The typical forklift operator unloading a truck at the dock to a department store employee moving pallets of merchandise to restock store shelves are all examples of forklift operator jobs. A forklift certification is usually required to get a job as a forklift operator, regardless of which of the many forklift operator jobs an operator does. While many forklift operator jobs require the use of a standard forklift truck, some operators perform their duties with standup lifts and others with walk-behind models.
A forklift is a large vehicle that lifts items into the air using a hydraulically powered set of steel forks. Other forklift models squeeze an object and move it with a clam-like device. The wide variety of forklift models necessitates a large number of forklift operator jobs in order to certify the operator in the use of various forklift models. Liquid propane gas or electric battery power are used to power most forklift models. Some large sizes, on the other hand, are powered by gasoline or diesel engines.
The lumber industry has a lot of forklift operator jobs. The use of a forklift to move large amounts of lumber is very common, from the sawmill to the home improvement store. Large distribution warehouses are another important industry that benefits from the use of forklifts. These jobs involve loading and unloading large trucks and trains that deliver merchandise to the warehouse. Other forklift jobs are needed to load outgoing merchandise onto trucks and deliver it to stores across the country.
A forklift is used to load materials onto delivery and service trucks by even the smallest of businesses. Many forklift operators are employed by these companies all over the world. Shipyards frequently employ the largest forklifts and require highly skilled operators to load large cargo containers onto ships. This is the same forklift operator job that is employed in railroad yards that specialize in the land transportation of cargo containers.
Mints and treasury buildings have some of the most unusual forklift operator positions. A forklift is frequently used to move large bins of coins and newly minted money. Forklift operator jobs are occasionally available at airports to load cargo onto planes and assist with cargo plane unloading. Forklift operators work in a variety of settings, from manufacturing to storage warehouses, to keep the world supplied with materials and goods.