what is a forklift operator?
As a forklift operator, your job involves operating a forklift. You are fully trained in operating heavy equipment. Knowing how to drive several forklift types through various spaces is important. Sometimes you go on lengthy drives to move materials or shift items from one shelf to another.
As a forklift operator, you work independently. The job involves loading the forklift and driving from point A to B. You should be cautious when moving goods around a warehouse. You also keep track of inventory and follow a schedule of when goods should be transported.
what does a forklift operator do?
Just about any industry that lifts heavy objects needs forklift operators. You can work on construction sites to help move materials or in industrial sites like factories. Many forklift operators work in warehouses and storage sites to handle and move heavy loads. Others work in stores, where they assist with unloading products from trucks or shipping containers.
Would working as a forklift operator suit your exceptional spatial awareness? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a forklift operator role.
forklift operator rolesaverage forklift operator salary
According to Job Bank, forklift operators earn a salary of $37,050 per year, which translates to $19 per hour. Your entry-level salary in the role is $33,616 annually. Experienced forklift operators earn $46,800 yearly. The salaries for forklift operators differ from region to region. For instance, your salary will be above $39,000 per year in Quebec, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia. On the other hand, in Nova Scotia and Manitoba, you receive a lower salary of $33,150 per year.
how to increase the salary of a forklift operator
As a forklift operator, your earnings depend on various factors. For instance, your location influences your earnings due to the difference in demand or the cost of living. Some regions pay a higher salary compared to others. Your experience and qualifications also influence your earnings. You receive a lower salary when you are new in the role due to your minimal expertise. When you gain more experience, you are likely to earn more.
The industry also affects your earnings. For instance, working in construction pays a different salary than in a warehouse environment. The complexity of the duties increases your salary prospects.
Would you like to know what a forklift operator earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a forklift operator? Then download our Randstad salary guide and find out all about the salary of a forklift operator in Canada.
types of forklift operator
There are several ways to categorize forklift operators, depending on the equipment and the industry they work in. Some of the different types of forklift operators include:
- counterbalance forklift operators: as a forklift operator, you operate counterbalance forklifts, which are popular in indoor warehouses. The machine usually has forks and weight in the front to counterbalance the load. You manoeuvre the forklift to lift and move loads around indoor storage areas.
- telescopic forklift operators: a telescopic forklift has the utility features of a crane and the manoeuvrability of a forklift. Since the forklift has an arm that extends from a retracted position, the operator can unload cargo in tight spaces at odd angles.
- warehouse forklift operators: as a forklift operator, you work in storage facilities and warehouses to load and offload medium-sized pallets and heavy loads. You can work indoors, arranging items on shelves or removing items from delivery trucks.
- construction forklift operators: as a forklift operator, you can work on construction sites operating forklifts. Your job is to lift loads to high heights and move construction materials around the site.
working as a forklift operator
If you are excited about working as a forklift operator, check out the duties and responsibilities of a forklift operator.
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what does a forklift operator do?
Some of the duties of a forklift operator include:
- transporting materials to different locations: as a forklift operator, your main responsibility is to operate a forklift that moves materials from one location to another. For instance, you lift materials from loading docks to storage shelves.
- manoeuvring forklifts safely: as a forklift operator, you operate forklifts in busy industrial environments. You manoeuvre forklifts in a warehouse or construction site and ensure you don't knock items lying around the site.
- stacking and unstacking goods: your job is to stack and unstack goods from shelves in a warehouse during loading and offloading. You offload deliveries from trucks and safely move them to the designated storage areas. You also remove goods from shelves and put them on delivery trucks.
- preparing merchandise for shipping: as a forklift operator, you package and prepare materials for shipping. For instance, you wrap pallets, prepare skids of products and lift the items to the forklift for lifting. The preparation of the items minimizes the risk of damaging them during shipping.
- removing obstructions from forklift operation areas: before you operate a forklift, you clear the pathways to avoid damaging items or causing accidents. If your view is obscured when operating the forklift, you should request other workers to help you manoeuvre the environment.
- maintaining forklift equipment: as a forklift operator, you regularly check the equipment for faults or damages. You also clean the forklift and lubricate moving parts to ensure they function properly. Regular maintenance keeps the forklifts in good working condition.
- ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations: as a forklift operator, you ensure the team adheres to safety regulations in the warehouse or construction site. You also adhere to the safety policies by wearing personal protective equipment and reporting safety issues.
