What does a forklift operator do
Forklift operators are responsible for moving and transporting goods and materials. The sites where forklift operators commonly work include warehouses, timber yards, shipping terminals and factories. Using different kinds of forklift trucks, they stack, unstack or shift various items, such as bulk materials, creates, palletised goods, cartons, containers and bales. They must be able to work efficiently while being aware of safety issues, such as ensuring that any loads are evenly spread and secured on the forklift to minimise the risk of an accident.
Forklift operator skills and qualifications
To be successful, forklift operators must be able to drive forklifts safely and transport goods under time pressure. This means they must have a strong awareness of the procedures required to operate forklifts safely. Other essential skills and qualifications include:
- A currently valid high-risk work licence (LF or LO forklift licence)
- Flexibility with work hours and a willingness to work shifts
- Basic computer skills and an ability to use warehouse management applications
- Ability to coordinate work with others
- Ability to safely move heavy items up to 25 kilograms
Forklift operator experience requirements
Many employers prefer forklift operators to have previous experience working in a warehouse, preferably with forklift driving experience. An ideal candidate would have at least one or two years’ experience as a forklift operator. It’s common for forklift operators to have prior experience in logistics environments, for example, as a warehouse assistant.
Forklift operator education and training requirements
Forklift operators must hold a valid forklift licence, which is a type of high-risk work licence (HRWL). They can have either an LF or LO forklift licence, or both. These allow them to operate different types of forklifts. To attain a licence, forklift operators must be at least 18 years of age and must complete a forklift training course at a registered training organisation. Most employers also prefer candidates to have a Year 10 high school education as a minimum. Vocational qualifications, such as a Certificate II, III or IV in Warehousing Operations, will make candidates highly employable.
Forklift operator salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a forklift operator job in Australia is $30.88 per hour. This pay rate may be dependent on factors such as how much experience the person has, the industry they work in and the geographic location of their employer.
Job description samples for similar positions
If this job description template for a forklift operator role doesn’t match your requirements, here are some templates for similar roles:
Forklift operator job description FAQs
What qualities make a good forklift operator?
A good forklift operator has strong technical skills and a solid understanding of the machinery they use. Basic maths skills are important, as they may need to calculate loads and understand the amounts on a bill of lading. Other important qualities are a commitment to safety, good communication skills, flexibility and reliability. A good forklift operator must be able to adapt to the constantly changing priorities in a fast-paced logistics environment. Getting to work on time and meeting deadlines is also incredibly important, as unreliable forklift operators can disrupt the entire supply chain.
Do forklift operators need a driver’s licence to operate a forklift?
Generally, the answer is no, forklift operators are not required to hold a driver’s licence to operate a forklift in Australia. However, if the forklift is driven on a public road or in a public space, the driver must have a valid driver’s licence and the forklift must be registered, i.e. it must have number plates.
What is the difference between a forklift operator and a warehouse assistant?
Warehouse assistants often also drive forklifts. However, they usually perform a broader range of tasks in warehouses than forklift operators. In addition to forklift driving, daily tasks for a warehouse assistant may include anything from picking, packing and dispatching customer orders to tracking inventory, stocking shelves or maintaining the cleanliness of a warehouse. In comparison, driving a forklift is a core part of a forklift driver’s role and other tasks, such as tracking inventory and helping with packing, tend to take up much less of their time.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
