Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Telehandler

🎯 Role Definition

As a Telehandler Operator, you are the linchpin of our on-site logistics and material flow. You will be entrusted with operating sophisticated rough-terrain forklifts to support all trades, from foundation to finish. This role requires exceptional skill in maneuvering heavy loads in tight and complex environments, a sharp eye for safety, and the ability to collaborate effectively with the entire site team to keep the project on schedule. Your expertise ensures that the right materials are in the right place at the right time, making you a critical component of the project's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Construction Laborer
Warehouse Forklift Operator
Rigger / Banksman

Advancement To:

Lead Equipment Operator / Site Foreman
Crane Operator
Equipment Manager or Site Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator, Dozer, Grader)
Certified Rigger

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and proficiently operate a telehandler (rough terrain forklift) to transport, lift, and place materials such as lumber, steel, piping, and pallets across the job site.
Meticulously load and unload materials from flatbed trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, ensuring proper weight distribution and securement for transport.
Conduct thorough pre-shift and post-shift inspections of the equipment, meticulously checking fluid levels, tires, lights, and hydraulic systems, and accurately documenting findings in the daily log.
Expertly interpret and respond to hand signals, radio communications, and verbal instructions from spotters and crew members to maneuver loads precisely.
Adhere strictly to all OSHA, company, and site-specific safety regulations, including participation in daily safety briefings and identifying potential hazards in the work area.
Manage the organization and staging of materials in designated laydown areas, ensuring a clean, orderly, and accessible site for all trades.
Distribute building materials, tools, and supplies to various elevations and locations on the project, including upper floors of structures under construction.
Coordinate movements and material delivery sequences with foremen and various trade crews (carpenters, ironworkers, masons) to optimize workflow and prevent delays.
Evaluate ground conditions, travel paths, and overhead obstructions to ensure the stability of the machine and the safety of the lift path at all times.
Attach various implements such as forks, buckets, or jibs, ensuring they are correctly secured and appropriate for the task at hand.
Execute precision placements of sensitive or high-value materials, such as prefabricated panels, large windows, or HVAC units, requiring a high degree of control and finesse.
Maintain a clear and constant awareness of the entire job site environment, including personnel, moving equipment, and changing conditions.
Secure the telehandler at the end of each shift by parking in a designated area, lowering the boom, engaging safety locks, and securing the cab.
Assist in the development and review of critical lift plans, providing operator insight into load charts, machine capacity, and potential operational risks.
Navigate the machine through congested construction areas, uneven terrain, and adverse weather conditions with confidence and control.

Secondary Functions

Assist the site management team with periodic inventory counts and reporting on the stock levels of critical construction materials.
Perform basic and routine maintenance on the equipment, such as greasing fittings, cleaning filters, and topping off fluids as needed.
Utilize the telehandler with a bucket or plow attachment to assist in site cleanup, debris removal, or snow removal during inclement weather.
Act as a spotter or banksman for other equipment operators during periods of downtime to enhance overall site safety.
Participate actively in toolbox talks and other safety meetings, contributing to a proactive and positive safety culture.
Provide mentorship and guidance to junior laborers on safe material handling practices and proper signaling techniques.
Assist with general labor duties as directed by the site foreman during periods when machine operation is not required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Certified Telehandler Operation: Verifiable certification and extensive experience operating various models of rough terrain forklifts.
Load Chart Interpretation: Ability to read, understand, and apply load chart information to ensure lifts are within the machine's rated capacity.
Rigging and Signaling: Proficient knowledge of basic rigging principles and a clear understanding of standardized hand and radio signals.
Equipment Inspection & Maintenance: Skill in performing daily mechanical inspections and executing minor preventative maintenance.
Material Handling & Logistics: Strong understanding of logistical flow on a construction site for efficient material staging and delivery.
Spatial Awareness: Exceptional depth perception and spatial judgment for operating in confined and crowded spaces.

Soft Skills

Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to following safety protocols and looking out for the well-being of the entire crew.
Communication: Clear and concise communication skills, both verbal and via radio, to coordinate effectively with the team.
Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly assess and react to unexpected site conditions or logistical challenges.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative attitude and willingness to work closely with diverse trades to achieve project goals.
Dependability and Punctuality: A reliable professional with a strong work ethic who understands the importance of being on time.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in both machine operation and in following complex instructions to ensure precision and safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
Valid, state-recognized Telehandler/Heavy Equipment Operator Certification (e.g., OSHA, NCCCO, or equivalent).

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school specializing in Heavy Equipment Operation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Heavy Equipment Operation
Construction Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience operating telehandlers on active construction sites.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience on large-scale commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential construction projects. Experience with a variety of attachments and lifting scenarios is highly desirable.