Forklift Operators move, load, unload, stack, and track materials across warehouses, factories, docks, and construction sites, keeping products flowing safely and on time. Hiring teams often struggle to capture safety expectations, certification needs, and shift details clearly in a concise posting. This practical guide provides copy-ready sections, responsibilities, and examples to build a standout Forklift operator job description.
Forklift Operator Duties and Responsibilities
Material Handling and Equipment Operation
- Operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts to move goods between receiving, storage, production, and shipping areas.
- Load and unload materials from trucks and trailers; position pallets safely in assigned bays.
- Transport raw materials to workstations and return finished goods to staging areas.
- Use pallet jacks, reach trucks, cherry pickers, and related material handling equipment as needed.
- Secure loads, verify pallet stability, and ensure proper wrapping/shrink-wrapping prior to movement.
Inventory Control and Documentation
- Verify, label, scan, and track inventory using RF scanners and/or a warehouse management system (WMS).
- Complete basic shipping/receiving documentation (e.g., manifests, bills of lading) as directed.
- Support put-away, picking, packing, order staging, and trailer loading tasks.
- Rotate stock using FIFO and assist with cycle counts and inventory audits.
- Report shortages, damage, or quality issues to supervisors and Quality Assurance.
Safety and Compliance
- Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and complete OSHA-required daily checks.
- Follow company policies, facility traffic rules, and legal/OSHA safety guidelines at all times.
- Maintain safe speeds, clear visibility, and proper fork positioning; use required PPE.
- Keep aisles and work areas clean, orderly, and free of hazards.
- Immediately report hazards, near misses, and equipment defects.
Maintenance and Housekeeping
- Conduct basic cleaning and minor upkeep of forklifts; check batteries, fuel, and fluid levels.
- Document and escalate mechanical issues for repair; remove unsafe equipment from service.
- Maintain cleanliness of charging/fueling stations and surrounding work zones.
Production and Cross-Functional Support
- Coordinate material flow with Shipping/Receiving, Warehouse, and Production teams.
- Align handling activities to production schedules and outbound shipping windows.
- Assist with dock operations and yard organization as assigned.
Specialized and Industry-Specific Tasks
- Handle hazardous materials according to procedures and labeling requirements where applicable.
- Weigh and record product weights; verify counts and packaging integrity.
- Operate in cold storage or temperature-controlled environments when required.
Forklift Operator Job Description Example
Job Title: Forklift Operator
Location: Kansas City, MO
About Us:
At Company X, safety, teamwork, and reliability drive everything we do. We support customers across distribution and manufacturing with a safety-first culture, clear processes, and opportunities to grow skills and careers.
Role Overview:
We’re seeking a certified Forklift Operator to move, load/unload, and store materials efficiently and accurately across our facility. You will complete pre-shift inspections, use RF scanners/WMS, and coordinate with Warehouse, Shipping/Receiving, and Production to keep products flowing safely and on time.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate sit-down/stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, and reach trucks to handle inbound, put-away, picking, and outbound tasks.
- Load/unload trucks; secure and wrap pallets; stack goods in assigned bays.
- Scan and track inventory; complete basic documentation (e.g., manifests, bills of lading) as directed.
- Rotate stock (FIFO), stage orders, and support cycle counts and inventory audits.
- Perform OSHA-required pre-shift equipment checks; report and remove unsafe equipment from service.
- Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area; follow facility traffic rules and PPE requirements.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent; valid forklift certification (OSHA-compliant).
- Experience operating sit-down and/or stand-up forklifts in warehouse or manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with RF scanners/WMS and basic shipping/receiving paperwork.
- Strong hand–eye coordination, attention to detail, and safety-first mindset.
- Effective communication; able to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical Requirements:
- Able to stand for extended periods and lift/move packages as required by the role.
- Comfort working around moving equipment; may include cold storage or outdoor docks.
Work Hours & Benefits:
- Full-time shifts; occasional overtime based on demand.
- Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
- Opportunities for training, cross-skilling, and advancement.
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a safety-focused team that values reliability, respect, and growth.
- Make a measurable impact on throughput, accuracy, and on-time shipping.
- Apply today to help us move the business forward—safely and efficiently.
Copy Job Posting
Copied!Forklift Operator Job Brief Example
A Job Brief is a short, engaging summary of a role, highlighting its purpose, impact, and key responsibilities—used to attract candidates.
Use this job brief example and update it for your forklift operator job post.
Forklift Operator Overview
At [Company X], we rely on skilled Forklift Operators to keep materials moving safely and accurately across our warehouse and production areas. In this role, you’ll load/unload trailers, move and store goods, use RF scanners/WMS to track inventory, and perform pre-shift equipment inspections. You’ll collaborate with Shipping/Receiving, Warehouse, and Production teams to support on-time orders and steady production flow. The ideal candidate is certified, safety-minded, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and occasional overtime.
Copy Overview
Copied!Salary Outlook for Forklift Operator
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports pay data for industrial truck and tractor operators. Use current BLS figures for your market and industry segment to set a transparent range that improves applicant conversion.
How Pay Varies by State
Average industrial truck and tractor operator wages (selected states) — source: BLS (2023)| State | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|
| California | $48,550 | $23.34/hr |
| Texas | $42,810 | $20.58/hr |
| Florida | ≈ $43,350 | ≈ $20.85/hr (est.) |
| New York | ≈ $46,600 | ≈ $22.40/hr (est.) |
| Illinois | ≈ $45,180 | ≈ $21.73/hr (est.) |
| Ohio | $45,100 | $21.68/hr |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
FAQ
What should a strong forklift operator job summary include?
Keep it to 3–5 lines covering scope (load/unload, move, stack, track), equipment (sit-down/stand-up forklifts; RF/WMS), setting (warehouse, production, docks), and your safety-first culture and shift structure.
Which certifications should I list as requirements?
Ask for a valid, OSHA-compliant forklift certification and a high school diploma or equivalent. Include any site-specific permits (e.g., stand-up reach, cherry picker) and a driver’s license if required.
How do I describe physical demands clearly and compliantly?
State realistic, essential requirements (e.g., standing for extended periods; lifting/moving items per job needs; working in cold storage or outdoor docks) without referencing non-essential traits.
How can I tailor the posting for stand-up or specialty equipment?
Specify the primary equipment (stand-up reach, narrow aisle, high-bay) in the summary and responsibilities. Add any height, environment, or attachment experience necessary for your operation.
What safety language should I include?
Reference a safety-first culture, daily pre-shift inspections, PPE, facility traffic rules, OSHA compliance, hazard reporting, and removing unsafe equipment from service.
Which KPIs or objectives are appropriate to mention?
Connect responsibilities to outcomes: accurate counts and documentation, safe load handling, on-time staging/shipping, adherence to FIFO, and minimal damage or incidents.
What shift and scheduling details attract more applicants?
List shift patterns (day/swing/night), overtime expectations, weekend/holiday rotation if applicable, and any shift differentials. Transparency reduces drop-off and mismatches.
How do I differentiate a Forklift Operator from a Material Handler in the JD?
Emphasize certified powered industrial truck operation, inspections, and safe high-bay stacking for Forklift Operators, while Material Handlers may focus more on manual moves, packing, and general warehouse tasks.
What benefits information should I include?
Summarize medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plans, training/certification reimbursement, and any safety or attendance incentives.
How can I make my JD more inclusive and appealing?
Use clear, neutral language; focus on essential skills and training provided; include pay transparency and growth opportunities; and describe your safety and coaching culture.