- maintaining workspaces: as a forklift operator, you are expected to keep the workspaces clean and organized. Cleaning the work environment helps you maneuver easily with your machines. After work, you pick up the garbage and park the forklift in its designated space.
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work environment of a forklift operator
Forklift operators work in indoor and outdoor environments, but some have jobs strictly inside or outside a building. You work indoors in warehouses or storage rooms that may be climate-controlled. You also go outside to transport loads to areas like docks, construction sites or loading stations. Typically, you can expect a blue-collar work environment with lots of physical labour and equipment operation. However, you perform certain tasks inside an office building.
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who are your colleagues?
As a forklift operator, you work on construction sites alongside construction project managers, labourers, drivers and site managers. You work with production supervisors and factory managers when moving items from production lines to the warehouse. As a forklift operator, you also work with warehouse associates and sales associates to organize the delivery of items to customers.
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forklift operator work schedule
Since transport is a round-the-clock industry, forklift operators work almost any time. You often work fairly long shifts of around nine or more hours a day — or 44 to 46 hours a week. Most warehouses are 24-hour facilities, where drivers' shifts are staggered throughout the day. You sometimes work overnight or on weekends to prepare shipments going out early in the morning.
If you work for a store or another business with traditional work hours, there is a chance you only work from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays. However, many businesses prefer staffing forklift operators when customers are absent since the equipment is bulky and noisy. Most forklift operators are full-time workers, although some part-time work is available for trainees and interns. Typically, there are numerous overtime opportunities, especially when the team is rushing to fulfil larger orders.
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career opportunities as a forklift operator
As a forklift operator, you have many opportunities for career growth. For instance, you can improve your skills and become a material handler or take up supervisory roles in the warehouse and become a warehouse manager or factory supervisor. With specialized skills, you can become a site manager. Some forklift operators specialize in maintenance functions and become maintenance technicians.
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advantages of finding a job as a forklift operator through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
forklift operator skills and education
Some of the requirements for becoming a forklift operator include:
- educational qualifications: enrol in a forklift operator course after completing secondary school education. The course usually involves lectures and hands-on practice of forklift operations. When you complete the training, complete a practical test to be certified. You can get the certification after the test, but you should renew the certificate every few years.
- experience: to work as a forklift operator, you require extensive experience. You can gain experience through on-the-job training and internships. Some companies usually train forklift operators before work commences.
competencies and characteristics of forklift operators
Some of the skills of a forklift operator include:
- physical skills: you need good spatial awareness and to accurately judge distances and speeds. Strong hand-eye coordination can make it easier to operate a forklift. For most jobs, you need physical fitness. Although the machines handle a lot of heavy lifting, you carry heavy objects, walk around, crouch or climb. You should be comfortable working in hot, cold or physically intense climates.
- mental skills: the job is highly physical, but you need mental skills as a forklift operator. It is important to have basic analytical knowledge to keep track of inventory and records. Forklift operator roles require self-motivation to handle tasks without constant supervision. You should also remember and follow safety guidelines. You do repetitive and physically demanding tasks without slipping up and forgetting to pay attention to details.
- computer skills: learning and using standard inventory and order fulfilment software in most workplaces is useful. Your computer skills help you operate computer systems for tracking inventory and managing deliveries of materials and goods.
FAQs about forklift operator jobs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a forklift operator.
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what does a forklift operator do?
Forklift operators are responsible for transporting goods from one location to another. You move goods around warehouses, industrial sites and construction sites. You also unload deliveries from trucks and stack boxes for storage purposes.
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how much do forklift operators make?
As a forklift operator, you earn an average salary of $37,050 annually. When you are new in the role, you earn an entry-level salary of $33,616 per year. As you improve your experience and qualifications, your earnings increase to $46,800 yearly.
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what do you require to be a forklift operator?
While operating a forklift in Canada doesn't require a licence, you need certification. Complete a training program to attain a certification and operate the equipment. You also require experience and on-the-job training.
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what is the difference between a forklift driver and a forklift operator?
A forklift operator is usually considered a forklift driver since they are logistical workers who operate industrial vehicles. To work as a forklift operator, you require a driver’s licence to operate machinery.
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what skills do you require to work as a forklift operator?
As a forklift operator, you require good spatial awareness to manoeuvre the equipment on the construction sites. You also need physical skills to move heavy items.
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how do I find a job as a forklift operator?
Finding a job near you as a forklift operator is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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