MightyRecruiterThe biggest part of an industrial truck operator’s job is driving large trucks long distances in order to transport goods or other resources. They are responsible for keeping on a strict schedule to reach their destination on time. They must be organized when departing and arriving to ensure all administrative tasks are completed for their goods to be shipped and received.
The majority of skills that should be included on your industrial truck operator job description are physical. They must have strong attention to detail, excellent perception and endurance, and good hand-eye coordination. They must be aware of their surroundings and have good physical health and strength.
Of course, it is also vital that industrial truck operators are familiar with the equipment they use and be able to perform repairs and maintenance on the road. The following industrial truck operator job description shows how to emphasize these requirements best.
Industrial Truck Operator Job Summary
Our industrial truck operators are at the heart of our shipping company. It may not be a glamorous job, but we highly value the dedicated and talented mechanical experts who can operate the complicated trucks to deliver our products across the nation. You are our business’ eyes and ears and are responsible not just for operating and driving the truck for weeks at a time but also maintaining it on the road and ensuring it is in perfect working condition at all times. You are organized and familiar filling administrative tasks for when shipments are being loaded, departing and being received.
Job Responsibilities
- Operate industrial sized truck on the road, staying in control of the machinery at all times and following strict safety measures to prevent accidents
- Navigate across multiple states precisely, following preset routes to minimize fuel consumption and keeping a vigilant eye for required exits and junctions
- Create schedule prior to departure, establishing the most optimal route and providing reasonable estimates for the trip timeline.
- Inspect shipment closely, making sure that it is packed correctly for a journey of multiple weeks
- Perform maintenance on industrial truck before and after trips, as well as on the road during shipment process, which includes lubrication, fueling, recharging batteries, cleaning machinery, replacing broken parts and refilling fluids
- Load and unload shipment manually alongside loaders, operating forklifts and other industrial equipment whenever it is required
- Create reports of any unusual behavior the truck was exhibiting during a trip, including potential mechanical issues and their respective solutions
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- One year experience operating an industrial truck minimum
- Fully licensed and trained to operate an industrial truck
Preferred:
- One year experience as diesel mechanic or other mechanical engineering position
- High school diploma or GED completion
Industrial Truck Operator Job Responsibilities
Warehouses and industrial environments are often hectic places. An outsider may see organized chaos when employees are working hurriedly while trucks and other machinery are in operation. The seemingly chaotic environment provides evidence for why it is so important to prioritize safety. If you are hiring for a forklift driver or another similar position, it is imperative that you emphasize safety when you are writing an industrial truck operator job description.
You can do this in the industrial truck operator job responsibilities section. This section is where you will detail the tasks associated with the position and explain what it entails on a day-to-day basis. Rather than simply listing responsibilities, though, you can make it interesting and exciting by using action words and vividly describing what job candidates can expect. It is typical to include between six and eight items in an industrial truck operator job description.
The following are some examples of responsibilities for the position:
- Drive forklift within warehouse to retrieve pallets and products from designated areas
- Observe all safety regulations to prevent accidents and injuries proactively
- Load and unload product from docks and storage areas
- Tend to mechanical needs of equipment by notifying supervisor of any issues
Industrial Truck Operator Job Specifications
After reading the industrial truck operator job description, there will likely be plenty of applicants who want to submit their resumes. Of course, not all candidates possess the right qualifications, and the more unsatisfactory applications you receive, the less time you have for those jobseekers who actually may be a good fit. In order to reduce interactions with underqualified and overqualified applicants, you should write industrial truck operator job specifications that clearly outline the requirements of the position.
The job qualifications and skills section is one of the most important parts of your industrial truck operator job description, so do not underestimate the attention to detail it deserves. Candidates likely have many questions about what level of education or experience you are looking for, and this section should be where they can find answers. It may be helpful, too, to include a list of criteria you require alongside a summary of those you prefer. Compile between six and eight items and organize them in bullet points.
The following is an example you may use as a model:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2+ years of experience in a warehouse or industrial environment
- Ability to lift between 25 and 50 pounds without assistance
- Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment at all times
- Superior written and spoken communication skills
