As a forklift operator you are focussed on safely operating heavy equipment, and other machines within a warehouse or industrial setting. Your safety is a prime concern. Your main task is to move, locate, track, and load merchandise. You may be required to load and unload trucks. Some roles require you to have a customer service function and participate in inventory management.
Forklift operator jobs are typically full-time positions within a warehouse. Some roles may be part-time or casual positions. You will report to a shift supervisor or warehouse manager to get a list of your tasks to be completed for your shift. Shifts last between 8 and 12 hours and they can be all hours of the day including weekends.
Forklift operators have a number of career opportunities available to them once they gain enough experience in the role. You can move on to work on more sophisticated forklifts and machinery in a warehouse setting. You could take on shift supervisor or warehouse supervisor roles. With ample training and education you could move into a management position in distribution or shipping and receiving.
The average salary for a forklift operator in Calgary is over $20 per hour. Starting positions offer an hourly salary of about $17.50 per hour. With multiple years experience you can make over $23 per hour in this role. Below is an overview of salary for forklift operators in Calgary.
annual: $42,224
monthly: $3,248
weekly: $812
hourly: $20.30
lowest salary: $17.50 per hour
average salary: $20.30 per hour
highest salary: $23.40 per hour
junior salary: $17.50-$19.20 per hour
intermediate salary: $18.60-$22.40 per hour
senior salary: $20.80-$23.40 per hour
Forklift operators have a few main responsibilities. You have to maintain a safe work environment and ensure all products are moved and stored safely in the right location. Here is a list of your daily tasks:
A reliable forklift operator is always in demand. There are a variety of different companies in many different industries that use forklift operators to assist with operations. Most associate forklift rules with warehousing, supply chain, transportation, and retail. However you can also find forklift jobs in construction, supply yards, and many other industries.
Forklift operators must be skilled and experienced drivers. You need to know all facets of forklift operations. You need to have good physical stamina and be hard working. You should have these skills:
The most important qualification for forklift operators is having proper certification and experience. Most employers will require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional health and safety training is an asset.