What does a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator do?
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Machine operator/forklift operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real machine operator/forklift operator resumes:
- Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
- Measure position of sheet with cores for evenly run product.
- Keep inventory of products being run on a daily basis.
- Support operation of rotary die cutter equipment QA testing to follow prescribe guidelines.
- Operate power shovels, scrapers, backhoes, loaders, bulldozer, dump truck, forklift.
- Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating and breaking rock and concrete and making winter roads.
- Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
- Mass production of loading propellant into casings for ammunition.
- Manufacture ammunition from components using a power loading machine.
Machine operator/forklift operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 17% of Machine Operator/Forklift Operators are proficient in Safety Standards, Drive Forklift, and Load Trucks. They’re also known for soft skills such as Alertness, Communication skills, and Coordination.
We break down the percentage of Machine Operator/Forklift Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Safety Standards, 17%
Followed all safety standards and regulation.
- Drive Forklift, 9%
Drive forklift to get parts off shelving and bring back to machine, load the machine, and operate machine.
- Load Trucks, 8%
Run machine to clean product, pull orders, load and unload trucks, put orders away, seal and wrap bins
- Machine Operation, 6%
Troubleshooted problems during machine operation and ensured that regular and preventative maintenance procedures were carried out.
- CNC, 6%
Operate CNC and hand operated mills and lathes manufacturing assembly parts for a government contracted company.
- Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
Operate forklifts such as electric pallet jacks, reach truck, and sit down to move products and prep for shipping.
Common skills that a machine operator/forklift operator uses to do their job include "safety standards," "drive forklift," and "load trucks." You can find details on the most important machine operator/forklift operator responsibilities below.
Communication skills. Many machine operator/forklift operator duties rely on communication skills. "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material," so a machine operator/forklift operator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways machine operator/forklift operator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "load and unload trucks.accomplishmentsleader my team to having most cars producedskills used leadership, adaptability, teamwork, communication"
Coordination. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of machine operator/forklift operators is coordination. This skill is critical to many everyday machine operator/forklift operator duties, as "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "meet productivity goals & quality standards- communicate in english, both verbal and written- good hand-eye coordination- attention to detail"
Mechanical skills. For certain machine operator/forklift operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a machine operator/forklift operator rely on this skill, as "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what machine operator/forklift operators do: "repaired and troubleshoot all complicated mechanical and electrical issues. "
Visual ability. Another common skill required for machine operator/forklift operator responsibilities is "visual ability." This skill comes up in the duties of machine operator/forklift operators all the time, as "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." An excerpt from a real machine operator/forklift operator resume shows how this skill is central to what a machine operator/forklift operator does: "conducted visual inspections daily of forklift equipment ensuring safety standards were met. "
The three companies that hire the most machine operator/forklift operators are:
- Kelly Services3 machine operator/forklift operators jobs
- Domtar2 machine operator/forklift operators jobs
- Hormel Foods2 machine operator/forklift operators jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable machine operator/forklift operator resume templates
Build a professional machine operator/forklift operator resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your machine operator/forklift operator resume.
Compare different machine operator/forklift operators
Machine operator/forklift operator vs. Fork truck operator
Saw operators are responsible for setting up and operating power saws to slot, cut, and trim metallic and non-metallic materials. They are the ones who choose and install blades on machinery using hand-tools and verify dimensions of finished material using measuring devices. They may perform additional tasks such as loading saws and monitoring sawing operations, and replacing damaged or worn saw blades. Saw operators are also responsible for recording data on production reports and assisting staff with the maintenance and repair of saw equipment.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between machine operator/forklift operators and fork truck operator. For instance, machine operator/forklift operator responsibilities require skills such as "safety standards," "drive forklift," "machine operation," and "electric pallet jack." Whereas a fork truck operator is skilled in "pallets," "load trailers," "pallet jack," and "fork trucks." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Fork truck operators really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $37,114. Comparatively, machine operator/forklift operators tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $36,711.On average, fork truck operators reach similar levels of education than machine operator/forklift operators. Fork truck operators are 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Machine operator/forklift operator vs. Saw operator
Mill operators are skilled employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining milling machines that grind materials such as rocks or chemicals at a milling facility. These operators must gather raw materials for production and assist with the inventory of all materials. They must operate a wide variety of equipment such as power saws, sanders, drill press, and basic hand tools while performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on the milling machines. Mill operators must also attend safety meetings that are held weekly and monthly to ensure machine operators are following safety procedures.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real machine operator/forklift operator resumes. While machine operator/forklift operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "drive forklift," "electric pallet jack," "sit-down forklift," and "preventative maintenance," saw operators use skills like "hand tools," "basic math," "math," and "aluminum."
Saw operators earn a lower average salary than machine operator/forklift operators. But saw operators earn the highest pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $36,227. Additionally, machine operator/forklift operators earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $36,711 annually.saw operators earn similar levels of education than machine operator/forklift operators in general. They're 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machine operator/forklift operator vs. Mill operator
A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a machine operator/forklift operator is likely to be skilled in "drive forklift," "electric pallet jack," "assembly line," and "rf," while a typical mill operator is skilled in "osha," "math," "calipers," and "hand tools."
Mill operators earn the highest salary when working in the construction industry, where they receive an average salary of $41,320. Comparatively, machine operator/forklift operators have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $36,711.When it comes to education, mill operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to machine operator/forklift operators. In fact, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Machine operator/forklift operator vs. Lift operator
Types of machine operator/forklift operator
Updated January 8, 2025
