FORKLIFT OPERATOR
Forklift Operator is non-competitive, meaning the state checks your education and experience against the spec instead of ranking you on a test.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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Forklift Operator is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, operates and maintains an internal combustion or electric powered forklift to load, unload, and move materials in a warehouse, storage yard, or other facility; performs manual and unskilled labor work as needed to support forklift operations; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Safely operates a forklift to load, unload, and move materials around the facility. Moves levers and depresses pedals to control and drive the forklift in order to push, pull, lift, and stack or tier various merchandise, equipment, or bulk materials. Performs daily maintenance of forklift and lifting apparatus to ensure equipment is ready for operation. Receives stock and ensures proper quantity and/or quality upon arrival. Maintains accurate records of inventory moves. Reads instruction and/or operation manuals to learn correct methods of maintenance for forklifts. Maintains a clean and organized work environment. Reports any problems that may cause a delay in completion of work assignments to the supervisor. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to learn the techniques, methods, and practices applied to the care and safe operation of a forklift. Ability to analyze problems involving the operation of a forklift. Ability to understand and remember oral and written instructions to organize and carry out routine work projects. Ability to learn quickly from explanations and demonstrations. Ability to operate and service forklift in a safe manner. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required certification rests with the Appointing Authority. Appointees will be required to obtain forklift certification within the working test period. Failure to do so may be cause for separation.
CERTIFICATION
Appointees may be required to possess OSHA-compliant forklift certification.