Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Reach Lift Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Reach Lift Operator is a cornerstone of our warehouse operations, a skilled professional responsible for the precise and safe movement of goods in high-density storage environments. This role goes beyond simple material handling; it requires a sharp focus on accuracy, efficiency, and safety to maintain inventory integrity and ensure the seamless flow of products from receiving to shipping. As an expert in navigating narrow aisles and vertical spaces, the Reach Lift Operator is essential for maximizing our warehouse capacity and supporting our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Order Picker / Packer
General Laborer (Logistics)

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead
Inventory Control Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator (Counterbalance/Sit-down)
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Expertly and safely operate a stand-up high-reach lift truck to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise within the warehouse.
Accurately retrieve product orders from high-level racking locations, ensuring the correct item and quantity are pulled for order fulfillment.
Perform put-away functions by carefully transporting products from receiving or staging areas to their designated storage bins or rack locations.
Execute inventory replenishment tasks by moving stock from overstock locations to active picking bins to ensure product availability for order pickers.
Utilize a handheld Radio Frequency (RF) scanner to meticulously record all product movements, ensuring real-time accuracy within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Conduct daily, pre-shift operational and safety inspections on the reach lift, completing checklists and reporting any mechanical issues or damages to maintenance or a supervisor immediately.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and best practices for powered industrial truck operation to maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
Efficiently stack and store merchandise in the appropriate areas, demonstrating a strong understanding of warehouse layout, product slotting, and weight distribution.
Carefully handle all products to prevent damage to merchandise, equipment, or facility infrastructure like racking and sprinkler systems.
Maintain a consistent and efficient pace to meet or exceed established productivity targets and performance metrics for picking, put-away, and replenishment.
Work with a high degree of spatial awareness and precision to navigate narrow aisles and congested areas without incident.
Verify the accuracy of inbound and outbound shipments by matching product information on pallets with shipping documents or RF scanner prompts.
Ensure all pallets are built and wrapped securely to prevent shifting or falling during transport and storage.
Communicate effectively with team leaders, supervisors, and other warehouse staff regarding inventory levels, discrepancies, or operational challenges.
Rotate products as required by FIFO (First-In, First-Out) or other inventory management principles to ensure product freshness and quality.

Secondary Functions

Assist in performing regular cycle counts and full physical inventory audits to help maintain inventory accuracy and identify discrepancies.
Maintain a clean, orderly, and hazard-free work area, participating in general housekeeping duties to support a safe and efficient warehouse.
Provide support to other warehouse functions, such as order picking, packing, or shipping/receiving, during peak periods or as directed by management.
Actively participate in team safety meetings and training sessions, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and safety awareness.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new equipment operators, sharing knowledge of best practices and safety procedures.
Report any inventory discrepancies, such as shortages, overages, or damages, to the Inventory Control department or a supervisor for resolution.
Ensure the reach lift battery is properly charged, watered, and maintained according to established procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Certified Reach Lift Operation: Proven certification and a minimum of one year of experience operating a stand-up reach truck in a warehouse or distribution center.
RF Scanner & WMS Proficiency: Competency in using handheld RF scanning devices and experience working with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) to track inventory.
Inventory Management Knowledge: Understanding of basic warehouse principles like put-away, picking, replenishment, and cycle counting.
Basic Mathematical Acumen: Ability to perform simple math for counting, verifying quantities, and checking orders.
Safety Protocol Adherence: In-depth knowledge of warehouse safety rules, OSHA guidelines, and proper equipment inspection procedures.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all tasks to ensure accuracy in order pulling, put-away, and inventory counts, minimizing errors.
Spatial Awareness: Excellent depth perception and awareness of surroundings, crucial for operating safely in narrow aisles and at significant heights.
Safety-First Mindset: A deeply ingrained commitment to personal and team safety, proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic demonstrated by consistent on-time attendance and dependability.
Independent Work Ethic: The ability to work productively with minimal supervision while staying on task to meet goals.
Team Collaboration: Capable of working effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly and respectfully with colleagues and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or technical certification in Logistics, Warehousing, or Powered Industrial Truck Operation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics & Supply Chain
Warehouse Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 1-2 years of recent, dedicated experience operating a stand-up reach truck in a fast-paced distribution or warehouse environment.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience operating a high-reach lift, particularly in facilities with very narrow aisles (VNA), high-volume throughput, and racking exceeding 25 feet.