What Does a Forklift Operator Do?
A forklift operator is responsible for moving materials safely and efficiently using powered industrial trucks. This includes loading and unloading freight, transporting items to storage or production areas, and organizing goods in warehouses or distribution centers. Operators must follow detailed instructions, maintain equipment, and inspect loads to ensure proper balance and safe transport.
Forklift operators play a critical role in keeping supply chains and operations running smoothly. They work closely with warehouse teams, shipping departments, and inventory systems to track materials and minimize handling errors. The job demands strong attention to safety, especially in high-traffic or fast-paced environments where coordination and awareness are essential.
Looking to Hire a Forklift Operator?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Forklift Operator Core Responsibilities
- Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, or other industrial vehicles to move materials
- Load and unload goods from trucks, containers, or shelves
- Inspect forklifts before and after use to ensure operational safety
- Track and document material movement using scanners or inventory systems
- Stack and organize products in warehouses or staging areas
- Report equipment malfunctions or workplace hazards to supervisors
- Follow all OSHA safety standards and facility procedures
- Assist with general warehouse duties when not operating equipment
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in operating forklifts (sit-down, stand-up, reach truck, etc.)
- Familiarity with basic inventory systems and scanning devices
- Understanding of load limits, weight distribution, and safety standards
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and spatial awareness
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented work ethic
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- OSHA Forklift Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing setting
- Experience handling hazardous materials or operating in cold storage environments
- Familiarity with RF scanners or WMS platforms
National Average Salary
Forklift operator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Forklift Operator is:
$41,230
Sample Job Description Templates for Forklift Operators
Entry-Level Forklift Operator
Position Overview
We are hiring an Entry-Level Forklift Operator to support basic material handling tasks in a warehouse or distribution setting. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking to begin a career in logistics while gaining hands-on training and equipment experience under the guidance of certified operators.
Responsibilities
- Assist with loading, unloading, and staging materials
- Move pallets and supplies using pallet jacks or forklifts under supervision
- Follow verbal and written instructions for inventory movement
- Complete basic daily equipment inspections
- Maintain cleanliness and order in assigned work zones
- Support warehouse team in non-driving tasks when not operating equipment
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with warehouse equipment and safety rules
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods
Soft skills
- Eager to learn and follow safety protocols
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Strong attention to instructions and surroundings
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- Willingness to obtain OSHA Forklift Certification (required before independent operation)
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous warehouse or general labor experience helpful but not required
Certified Forklift Operator
Position Overview
We are seeking a Certified Forklift Operator to move goods efficiently and safely throughout our warehouse. This role is responsible for operating various types of forklifts, maintaining inventory accuracy, and supporting inbound and outbound shipments in compliance with OSHA standards.
Responsibilities
- Load, unload, and transport materials using sit-down and/or stand-up forklifts
- Perform pre-shift equipment checks and report mechanical issues
- Use RF scanners to update inventory systems
- Stack and organize materials in racking or staging areas
- Safely maneuver around high-traffic warehouse zones
- Support order picking, packing, and staging tasks as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Ability to operate certified powered industrial trucks (e.g., pallet jack, reach truck)
- Familiarity with WMS or inventory tracking tools
- Understanding of load balance, speed limits, and aisle clearance
Soft skills
- Attention to safety and surrounding activity
- Consistent work habits and punctuality
- Problem-solving mindset in fast-paced environments
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- OSHA Forklift Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ years of forklift operating experience in a warehouse or industrial setting
Senior Forklift Operator
Position Overview
We are hiring a Senior Forklift Operator to support high-volume material movement and assist with shift coordination. This role requires expertise in operating multiple types of lift trucks and plays a key role in maintaining safety, speed, and accuracy in warehouse workflows.
Responsibilities
- Operate sit-down, stand-up, and reach forklifts for complex or high-priority tasks
- Support inventory management and location transfers
- Coach junior forklift operators on safe driving and load handling
- Identify potential equipment issues or workflow delays
- Monitor dock operations and ensure timely movement of shipments
- Assist warehouse leads with documentation and shift planning
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience operating multiple forklift models
- Strong knowledge of warehouse inventory flow and staging
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment or process issues
Soft skills
- Reliable, proactive, and safety-focused
- Able to mentor others and support a team-oriented culture
- Effective communicator with leads and shift supervisors
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- OSHA Forklift Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of forklift experience
- Experience supporting large or high-throughput facilities
Forklift Lead
Position Overview
We are looking for a Forklift Lead to oversee day-to-day forklift operations and ensure equipment and safety protocols are followed across shifts. This role coordinates the team, assigns tasks, and serves as the go-to resource for warehouse floor safety and performance.
Responsibilities
- Assign forklift tasks and monitor team productivity
- Enforce safety rules and equipment checklists
- Work with warehouse supervisors to align forklift operations with outbound and inbound targets
- Review logs and ensure proper documentation of load movements
- Report performance concerns and support operator training
- Handle escalations involving inventory discrepancies or safety issues
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with all site-specific forklifts and warehouse software
- Scheduling or crew coordination experience
- Knowledge of OSHA and site safety protocols
Soft skills
- Leadership and task delegation skills
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Detail-oriented and responsive under pressure
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- OSHA Forklift Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience operating forklifts
- Experience in a lead or supervisory position
Forklift Trainer/Safety Coordinator
Position Overview
We are hiring a Forklift Trainer and Safety Coordinator to develop and deliver training for new and existing operators, enforce OSHA compliance, and maintain a safe working environment across warehouse operations. This role ensures that all powered industrial truck operators meet certification requirements and follow safety protocols consistently.
Responsibilities
- Conduct training sessions and evaluations for new forklift operators
- Maintain training records and certification compliance logs
- Observe daily forklift operations and provide corrective coaching
- Perform safety audits of equipment, traffic patterns, and warehouse layout
- Report and investigate forklift-related incidents or near misses
- Partner with safety managers to update policies and improve protocols
- Oversee forklift fleet maintenance schedules and inspections
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of OSHA 1910.178 standards for powered industrial trucks
- Experience developing and delivering hands-on training
- Familiarity with safety inspection checklists and reporting processes
Soft skills
- Confident communicator and instructor
- Commitment to a safety-first culture
- Organized and proactive in enforcing compliance
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- OSHA Forklift Trainer Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as a forklift operator
- Prior experience in safety, training, or warehouse compliance