39 jobs found for Forklift Driver

all about forklift driver jobs

Successful forklift drivers are efficient, responsible, and know how to take care of the machinery they work with. You need to deliver results efficiently and safely in this physically demanding role. The main objective of your role is to locate, move, stack, and count merchandise. From a large picture perspective, you help companies get their products where they need to be, when they need them, to support sales.

If you are looking for a job as a forklift driver, Randstad Canada can help you with your job search. Contact us to get your search started.

what forklift driver jobs entail

Forklift driver jobs vary. They can be full time, part time, or contract positions. Shiftwork is common: weekends, evenings, and night shifts may be necessary. You may work in a warehouse, dockyard, factory, construction site or wherever products or equipment are stored on pallets or stacked on industrial shelving and need to be moved.
As part of your job, you follow all health and safety guidelines, ensuring your forklift and other machinery is working efficiently. You wear safety equipment as necessary. In most cases, you will report to the warehouse manager or shift foreman.

average forklift driver salaries

Forklift driver salaries in Canada vary widely based on where you live and your level of experience.

Starting rates can range from $11.75 per hour at the lower end up to $18 per hour. The average wage for forklift drivers with 3 years of experience can reach $20 per hour, and up to $25 per hour for drivers with more than 5 years of experience. Your highest earning potential is found in Alberta.

your day to day tasks

As a forklift driver, you’re responsible for moving, locating, stacking and counting merchandise. You’re accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the equipment. Your day-to-day tasks include:

• loading and unloading shipments, supplies and merchandise
• performing quality control checks
• order picking and inventory control
• loading and unloading trucks
• equipment maintenance
• checking the status of orders
• cleaning up and keeping work areas and equipment clean
• ensuring a safe work environment

where you can work

There are opportunities for forklift drivers across Canada at companies in industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and retail services. Forklift drivers are needed for small businesses to large national companies. Jobs are commonly found in areas of the country with a strong manufacturing or retail sector.

what you bring to the table

Forklift drivers need to be comfortable working in a warehouse environment and be effective at taking direction and completing appropriate paperwork to maintain effective inventory management. Skills forklift drivers need include:

• aptitude for operating heavy equipment
• organization and time management
• focus on safety
• ability to lift 50 lbs. or more
• manual dexterity
• accuracy and attention to detail
• inventory management
• teamwork / ability to work with others
• experience with health and safety

training and certifications

At a minimum, you’re required to have a high school diploma to qualify for forklift driver positions. A workplace safety certification and a forklift operation certificate are required. Some provinces or organizations may require additional certifications depending on the role and type of forklift being operated.

Employers commonly require a minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with forklifts. Some companies are willing to train employees who show eagerness and aptitude in other jobs. Additional training and certification will be required as your career progresses.

where your career is headed

In terms of career growth, forklift drivers can be trained on larger, more complex machinery or be promoted to roles with a supervisory element. Some drivers move into health and safety, or to other roles within the organization.

Are you exploring your career options as a forklift driver? Randstad can help you. Find out how we can help with your job search.