Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electric Pallet Jack Driver

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a detail-oriented and reliable professional with experience in a fast-paced warehouse environment? This role requires a dedicated Electric Pallet Jack Driver to become a crucial part of our logistics and supply chain operations. In this role, you will be the driving force behind the accurate and efficient movement of goods within our distribution center. You will be responsible for operating an electric pallet jack (or walkie-rider) to transport materials, pick and stage orders for shipment, and help maintain our high standards of safety and inventory accuracy. If you thrive on activity and take pride in your contribution to a seamless operational flow, we encourage you to apply and help us deliver excellence to our customers.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Order Picker
General Laborer

Advancement To:

Forklift Operator / Reach Truck Operator
Warehouse Team Lead
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Associate
Material Handler
Dock Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently operate an electric-powered pallet jack (walkie-rider) to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count merchandise throughout the warehouse.
Accurately pick customer orders from shelves and assemble them on pallets, ensuring the quantity and quality of the items are correct before staging for shipment.
Utilize a radio frequency (RF) scanner or other handheld device to scan products, locations, and pallets to maintain real-time inventory accuracy within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Load and unload inbound and outbound trailers, ensuring that all products are handled carefully to prevent damage and are properly stacked and secured for transport.
Perform routine pre-operation and post-operation safety checks on the electric pallet jack, reporting any malfunctions, damages, or maintenance needs to the supervisor immediately.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area by sweeping, removing debris, and following all established safety procedures and OSHA guidelines.
Transport materials from receiving or production areas to designated storage or shipping locations efficiently and without causing damage to goods, equipment, or facility.
Efficiently stack goods in the correct storage bays, following inventory control instructions and ensuring that pallets are stable and secure.
Verify order accuracy by checking for correct product, quantity, and lot numbers against the pick ticket or RF scanner instructions.
Wrap and secure pallets using shrink wrap machines or by hand to prepare them for shipment, ensuring stability for transit.
Assist in physical inventories and cycle counts to ensure the accuracy of the warehouse inventory records.
Work collaboratively with other warehouse team members, including forklift operators, clerks, and supervisors, to achieve team goals and ensure a smooth workflow.
Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and safety standards, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Maneuver the pallet jack in tight spaces, crowded aisles, and busy dock areas with a high degree of caution and awareness.
Ensure all completed orders are properly labeled, documented, and staged in the correct outbound lane for pickup.
Rotate stock as required, following First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or other specified inventory rotation principles.
Report any discrepancies in inventory, product damage, or safety hazards to the warehouse lead or supervisor in a timely manner.
Meet or exceed established productivity and quality standards for order picking, loading, and other assigned tasks.
Manage the flow of empty pallets, organizing and stacking them in designated areas to maintain a clear and safe work environment.
Communicate effectively with truck drivers during the loading and unloading process to ensure efficiency and safety on the dock.
Complete all required paperwork and logs accurately and neatly, documenting movements, orders, and any issues encountered.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general warehouse cleaning, maintenance, and organization to ensure a safe and efficient workspace.
Provide support to other warehouse departments, such as shipping, receiving, or inventory, as directed by a supervisor.
Participate in team meetings to discuss safety, quality, and productivity goals.
Assist in the training of new team members on safety protocols and basic equipment operation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven experience operating an electric pallet jack (walkie-rider); certification is a strong plus.
Proficiency in using RF (Radio Frequency) scanning guns or other handheld devices for order picking and inventory management.
Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to track inventory and orders.
Ability to repeatedly lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance.
Strong knowledge of warehouse safety standards and OSHA regulations.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as pick tickets, bills of lading, safety rules, and procedure manuals.
Basic mathematical skills for counting, sorting, and verifying quantities.
Experience in loading and unloading trailers, including proper stacking and securing techniques.
Knowledge of order picking, packing, and staging processes.
Ability to perform basic equipment checks and minor maintenance.

Soft Skills

High attention to detail to ensure order accuracy and prevent damages.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong work ethic and reliability, with a proven record of good attendance.
Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a cohesive team.
Clear and professional communication skills.
A proactive approach to problem-solving and identifying potential issues.
Adaptability to changing priorities and operational demands.
Commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly work environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certification in warehouse operations or powered industrial truck operation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Not Applicable
Logistics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 6 months - 2 years of experience in a warehouse or distribution environment.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct experience operating an electric pallet jack (walkie-rider) in a high-volume distribution center. Experience in a cold storage environment is a plus, where applicable.