Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Personal tools

Navigation

You are here: Home › Careers › New Zealand Careers › Careers Descriptions › Water Transport Careers › Fork-Lift Operator

Fork-Lift Operator

Fork-lift operators operate vehicles that have a lifting platform for shifting and stacking heavy articles such as pallets (portable platforms used for storing and moving cargo), bales, crates, containers or cartons.

 

Tasks & duties

Fork-lift operators may do some or all of the following:

  • carry out daily maintenance checks on the fork-lift
  • operate the fork-lift in areas such as warehouses and at wharves
  • position the lifting platform and pick up loads
  • make sure loads are stable and safe
  • drive the fork-lift to the unloading area
  • deposit the loads on the floor, or stack the goods in piles or on shelves
  • refuel the fork-lift
  • move goods by hand
  • issue packing slips
  • fill in paperwork, such as delivery forms, and electronically record the movement of goods
  • repack and distribute goods
  • secure attachments to the forks to lift people or oddly shaped loads
  • ensure their work area is free of oil spills

 

Skills & knowledge

Fork-lift operators need to have:

  • good driving skills
  • a thorough understanding of the operation and limitations of a fork-lift
  • the ability to judge distances, weights and volumes
  • mechanical skills
  • knowledge of the Code of Practice for Fork-Lift Operators
  • knowledge of the health and safety regulations in their workplace
  • knowledge of the fuel requirements of different fork-lifts including diesel, LPG, CNG (compressed natural gas) and battery-operated models

 

Entry Requirements

To become a fork-lift operator you need a Fork-lift Operator Certificate. The certificate shows that you have been trained according to the Department of Labour's Code of Practice.

A list of certified trainers for fork-lift operators is available from Competenz.

  • To operate a fork-lift on a road or in a public space, you must have a Class 1 driver's licence with a fork-lift (F) endorsement.
  • To operate a heavy fork-lift you need to have a Class 2 driver's licence with an F endorsement.

 

Land Transport NZ website - information on getting an F endorsement for driving fork-lifts

 

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements, but a basic knowledge of English and maths is required. It is also preferred that you have at least three years' secondary education.

 

Training on the job

Most fork-lift operators gain skills on the job. They usually take part in supervised training before sitting the fork-lift certification.

Fork-lift operators are required to complete refresher training every three years.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for fork-lift operators includes:

  • warehouse and stores work
  • dock work
  • work as a loader-driver

Experience driving heavy vehicles is also helpful.

 

Related courses

Automotive Vehicle Operations
Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

Document Actions