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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Forklift Warehouse Associate

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouseOperationsManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

Are you an experienced and certified Forklift Operator looking for a stable and rewarding career? We are actively searching for a dedicated Forklift Warehouse Associate to become a vital part of our operations. In this position, you are the backbone of our warehouse, ensuring that products and materials flow seamlessly from receiving to storage to shipment. You will be operating various types of forklifts to manage inventory, load and unload trucks, and support our production and fulfillment teams. Your commitment to safety, accuracy, and efficiency will directly impact our company's success and customer satisfaction. This isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to join a team that values your skills and offers a clear path for growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Warehouse Associate
  • Picker / Packer
  • Stocker / Material Handler

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Team Lead
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Inventory Auditor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Safely and efficiently operate powered industrial trucks, including sit-down, stand-up, reach trucks, and cherry pickers, to move products, equipment, and materials.
  • Load and unload freight, shipments, and materials from trucks, trailers, and shipping containers in an organized and timely manner.
  • Transport incoming and outgoing materials to and from designated storage areas, processing bays, and loading docks.
  • Accurately pull and prepare customer orders for shipment, ensuring the correct quantity, product type, and lot numbers are selected.
  • Utilize RF (Radio Frequency) scanning equipment to accurately track inventory movements, process transactions, and manage stock locations within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
  • Perform routine pre-operation and post-operation safety checks on all forklift equipment, reporting any maintenance issues or safety concerns to the supervisor immediately.
  • Stack, wrap, and stage pallets in designated areas, ensuring stability and adherence to proper stacking procedures to prevent damage or safety hazards.
  • Maintain the integrity of inventory by conducting regular cycle counts and assisting in physical inventories to ensure system accuracy.
  • Receive and process incoming stock and materials, verifying information against bills of lading, purchase orders, and other records.
  • Consolidate partial pallets for inbound and outbound shipments to maximize warehouse space and shipping efficiency.
  • Ensure all shipping and receiving documentation is completed accurately and legibly, including signing off on BOLs and pick tickets.
  • Adhere strictly to all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain a secure work environment.
  • Keep aisles, docks, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris to ensure a safe and efficient workflow.
  • Efficiently move goods from production lines or staging areas into the appropriate warehouse storage bins or racks.
  • Inspect products for defects and damage during handling and report any discrepancies or quality issues to management.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with other warehouse duties as assigned, including manual lifting, packing, labeling, and general housekeeping.
  • Participate actively in team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement projects to enhance warehouse operations.
  • Collaborate with team members, leads, and supervisors to coordinate activities and ensure operational goals are met.
  • Provide support in training new associates on basic warehouse functions, safety protocols, and equipment operation.
  • Maintain accurate logs and records of materials moved, orders filled, and time spent on tasks for productivity tracking.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Valid Forklift Operator Certification (e.g., sit-down, stand-up, reach truck, cherry picker).
  • Proficiency in using RF (Radio Frequency) scanning guns and related technology.
  • Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for inventory tracking and order processing.
  • Proven ability to safely load and unload trailers and sea containers.
  • Strong understanding of OSHA safety standards and warehouse best practices.
  • Basic mathematical skills for counting, sorting, and verifying inventory.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in order picking and inventory counts.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • A collaborative mindset with a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Reliability and a strong work ethic, with an excellent attendance record.
  • Proactive problem-solving skills to identify and address issues as they arise.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certification in logistics, supply chain, or material handling.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of direct experience operating a forklift within a high-volume warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of experience, including proficiency with multiple types of powered industrial trucks (e.g., clamp, turret truck, reach truck) and a deep understanding of WMS functionalities.
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