Forklift operators play an important role in helping operations run smoothly. Your role is to operate heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner. You will make sure that supplies, materials and merchandise are moved, stacked, and placed in the appropriate location within the warehouse or on the yard. You may also be required to fill customer orders, load and unload trucks, and provide customer service on occasion.
Forklift operators will spend the majority of their shift either standing or sitting in their machine. Most jobs are full-time, but there are also some part-time positions available. Additional hours may be required during the busy season. Shifts can be between eight and 12 hours. Some evenings and weekends may be required if your employer operates 24 hours a day.
With enough experience, forklift operators can move into more senior positions operating more sophisticated forklift machinery. You could also move into supervisor roles within shipping, receiving, and warehousing. With additional training and education you could move into roles such as warehouse manager or distribution manager.
Forklift operators working in Etobicoke and surrounding areas can make close to $48,000 per year. This is one of the highest average salaries for the position in the region. On average you will make $23 per hour. With ample experience you can make $26 per hour or more.
annual: $47,840
monthly: $3,680
weekly: $920
hourly: $23
lowest salary: $20 per hour
average salary: $23 per hour
highest salary: $26 per hour
junior salary: $20-$22.90 per hour
intermediate salary: $21.40-$25.50 per hour
senior salary: $23.60-$26 per hour
Forklift operators are responsible for moving and locating items around the workspace. You need to operate safely and ensure all products are where they should be. Here is a list of your day to day tasks:
Forklift operators work in a variety of different settings. You will find most roles in retail, warehousing, and in other industrial settings. It’s not uncommon to work on construction sites, loading docks, and even on supply yards.
As a forklift operator you are required to have experience operating a forklift and other similar equipment. You have a good work ethic and take directions well. Here are some of the top skills you will need to be successful in this role:
Forklift operators are required to have a high-school diploma to qualify for these positions. You also need to have experience driving a forklift. Depending on the company they may provide you with a forklift certification.