How to hire a fork lift mechanic

How to hire a fork lift mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step fork lift mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a fork lift mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new fork lift mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a fork lift mechanic, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect fork lift mechanic also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of fork lift mechanic salaries for various roles:

   Type of Fork Lift Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Fork Lift Mechanic	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$12-25
   Warehouse Machine Operator	Warehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines... Show more	$12-19
   Cherry Picker Operator	Cherry pickers perform a safe and efficient operation of motorized lift vehicles in pulling customer order-based products. The cherry pickers manage different warehouse operating systems and associates to support processing and internal order logistics... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Fork-Lift
   • OSHA
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Pallets
   • ANSI
   • Destructive Testing
   • Load Trucks
   • Diesel Engines
   • Torches
   • Mechanical Problems
   • Electrical Systems
   • Repair Manuals
   • Trouble Shoot

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Complete all repairs and maintenance to company and ANSI standards.
   • Pick orders from order sheet, put items on pallets, and deliver them to the trailers using a forklift
   • Move pallets and stacking.-Computer proficient-Strong Microsoft XP knowledge-communicate well with others as a team or individually.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your fork lift mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A fork lift mechanic can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, fork lift mechanics' average salary in tennessee is 45% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level fork lift mechanics 50% less than senior-level fork lift mechanics.
   • Certifications. A fork lift mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a fork lift mechanic's salary.

   Average fork lift mechanic salary

   $39,082yearly

   $18.79 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level fork lift mechanic salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 17, 2026

4. Writing a fork lift mechanic job description

   A fork lift mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a fork lift mechanic job description:

   Fork lift mechanic job description example

   **Create Your Experience of a Lifetime!**
   
   Come work and play in the mountains! Whether it's your first time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-discovering!) a passion for the outdoors while building lifelong connections with teammates and guests from around the world.
   
   With 40+ resorts across 3 continents, you can join our team for a season or stay to build a career. From day one, you'll receive some of the highest compensation rates in the industry, free Epic pass(es) along with free ski and snowboard lessons, 40% retail discounts, the chance to grow through Epic Service - our leading training and development experience, and wellness benefits to fuel your success.
   
   **Job Benefits**
   
   + Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
   
   + MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, mountain shuttles AND during the summer on bike haul, golf and other activities
   
   + 401(k) Retirement Plan
   
   + Employee Assistance Program
   
   + Excellent training and professional development
   
   + Referral Program
   
   Seasonal Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:
   
   + Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
   
   + Free ski passes for dependents
   
   + Critical Illness and Accident plans
   
   **Job Summary**
   
   The Lift Mechanic is responsible for performing all routine maintenance procedures under the guidance of the maintenance manager and senior mechanics. The incumbent will be responsible for performing preventative maintenance and repair of the assigned lifts.
   
   **Job Specifications:**
   
   + Starting Wage: $20 / hour
   
   + Shift & Schedule Availability: Full Time
   
   + Skill Level: _Entry_
   
   **Job Responsibilities**
   
   + Ensures safe and reliable mechanical operation of lifts.
   
   + Responsible for following the company's safety and risk management policies and procedures
   
   + Responsible for performance and scheduling of all preventative maintenance procedures
   
   + Must assist in troubleshooting all "down" lifts
   
   + Responsible for assuring that the Maintenance Mgr., Lead, and Lift Dispatch is immediately informed and consulted about all abnormal or unusual conditions, incidents, observations, or system malfunctions.
   
   + Respond, as assigned, to lift failures to productively resolve these situations in a timely manner
   
   + Responsible for maintaining all tools, equipment, and vehicles as assigned
   
   + Must be able to evacuate a lift under auxilary power in all circumstances
   
   + Assist in the ongoing training of lift maintenance personnel
   
   + Provide superior service to our guests (internal and external) at all times. Interact with the guests and respond to all guests in a courteous, efficient manner
   
   + Responsible for recording all information of work performed on lifts and submitting to lift records in a timely manner
   
   + Safe and efficient operation of trucks, snowmobiles and a variety of other transport vehicles
   
   + Other duties as assigned
   
   **Job Qualifications:**
   
   + Lift Experience - _Preferred_
   
   + Mechanical background -Preferred
   
   + Must be willing to work evenings, holidays and weekends - _Required_
   
   + Current, valid Driver's License - _Required_
   
   + Must be at least 18 years of age - _Required_
   
   + Flexible schedule required during peak times throughout the year. Must be willing to work evenings, holidays and weekends - Required.
   
   + Ability to manage time, deliver expectations and to thrive in a high-stress, rapid-changing environment
   
   + Professionalism and strong guest service skills, attention to detail and timeliness
   
   + Ability to work well with others while maintaining a positive attitude
   
   + Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form (in English) including communicating on the mountain radio
   
   + High School graduation or equivalent - _Preferred_
   
   **Job Requirements:**
   
   + Ability to work extended hours in adverse weather conditions, and work overnight
   
   + Weight Lifted: 51-100lbs
   
   + Lifting, Standing, Walking, Climbing/Balance Frequency: 2/3 of the time
   
   + Sitting, Reaching, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling Frequency: 1/3
   
   The budgeted range starts at $20 - $23.50. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience.
   
   _Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law._
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right fork lift mechanic for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your fork lift mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit fork lift mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with fork lift mechanic candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new fork lift mechanic

   Once you have selected a candidate for the fork lift mechanic position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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