, or quality control issues to management in a timely and detailed manner.
Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and truck drivers to coordinate the movement of goods and ensure smooth workflow.
Complete and maintain all required logs, checklists, and documentation for material handling activities with a high degree of accuracy.
Change out and properly handle forklift batteries or propane tanks according to established safety procedures.
Operate dock levelers, pallet jacks, and other non-forklift material handling equipment as needed to support warehouse functions.
Assist in training new operators on equipment operation and standard operating procedures once proficient and authorized.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to inventory levels and movement.
Contribute to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting process enhancements.
Collaborate with shipping, receiving, and inventory teams to translate operational needs into actionable tasks.
Participate in daily team meetings, safety briefings, and planning sessions within the warehouse department.
Assist in maintaining the overall cleanliness and organization of the warehouse beyond the immediate work area.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid Forklift Operator Certification (Sit-down, Stand-up, Reach Truck, Order Picker/Cherry Picker, etc.).
Proven experience operating powered industrial trucks in a busy warehouse or manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with RF (Radio Frequency) scanning guns and related technology.
Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for inventory tracking and transactions.
Basic computer skills for data entry and accessing work orders.
Strong understanding of OSHA regulations and warehouse safety standards.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication).
Skill in reading and interpreting documents such as pick tickets, bill of ladings, and safety rules.
Experience with loading/unloading trailers and securing freight.
Knowledge of inventory control procedures, including cycle counting.
Ability to perform routine pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections.

Soft Skills

Unwavering commitment to safety and situational awareness.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Problem-solving ability to address minor logistical challenges.
Strong work ethic and reliability.
Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to assist colleagues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certification in logistics or supply chain management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Warehouse Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of direct experience operating a forklift in a comparable setting.

Preferred: 3+ years of experience operating multiple types of forklifts (e.g., both sit-down and stand-up reach) in a high-volume distribution or manufacturing center. Experience in a GMP or food-grade facility is a plus.