Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a High Reach Forklift Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The High Reach Forklift Operator is a cornerstone of our warehouse and distribution operations. This isn't just about driving a forklift; it's a skilled position requiring immense precision, a deep commitment to safety, and the ability to work at significant heights within narrow aisles. You are the expert who ensures that products are stored efficiently and retrieved accurately, directly impacting inventory integrity, order fulfillment speed, and the overall flow of goods through the supply chain. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented individual who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and understands that their work is critical to the company's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Labor
Order Picker / Packer
Forklift Operator (Counterbalance or Pallet Jack)

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead or Shift Lead
Inventory Control Specialist / Analyst
Receiving or Shipping Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Auditor
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Expertly operate a high reach forklift (also known as a reach truck or narrow-aisle forklift) to safely move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise in high-density racking systems, often at heights exceeding 30 feet.
Execute put-away tasks by accurately scanning and placing incoming pallets of product into their designated rack locations according to the Warehouse Management System (WMS) directives.
Perform replenishment of primary picking locations from overstock racking, ensuring that forward pick-faces are consistently stocked to prevent order fulfillment delays.
Accurately pull and prepare full pallet orders for shipment, ensuring the correct product, lot number, and quantity are selected and staged in the appropriate outbound lane.
Conduct systematic loading and unloading of trailers, containers, and flatbeds, ensuring weight is distributed properly and goods are secured to prevent damage during transit.
Utilize a handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanner to meticulously record all product movements, inventory transfers, and location changes in real-time within the WMS to maintain 99%+ inventory accuracy.
Perform rigorous pre-shift and post-shift safety and operational inspections of the high reach truck, documenting any mechanical issues or safety concerns on the daily checklist and reporting them immediately to a supervisor.
Adhere strictly to all company, OSHA, and facility-specific safety protocols, including wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), observing speed limits, and maintaining awareness of pedestrian traffic.
Maintain the forklift's power source by performing battery changing procedures, including watering and cleaning, according to the established schedule and safety guidelines.
Navigate narrow aisles and high-traffic areas with exceptional spatial awareness and control to prevent damage to racking, equipment, and product.
Participate actively in cycle counting programs and periodic full physical inventories, using the high reach truck to access and verify quantities in high-level racking.
Consolidate partial pallets into full pallets and perform necessary wrapping or banding to ensure stability for storage and transport.
Read and interpret work orders, shipping orders, and bills of lading to determine which items need to be moved, gathered, or distributed.
Identify and report any product damage, quality issues, or inventory discrepancies to the Inventory Control team or a supervisor for resolution.
Operate in various warehouse climates, which may include ambient (dry), refrigerated (cooler), or frozen environments, while following specific procedures for each.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general warehouse duties during periods of low forklift activity, including manual order picking, packing, labeling, or sorting freight.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment by cleaning up spills, removing empty pallets, and keeping aisles clear of debris (Aisle Readiness).
Collaborate with other warehouse team members, including pickers, packers, and shipping clerks, to ensure a smooth and efficient operational workflow.
Report any potential safety hazards or unsafe working conditions observed within the facility to management promptly.
Provide support for special projects, such as warehouse re-organization, slotting projects, or building maintenance, as directed by leadership.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Certified High Reach Forklift Operation: Verifiable certification and demonstrated experience operating high reach/narrow aisle forklifts.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Hands-on experience using handheld RF scanning technology for inventory transactions.
WMS Experience: Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (e.g., SAP EWM, Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle WMS) for executing tasks and inventory look-ups.
OSHA Regulations: Solid understanding of OSHA standards and safety best practices for Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT).
Basic Math & Computer Skills: Ability to perform basic calculations, count accurately, and use a computer for basic data entry or communication.
Load Stability & Stacking: Knowledge of proper pallet stacking, wrapping, and weight distribution techniques.

Soft Skills

Spatial Awareness & Depth Perception: Exceptional ability to judge distances and heights, crucial for operating safely in tight spaces and at elevation.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on accuracy when picking, placing, and scanning products to prevent inventory errors and ensure safety.
Situational Awareness: Constant consciousness of the surrounding environment, including pedestrian traffic, other equipment, and potential hazards.
Time Management: Ability to work efficiently and with a sense of urgency to meet productivity targets and deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify and react to issues like a blocked location, an inventory discrepancy, or an equipment fault.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic demonstrated by consistent attendance and dependability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certification in Logistics, Warehousing, or Supply Chain.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Warehouse Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1 - 3+ years

Preferred: 2+ years of recent, dedicated experience operating a high reach forklift within a high-volume distribution center. Experience working at heights of 25 feet or more is highly desirable.