Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Reach Forklift Operator

🎯 Role Definition

A Reach Forklift Operator is a skilled material handling professional specializing in the operation of high-reach lift trucks within a warehouse or distribution center. This role is fundamental to the logistical efficiency of a facility, focusing on the precise movement, stacking, and retrieval of palletized goods in narrow-aisle, high-bay racking systems. They are the backbone of inventory storage and retrieval, ensuring products are correctly placed, stored safely at height, and made available for order fulfillment. The accuracy and safety of their work directly impact inventory integrity, operational speed, and the overall success of the supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
Order Picker / Packer
Pallet Jack Operator

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead / Supervisor
Inventory Control Lead / Specialist
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Counterbalance Forklift Operator
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Expertly operate a stand-up, high-reach forklift to move, locate, relocate, and stack palletized products, ensuring precise placement in high-bay racking systems, often at significant heights.
Execute order fulfillment tasks by accurately picking products from designated storage locations according to pick tickets or RF scanner instructions.
Safely load and unload palletized freight from trailers and containers, verifying counts and inspecting for damage upon receipt or before shipment.
Conduct mandatory, thorough pre-operation and post-operation safety inspections on the reach truck, documenting any maintenance needs or safety concerns immediately.
Utilize a handheld Radio Frequency (RF) scanner to accurately record the movement of inventory, scan barcodes, and update the Warehouse Management System (WMS) in real-time.
Efficiently transport raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods between production areas, staging zones, and storage locations.
Ensure the stability and security of loads before transport by properly wrapping, strapping, or otherwise securing pallets as per company guidelines.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to maintain a hazard-free work environment.
Perform put-away functions, moving newly received inventory from the receiving dock or staging areas into their assigned long-term storage locations.
Replenish active pick locations from bulk storage areas to ensure a continuous and efficient flow for order picking teams.
Consolidate partial pallets of product to optimize storage space within the warehouse racking and maintain an organized inventory system.
Maintain meticulous records of inventory transactions, completed tasks, and equipment checks to ensure accountability and data integrity.
Assist in conducting regular cycle counts and support annual physical inventory processes to maintain a high level of inventory accuracy.
Identify and report any product damage, discrepancies in inventory counts, or quality issues to a supervisor for prompt resolution.
Navigate narrow aisles and congested areas with exceptional spatial awareness and control, minimizing the risk of collisions or product damage.
Monitor battery levels on the forklift, performing battery changes and basic maintenance as required to ensure equipment availability throughout the shift.
Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, team members, and truck drivers to coordinate workflow and resolve operational challenges.
Stage finished products for shipment, ensuring orders are correct, complete, and organized for efficient loading onto outbound trucks.
Maintain a clean, organized, and debris-free workspace in aisles, docks, and storage areas to promote safety and operational efficiency.
Follow detailed instructions and work orders, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail to prevent errors in picking, put-away, and loading.

Secondary Functions

Actively participate in general warehouse housekeeping duties, maintaining clean and clear aisles and work areas to ensure a safe operational environment.
Provide support for periodic physical inventory counts and daily cycle counting processes to help maintain overall stock accuracy.
Assist other warehouse teams, such as packing or receiving, during peak periods or when primary duties are complete.
Report any facility or racking damage observed during daily operations to the appropriate maintenance or management personnel.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Certified Reach Truck Operation: Proven ability to safely and efficiently operate a stand-up high-reach forklift.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using handheld radio frequency scanners for inventory tracking and order processing.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Experience: Familiarity with interacting with WMS software to manage inventory tasks.
Inventory Control: Solid understanding of inventory management principles like put-away, replenishment, and cycle counting.
Loading & Unloading Procedures: Knowledge of proper techniques for safely loading and unloading trailers.
Pallet Jack Operation: Competency in operating both manual and electric pallet jacks for ground-level material movement.
-Basic Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform simple arithmetic for counting, verifying, and reconciling inventory.
Knowledge of Safety Regulations: Awareness of OSHA standards and other safety protocols specific to warehouse operations.
Pallet Stacking & Wrapping: Skill in building stable pallets and operating shrink-wrap machines.
Spatial Awareness: Excellent judgment of distances and heights, crucial for navigating narrow aisles and placing pallets on high racks.

Soft Skills

Safety Consciousness: A constant and unwavering focus on safe work practices for oneself and coworkers.
Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in checking item numbers, quantities, and locations to ensure accuracy.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic demonstrated by consistent attendance and dependability.
Time Management: Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines and productivity targets.
Teamwork & Collaboration: The capacity to work effectively with other operators, pickers, and supervisors.
Clear Communication: Ability to convey information, ask questions, and report issues clearly and concisely.
Problem-Solving: The initiative to identify and report issues or find solutions to minor operational hurdles.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods and operate equipment that requires physical coordination.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, workflows, and tasks as directed by supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Valid, company-recognized forklift certification (Reach Truck specific).

Preferred Education:

Vocational training in logistics or supply chain management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1 - 3+ years of dedicated experience operating a high-reach forklift in a distribution, manufacturing, or warehouse environment.

Preferred: Experience working in a facility with narrow aisles and high-bay racking systems (over 30 feet) is highly desirable.