Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for High Reach Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The High Reach Operator is the backbone of any modern warehouse or distribution center. This isn't just about driving a forklift; it's about precision, safety, and efficiency at height. You are a crucial player in the supply chain, responsible for the vertical organization and movement of goods in high-density storage systems. Your expertise ensures that products are stored safely, accessed quickly, and inventory is kept accurate, directly impacting the company's ability to meet customer demands. This role requires a steady hand, a sharp eye for detail, and a deep commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Labor
Picker / Packer
Shipping and Receiving Associate

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead / Shift Lead
Inventory Control Specialist or Analyst
Warehouse Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Counterbalance Forklift Operator
Order Picker / Cherry Picker Operator
Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and skillfully operate a high reach forklift to maneuver through narrow aisles and place or retrieve pallets from high-level racking systems.
Execute the movement of inbound and outbound freight, ensuring goods are transported to and from storage areas, loading docks, and designated locations without damage.
Conduct thorough pre-operational and post-operational safety inspections on the high reach truck, documenting any maintenance needs or safety concerns immediately.
Utilize Radio Frequency (RF) scanning equipment and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to accurately track inventory movement, complete transactions, and verify product locations.
Perform systematic put-away of incoming products, ensuring pallets are placed in their correct, assigned bin locations according to the WMS.
Execute replenishment tasks by moving stock from reserve storage locations to active picking locations to ensure order fulfillment teams have continuous access to inventory.
Accurately and efficiently stack and store merchandise in the appropriate racks, ensuring load stability and adherence to weight capacity limits.
Participate actively in inventory control procedures, including regular cycle counts and physical inventory audits, to maintain the highest level of inventory accuracy.
Load and unload palletized goods from trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, verifying that the quantity and description of items match shipping documents.
Maintain strict adherence to all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA regulations to foster a culture of safety and prevent accidents.
Ensure the work area is kept clean, orderly, and free of hazards, contributing to the overall housekeeping standards of the facility.
Report any product damage, equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or potential security issues to the warehouse supervisor or manager in a timely manner.
Assist in order picking, packing, and staging duties during peak periods or as directed by team leadership to support overall warehouse operations.
Verify and sign off on shipping, receiving, and put-away documentation, ensuring all paperwork is accurate and complete.
Properly label and tag pallets with identifying information, such as product codes, quantities, and destination, using company-standard labeling systems.
Work effectively at significant heights, demonstrating confidence and control while operating machinery in confined, narrow-aisle environments.
Collaborate with team members, supervisors, and other departments to ensure a smooth and efficient flow of materials throughout the warehouse.
Consistently meet or exceed established performance metrics, including productivity standards (e.g., pallets moved per hour) and quality targets.
Inspect incoming and outgoing pallets for stability, integrity, and any signs of damage, taking appropriate action as per company guidelines.
Ensure the proper weight distribution and securement of loads on the forks before lifting and transporting them to prevent tipping or spills.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general warehouse maintenance and cleaning duties to ensure a safe and organized operational environment.
Contribute to process improvement initiatives by providing feedback and suggestions for enhancing efficiency and safety.
Participate in team safety meetings, training sessions, and continuous improvement programs.
Provide support in training new or less-experienced warehouse associates on basic tasks and safety protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High Reach Forklift Operation: Certified and proficient in operating high reach/narrow aisle forklifts.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Experience using handheld RF scanning devices for inventory tracking and order processing.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Experience: Familiarity with software used for managing inventory, such as SAP EWM, Manhattan, or Oracle WMS.
Safety Compliance (OSHA): Deep understanding of OSHA standards and warehouse safety protocols.
Inventory Management: Knowledge of cycle counting, stocktaking, and general inventory control principles.
Pallet Jack Operation: Competency in operating both manual and electric pallet jacks.
Loading & Unloading Procedures: Skill in safely and efficiently loading/unloading trailers and containers.
Basic Equipment Maintenance: Ability to perform daily pre-use inspections and identify minor maintenance issues.
Spatial Reasoning: Excellent ability to judge distances, heights, and widths to maneuver in tight spaces.
Load Stability & Calculation: Knowledge of how to properly center and secure loads for safe lifting and transport.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in tracking inventory, checking labels, and preventing errors.
Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to personal and team safety at all times.
Reliability & Punctuality: A consistent and dependable team member who understands the importance of their role.
Problem-Solving: Ability to think on your feet to handle unexpected issues, like a blocked aisle or misplaced pallet.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others to achieve shared goals and maintain a positive work environment.
Effective Communication: Clearly communicates with supervisors and coworkers regarding safety, inventory, and operational issues.
Time Management: Capable of prioritizing tasks and working efficiently to meet deadlines and productivity goals.
Focus & Concentration: Ability to maintain high levels of concentration for extended periods while operating machinery.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
Valid High Reach Forklift Certification

Preferred Education:

Vocational or Technical Certificate in Logistics, Warehousing, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of direct experience operating a high reach forklift.

Preferred: 2+ years of dedicated experience operating a high reach truck within a fast-paced distribution center or large-scale warehouse environment. Proven track record of meeting performance and safety standards.