Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Receiving Forklift Operator
💰 $35,000 - $50,000
WarehouseLogisticsForklift Operations
🎯 Role Definition
The Receiving Forklift Operator is responsible for safely operating forklifts and other material handling equipment to receive, unload, and store incoming goods in warehouses, distribution centers, or manufacturing facilities. This role ensures accurate inventory handling, compliance with safety regulations, and timely movement of materials to support operational efficiency.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Warehouse Associate
- Material Handler
- Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Advancement To:
- Lead Forklift Operator
- Warehouse Supervisor
- Inventory Control or Logistics Coordinator
Lateral Moves:
- Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
- Material Flow or Logistics Analyst
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Safely operate forklifts and other warehouse equipment to unload, move, and store incoming shipments.
- Inspect received goods for damage, accuracy, and proper documentation before storage.
- Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders, invoices, and packing lists.
- Place products in designated storage locations, ensuring proper organization and rotation of stock.
- Load and unload trucks, containers, and pallets efficiently while maintaining safety standards.
- Maintain accurate records of received inventory in warehouse management systems.
- Assist in reconciling discrepancies between received shipments and order documentation.
- Prepare and stage items for distribution to production, retail, or shipping areas.
- Perform routine maintenance checks on forklifts and report equipment malfunctions.
- Follow safety protocols for hazardous materials, heavy equipment, and warehouse operations.
- Coordinate with receiving supervisors and warehouse teams to prioritize incoming shipments.
- Ensure proper labeling, tagging, and barcoding of inventory for easy identification.
- Adhere to standard operating procedures and company policies for inventory handling.
- Participate in periodic inventory counts and audits to maintain stock accuracy.
- Assist in cleaning and organizing warehouse areas, ensuring a safe work environment.
- Handle specialized products requiring careful handling or temperature-controlled storage.
- Provide support during peak receiving periods or special operational projects.
- Communicate with truck drivers, vendors, and internal teams to resolve delivery issues.
- Train and mentor new warehouse staff on forklift operation and receiving procedures.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in warehouse operations and material flow.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc reporting and inventory data analysis for warehouse management.
- Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to optimize receiving processes.
- Participate in safety meetings and compliance training programs.
- Assist in maintaining warehouse equipment and performing minor repairs.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Certified forklift operation and safety knowledge
- Warehouse management system (WMS) operation
- Inventory control and stock verification
- Material handling and pallet management
- Loading/unloading techniques for various types of shipments
- Basic equipment maintenance and inspection
- Order verification and documentation accuracy
- Knowledge of warehouse safety regulations and OSHA compliance
- Use of scanning devices, RF guns, and labeling systems
- Handling temperature-sensitive and hazardous materials
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
- Time management and ability to prioritize tasks
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Physical stamina and ability to lift heavy items safely
- Adaptability in a fast-paced warehouse environment
- Responsibility and accountability
- Collaboration with diverse teams
- Ability to follow strict safety protocols
- Proactive attitude toward operational efficiency
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education:
Vocational or technical training in warehouse operations or logistics
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Logistics or Supply Chain Management
- Industrial or Warehouse Operations
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
1–3 years of forklift operation or warehouse receiving experience
Preferred:
Experience in high-volume warehouse or distribution center environments with demonstrated knowledge of inventory control and safety compliance