Forklift operators play a key role in helping companies move goods, materials and supplies around the warehouse or construction site. Your job is to operate your equipment efficiently and safely. Some of the main duties of a forklift operator include tracking inventory, reporting damaged and missing items, and providing assistance to others within the warehouse. Loading and unloading trucks is a key part of your job. It is a physically demanding role that will require you to stand or sit for long periods of time. You will be required to renew your forklift training and prioritize health and safety at all times.
Similar to many other manufacturing and warehouse roles, forklift operators will work shifts. You can expect to work shifts between 8 to 12 hours in length and they can run around the clock. Some overtime hours may also be required during peak times of the year. As a physically demanding role you’ll be expected to sit or stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects. You will receive instructions from a manager or supervisor.
Most forklift operators are focused on gaining more experience and having the ability to work on more complex machinery. Some have aspirations to work in more senior positions within the warehouse. You could have the opportunity to work as an operations manager or facility supervisor with additional training.
Forklift operators working in Scarborough and surrounding areas typically make a higher wage than in other cities. You can expect an average salary of more than $21 per hour. This is about $45,000 annually. You can make over $25 per hour once you gain more experience in the role.
annual: $44,928
monthly: $3,456
weekly: $864
hourly: $21.60
lowest salary: $18.10 per hour
average salary: $21.60 per hour
highest salary: $25.20 per hour
junior salary: $18.10-$21.20 per hour
intermediate salary: $20.10-$23.10 per hour
senior salary: $22.20-$25.20
Your responsibilities as a forklift driver will vary based on your employer. Some may require you to only operate your forklift to move items around the warehouse or job site. Other employers may require you to have a more detailed role. Here are some of the tasks that are part of your job.
There’s no shortage of companies that require the use of forklift operators. You can work in a manufacturing or warehouse environment. You may also work in a retail or distribution center environment. There’s also a lot of manufacturing and industrial companies that require forklift operators. You’ll have ample opportunity to find work in the area.
Employers are looking for operators who can maintain a safe and well organized jobsite. Working as a forklift operator requires you to have these skills and abilities:
Forklift operators are required to have the necessary training and certification. You may require specialized certification if you operate a more complex piece of machinery. Employers prefer you to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training may be required.