Forklift operators are tasked with safely operating heavy equipment and machinery in a warehouse or an industrial setting. You will spend a lot of your shift on your feet and performing physical labour. Your job will involve moving inventory, materials, supplies and other things around the workspace. Loading and unloading trucks is a big part of your role. You may also be required to do inventory management and provide customer service.
Forklift operators report to a shift supervisor. You will receive your instructions for the day. These jobs are physically demanding as you’ll spend most of your time operating your forklift. Most positions are full-time. But some can be part-time positions. You will operate in shifts of 8 to 12 hours. These shifts can be on days, evenings, weekends, or nights.
Forklift operators have the opportunity to work in a variety of different roles. Once you gain enough experience you can move on to other equipment, or work as a supervisor. It’s also common for forklift operators to aspire to work in the supply chain, shipping, receiving, or distribution management side of the business.
Forklift operators in Saint-Laurent can make about $40,000 per year. Hourly this works out to about $19. On the top end of the salary scale you can make $22 per hour. Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations based on where you are in your career.
annual: $39,520
monthly: $3,040
weekly: $760
hourly: $19
lowest salary: $17 per hour
average salary: $19 per hour
highest salary: $22 per hour
junior salary: $17-$19 per hour
intermediate salary: $18-$20 per hour
senior salary: $19-$22 per hour
All forklift operator jobs share a number of similar daily tasks that make up the job. You are required to move products to their corresponding location and keep the work area safe. Your responsibilities include the following:
Forklift operators can work for a variety of different companies in a lot of different industries. Industrial and manufacturing settings are common so are warehousing and retail. It’s also common to work in a factory, storage facility or supply yard and on loading docks. Some roles may be outdoors or a combination of indoor-outdoor.
Reliable forklift drivers are in demand. Hiring companies are looking for experienced operators who work hard, safely, and efficiently. Here are the top skills you should have as a forklift operator:
Forklift operators must be fully trained and licensed to operate the equipment they’re being hired to drive. You also need a high school diploma. Additional training and experience in related roles is an asset. Employers will provide additional training for the specific type of equipment you will use.