What does a production forklift operator do?
Production forklift operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real production forklift operator resumes:
- Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
- Move and stock products using a stand up and sit down forklift.
- Operate various forklifts from old Clark lifts to any new stand up and sit down lifts.
- Load tractor trailer trucks with forklift and keep the production line stock with pallets of assort chicken parts to be package.
- Execute production activities as directed by supervisor, including performing GMP cell culture of biologic products using closed-system device.
- Deliver finished product to production area and stack items on pallet for pickup
- Help in machining department to provide racks and inputs for steering gear production line and complete ISO paperwork.
- Follow ISO quality management system requirements.
- Execute production activities as directed by supervisor, including performing GMP cell culture of biologic products using closed-system device.
Production forklift operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 24% of Production Forklift Operators are proficient in Pallets, Line Production, and Safety Rules. They’re also known for soft skills such as Alertness, Communication skills, and Coordination.
We break down the percentage of Production Forklift Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Pallets, 24%
Bagged and boxed products to be shipped.- Folded and stacked 50lb boxes on pallets and wrapped pallets.- Load/ Unload trucks with forklift
- Line Production, 12%
Worked on line production in a fast paced environment.
- Safety Rules, 12%
Follow all safety rules and regulations consistent with Honeywell Operating System, 5S, and standardization efforts.
- Pallet Jack, 8%
Operate a forklift, stand up, electric pallet jack and a cherry picker to perform various duties inside a warehouse.
- RF Scanner, 6%
Transported chemicals drums and metal coils to production lines, used RF scanners to insure FIFO procedures were followed.
- Quality Standards, 5%
Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards and dispose of materials into machine hoppers.
"pallets," "line production," and "safety rules" are among the most common skills that production forklift operators use at work. You can find even more production forklift operator responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling production forklift operator duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." According to a production forklift operator resume, here's how production forklift operators can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "experienced forklift operator osha certified exceptional mathematical skills excellent communication skills written and verbal. "
Coordination. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of production forklift operators is coordination. This skill is critical to many everyday production 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: "be responsible for the coordination of electricalassembly on job progress and issues affecting electrical components. "
Mechanical skills. production forklift operator responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." This resume example shows what production forklift operators do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "operated punch press and drove forklift problem -solved mechanical problems worked independently with minimal supervision"
Visual ability. A commonly-found skill in production forklift operator job descriptions, "visual ability" is essential to what production forklift operators do. Production forklift operator responsibilities rely on this skill because "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." You can also see how production forklift operator duties rely on visual ability in this resume example: "monitored and maintained product quality on assembly line and established standards using visual and mechanical inspection of product. "
The three companies that hire the most production forklift operators are:
- Molson Coors99 production forklift operators jobs
- The Coca-Cola Company4 production forklift operators jobs
- Toll Brothers3 production forklift operators jobs
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Compare different production forklift operators
Production forklift operator vs. Forklift
The primary job of a forklift operator is to operate and manage forklifts used for moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting merchandise in various settings, such as construction sites and warehouses. As a forklift operator, you will unload shipments properly and safely, and stack and store them in their designated areas. In addition, you will need to report any quality variances and assist in physical inventories. Other duties that you may perform include ensuring that stock rotation is done properly, inspecting and performing preventative maintenance of forklift and other equipment, and ensuring that inventory security and control are maintained.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between production forklift operators and forklift. For instance, production forklift operator responsibilities require skills such as "line production," "pallet jack," "quality standards," and "production equipment." Whereas a forklift is skilled in "basic math," "shipping receiving," "math," and "osha." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Forklifts tend to make the most money working in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $34,824. In contrast, production forklift operators make the biggest average salary, $36,768, in the manufacturing industry.forklifts tend to reach similar levels of education than production forklift operators. In fact, forklifts are 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Production forklift operator vs. Operator
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real production forklift operator resumes. While production forklift operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "pallets," "line production," "rf scanner," and "machine operators," operators use skills like "cdl," "emergency calls," "preventative maintenance," and "quality checks."
Operators may earn a higher salary than production forklift operators, but operators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $41,321. On the other hand, production forklift operators receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,768.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Operators tend to reach similar levels of education than production forklift operators. In fact, they're 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production forklift operator vs. Loader operator
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a production forklift operator is likely to be skilled in "pallets," "line production," "rf scanner," and "quality standards," while a typical loader operator is skilled in "front end loader," "asphalt," "customer service," and "loaders."
Loader operators earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $40,869. Production forklift operators earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $36,768.Most loader operators achieve a similar degree level compared to production forklift operators. For example, they're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production forklift operator vs. Lift truck operator
A forklift operator is responsible for lifting and transporting heavy equipment and industrial trucks. They are responsible for loading and unloading products and delivering them from factories or storage facilities to another place like warehouses. This person operates a forklift to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product, cargo, and machine equipment. Also, they need to identify damages, deficiencies, and shortages. An operator reports how the day-to-day operation goes, and their goal is to ensure that the shipment will go to the right place.
Types of production forklift operator
Updated January 8, 2025
