Forklift Operator Job Description

Heavy lifting has been in existence from the very beginning of civilization. It exists today also, but the difference is now we have forklifts to lift all heavy things. To handle this machinery, we have forklift operators. To know more about this profession, read the forklift operator job description given for your read.

Forklift operators are required in all businesses that have heavy equipment or packages. They mostly find employment in places where goods are imported and exported. Their job may seem simple, but there is lot more to it than just heavy lifting.

The packages they handle can be very delicate and hence they have to be careful with them. They also have to keep a track of what good are they delivering and where. They have to ensure that right things are kept in the right place. This is important because different goods are delivered to different people. This is the most important part of a forklift operator job description.

The forklift operator need not be highly educated, but they need to be good at handling machinery. The forklift is a complicated machine and good driving skills are required for it. The machine is also dangerous and hence, the operators have to be careful with it. They are given special training for driving these vehicles. They mostly work in the warehouses and have to keep moving around goods all day long.

The forklift operators have to know a little bit about the working of the machines. However, they need not be expert repairmen; they should know just enough to solve small technical errors. They mostly work in teams and have team leaders. Whenever goods come or are to be delivered, the whole team moves and gets the work done.

This profession has duties round the clock. Hence, one can take duties according to their convenience. There is also scope for taking extra shifts and earning more income. However, there are responsibilities too as the goods they move around are valuable and it could cost their company a lot of money if they damage it. For more detailed information, read the forklift operator job description given below.

For resume help, see our Forklift Operator Resume

Duties and Responsibilities

They have to operate the forklift machine in the company they work in
They need to have exceptional driving skills
They have to make inspections on the equipment
They have to work in teams of other operators
They have to follow the specific instructions and keep a track of the goods they move around
They have to look after the maintenance of the vehicle they have been assigned
They have to report any technical snags and call in the repairmen as these machines are dangerous and hence have to be operationally safe at all times
They have to report to the authorities overhead
They have to train all the new operators
They have to do safety checks and follow all set industry standards

Education

A high school diploma or degree or something of equivalent
Courses in forklift operation are helpful
They need to clear industry training held every where
They need to have basic physical fitness

Career Advancement

Forklift operators are the kinds who stick closely to the profession. They receive seniority with time and some even move onto operating other heavy machines like cranes and bulldozers.

Coordination and safety are the two most important parts of a forklift operator job description. Therefore, a person needs to follow these two meticulously.