An important part of any warehouse operation, forklift operator jobs are in demand. A forklift operator uses machinery in order to move products or equipment. They typically work in a warehouse or factory environment. They are responsible for ensuring their machine is used safely and in compliance with appropriate codes. They are also responsible for making sure that the forklift is in good working condition and any needed repairs are completed.
As a forklift operator you could find yourself working indoors, outdoors, or a combination. You will spend the majority of your shift loading and unloading trucks and moving pallets around. It’s a physically demanding job that can require you to work up to 12 hour shifts. You could be scheduled to work around the clock depending on how your employer operates.
Forklift operators most commonly move on to work on larger or more specialized lifts or machinery in the future. There is also the possibility to get into other warehousing or construction related roles, such as heavy machinery operations.
Employers in Edmonton pay forklift operators between $18 and $24 per hour. Your salary will increase as you gain more experience. Here is a breakdown of the salary scale for forklift operators:
annual: $42,640
monthly: $3,280
weekly: $820
hourly: $20.50
lowest salary: $17.80 per hour
average salary: $20.50 per hour
highest salary: $23.80 per hour
junior salary: $17.80-$19.40 per hour
intermediate salary: $18.70-$22.50 per hour
senior salary: $20.80-$23.80 per hour
Forklift operators work in conjunction with other warehouse and team members to ensure operations run smoothly. Here are the top responsibilities for this job:
Forklift operators most commonly work in a warehouse. But you can also find many roles in factories, manufacturing facilities, retailers, distribution centres and construction companies.
In addition to having a forklift licence, you will be required to have the following soft skills:
Forklift operators are required to have previous experience and be fully licenced to operate a forklift. Additional requirements can include high school education or equivalent.