Forklift operator: pay, what you do and current jobs
Kaitaraiwa waka uta
Forklift operators use forklifts or industrial trucks to move heavy materials around warehouses, factories, construction sites and similar locations.
- Typical full-time pay in NZ$57,000–$88,000 a year (up to $108,000)
- TrainingNo specific training
- IndustryHeavy machinery
Pay is for full-time work across New Zealand. Part-time and hourly roles are paid by the hour; check each advert.
1 forklift operator job on ManyJobs now
What you’d do
- drive and operate forklifts
- lift and move items using forklifts
- follow health and safety rules
- maintain and service forklifts
- keep cargo areas clean and tidy
- manage load weights
- keep track of goods movements
- report stock and safety issues
Life on the job
Forklift operators:
- usually work regular business hours but may work evenings, weekends and overtime
- usually work in warehouses and factories, and may travel locally
- may work in all weather conditions
- need to be practical, safety conscious and work well under pressure
How to get in
You usually learn on the job to become a forklift operator and experience may be useful.
You usually don’t need specific NCEA levels for this job.
You may need:
- a Forklift Operator Certificate
- a driver licence with a special-type of vehicle endorsement
- experience in similar work
- to pass a drug test
Also known as: Forklift driver
Get ready to apply
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Career information from Tahatū Career Navigator, Tertiary Education Commission, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Explore more on Tahatū ↗