U S I N G
C O M P E T E N C I E S
I N
T H E
W A R E H O U S E
FIGURE 5A • ORIGINAL JOB DESCRIPTION
This job description lists job duties and then tasks within those duties. Some competencies are listed under “Qualifications.”
Job Description:
FORKLIFT OPERATOR
Reports to:
Warehouse Supervisor
Supervises:
None
The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating a forklift to move, locate, relocate, stack, and count
merchandise. The Operator is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle and may also
be required to perform Order Filler and Checker duties.
Receiving/Put-Away: Unload inbound shipments safely and move product to storage locations.
Efficiently stack and store the merchandise in the appropriate areas.
Quality: Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are accurate and free of damage. Report quality
variances.
Order Picking: Pull and prepare product for shipment, ensuring that the exact number and type of
product is loaded and shipped. Perform picking duties in an efficient manner that meets customer
service standards.
Loading: Efficiently move product from staging and/or storage areas into rail cars or trailers.
Equipment: Load, unload, move, stack, and stage product and materials using a forklift, clamp truck,
or other power equipment. Use radio frequency equipment for picking, receiving, putaway, and load
functions, as required. Maintain the facility’s equipment and materials in a neat, clean, and orderly
fashion. On a daily basis, inspect and perform minor maintenance on the forklift or other equipment.
Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient manner following prescribed work methods.
Inventory: Keep appropriate records and reports to guarantee that tight inventory control and security
are maintained. Assist in physical inventories. Ensure proper stock rotation.
Safety, Sanitation, Security: Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work area. Assist in maintaining the
security of the warehouse. Conduct operations in a manner that promotes safety. Comply with OSHA
and MSDS Standards.
Maintenance: Perform or assist in building, grounds, and equipment maintenance as required.
Qualifications:
A. Education (preferred level).
Grammar School
Vocational School
High School
Partial College
B. Experience (the minimum level of direct experience in a similar position).
None
1–6 mos
6–12 months
1–3 years
3–5 years
College
Over 5 years
C. Knowledge/Experience/Skills: The forklift operator requires satisfactory completion of a forklift
training program. Familiarity with material handling and radio frequency equipment is needed.
This job description reflects the current assignment of essential functions and is not meant to be all-inclusive.
Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this job at any time and may be modified to
reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability or for other reasons.
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U S I N G
C O M P E T E N C I E S
FIGURE 5B • REVISED JOB SUMMARY
The job summary rewrites the job description to focus on competencies (KSAs). Job outputs and tasks are outlined and the
critical competencies listed for each.
Job Summary:
FORKLIFT OPERATOR
The Forklift Operator is responsible for using a forklift, clamp truck, or other power equipment to load, unload,
move, stack, stage and count product and materials. Uses radio frequency equipment for picking, receiving and
putaway, as required.
The Operator is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle and may also be required to perform
Order Filler and Checker duties.
Job Outputs/Tasks
Competencies Used
1. Timely Shipments
Pull and prepare product for shipment as scheduled
Meeting Expectations/Production Standards
Inventory Management
Job Knowledge
Flexibility
Communications
Customer/Market Knowledge
Sense of Urgency
2. Safe Workplace
Maintain the facility’s equipment and materials and a clean,
neat, and orderly work area
Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient manner following
prescribed work methods
Comply with OSHA and MSDS Standards
Unload and load shipments safely
Safety
Accountability
Job Knowledge
Use of Job-Related Equipment
Process Improvement
Continuous Learning
3. Satisfied Customers
Perform picking duties in an efficient manner that meets customer
service standards
Meeting Expectations/Production Standards
Accuracy
Thinking Independently
Customer/Market Knowledge
Sense of Urgency
4. Efficient Workplace
Efficiently stack and store the merchandise in the appropriate areas
Efficiently move product as required
On a daily basis, inspect and perform minor maintenance on the
forklift or other equipment
Use radio frequency equipment as required
Inventory Management
Teamwork
Time Management
Job Knowledge
Technology/Systems Knowledge
Process Knowledge
Company Knowledge
Continuous Learning
5. Accurate Transactions
Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are accurate and free
of damage
Report quality variances
Inventory Management
Accountability
Job Knowledge
Accuracy
Process Knowledge
6. Productivity Measurements Met
Ensure proper stock rotation
Keep appropriate records and reports to guarantee that tight
inventory control and security are maintained
Assist in physical inventories
Meeting Expectations/Production Standards
Teamwork
Time Management
Flexibility
Communications
Thinking Independently
Company Knowledge