Work Environment
The work environment for an operator can vary any where from an industrial complex to an agricultural farm. Manufacturing accounts for more than 30% of all forklift operator jobs followed by transportation and wholesale trade. Because a forklift operator must work with heavy loads on a daily basis, they must follow safety procedures and practice proper use of the equipment.
Forklift operators often work a minimum of eight-hour shifts, but working hours can vary based on the company, industry and the type of materials needed to be transported. Many forklift operators work 2nd or 3rd shifts in facilities with 24-hour operations and overnight shipments.
Job Training
While some companies provide on-the-job training for operators, other businesses may require the applicants to have certification that demonstrates that they have completed proper training on forklift operation and safety. Online courses are available while local community colleges also offer instruction as well. On-site courses typical can last a day up to several weeks depending on the schedule. Topics covered in training include steering, maneuvering, vehicle safety and maintenance. Upon finishing an onsite or online course, a certificate of completion and an operator’s license is given to the student.
Some companies also require that fork lift operators earn OSHA safety certification before being allowed to use any vehicle. OSHA certification covers government safety guidelines for both companies and forklift operators in the use of such vehicles, and is included as part of the training of many on-site forklift certification courses. Finally, a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license is also a minimum requirement for job applicants.
Job Outlook
As of 2010, 522,000 people held industrial truck operator jobs in the United States. According to recent government reports, the job outlook for forklift operators will remain steady with overall growth in new positions projected to increase by 12% through 2020 to approximately 600,000 jobs. This will be largely due to increased building of new manufacturing plants and warehouses used store materials and merchandise.
Pay Range
The average pay range for operators falls is $12 – $14 an hour or $15,000 – $33,000 yearly salary. In addition to vehicle operation, jobs may require applicants to be able to manually lift up to 50 pounds and handle additional responsibilities in the company such as maintenance, and customer service. This pay range is expected to remain constant over the next few years.
Forklift operators review their job position as fast-paced and rewarding. If you are currently seeking employment as an operator, please submit your resume to the Human Resources Department at 123Forklift (E-mail: [email protected] ). We can assist you in finding a new position in the USA and Canada.
Jessica Howle works with hundreds of used forklift dealerships to increase their client base and revenue through competitive marketing campaigns. Her website provides resources for both buyers and sellers.