Forklift Operator Jobs in Ames, IA

A Forklift Operator plays a crucial role in the logistics industry, ensuring the efficient management of goods in warehouses and distribution centers. Their primary responsibilities include loading and unloading cargo, moving goods stored on pallets or in crates around the storage facility, stacking goods in the correct storage bays, and following inventory control instructions. They also check loads for accuracy and damages, ensuring that the correct products are delivered to the right location. To ensure safety, forklift operators are required to perform regular machine checks and adhere to safety regulations.

Important skills for a Forklift Operator include good hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to adhere to safety guidelines. As the work involves lifting heavy goods and operating machinery, forklift operators must be comfortable with physical work and have a high level of mechanical aptitude. They should also have a good understanding of warehouse processes and inventory control. Certifications in forklift operation are critical, with OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) forklift certification being a common requirement. Prior to becoming a Forklift Operator, a person may have roles such as a Warehouse Associate, Delivery Driver, or Material Handler.

1-15 of 36 Jobs

Warehouse Associate I

  • Boone, IA (14 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 19 hours ago
  • Boone, IA (14 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 19 hours ago

The Warehouse Associate strives to exceed customer expectations by ensuring orders are available, accurate, salable and received in a timely manner. This position will demonstrate order...

Warehouse Stocker

  • Boone, IA (14 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 21 hours ago
  • Boone, IA (14 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 21 hours ago

Patterson isn't just a place to work, it's a partner that cares about your success. One of the distinguishing marks of our company is the talented people who embrace the people-first, always...

Warehouse Order Selector

  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 1 day ago
  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 1 day ago

Active, physical role that includes operating an electric pallet jack, and/or forklift Organizing and palletizing product to build customer orders Other duties as assigned....

Material Handler- Ames, Iowa

  • Ames, IA
  • 3 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 3 days ago

Qualifications & Skills: High school diploma or equivalent required Prior experience in manufacturing, warehouse, or material handling role preferred Forklift certification or willingness to achieve...

General Warehouse Worker 2nd Shift - 3pm Start Seasonal

  • Polk City, IA (17 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 4 days ago
  • Polk City, IA (17 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 4 days ago

09-Jul-2025 General Warehouse Worker *2nd Shift - 3pm Start *Seasonal Part time Occasional-Seasonal (Seasonal) Job Description As a General Warehouse Worker, you'll help us get the latest tech to...

ServicePLUS Material Handler

  • Ames, IA
  • 4 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 4 days ago

jacks, and other necessary warehouse equipment....

Warehouse Specialist

  • Ames, IA
  • 5 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 5 days ago

From utilizing inventory management systems for verification and data entry to efficiently picking, packing, and shipping products, attention to detail is key....

Warehouse Order Pullers

  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 5 days ago
  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 5 days ago

from trucks Restocking warehouse with forklift and double pallet jack Must be able to lift 50 pounds Must have previous experience Benefits: Weekly Pay Free Online Skill-Building Courses Medical, Dental...

Material Handler - 1st Shift

  • Ames, IA
  • 7 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 7 days ago

What you'll do on a typical day: Support operations by moving material and inventory throughout the facility Use hand trucks, conveyors or other material handling equipment Perform duties that may include...

General Warehouse Worker 1st Shift 6am Start

  • Polk City, IA (17 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Polk City, IA (17 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 9 days ago

04-Jul-2025 General Warehouse Worker **1st Shift **6am Start Part time Occasional-Seasonal (Seasonal) Job Description As a General Warehouse Worker, you'll help us get the latest tech to our...

Case Picker - 2nd shift

  • Polk City, IA (17 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 9 days ago
  • Polk City, IA (17 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 9 days ago

This position will be responsible for driving pallet-jack or forklift to move pallets from the high-density rack to the pick line in preparation for the next day's business....

Shipping And Receiving Clerk

  • Ames, IA
  • 11 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 11 days ago

Essential Skills Ability to operate forklifts and pallet jacks. General labor skills. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to stand on feet for 8-hour shifts....

Warehouse Attendant

  • Ames, IA
  • 11 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 11 days ago

Assembles customer orders from stock and places orders on pallets or shelves; conveys orders to packing station or shipping department. Marks materials with identifying information....

Parts Warehouse Associate

  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 12 days ago
  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 12 days ago

Start Your Next Career Chapter with Kelly Tired of the same old job search? At Kelly, we are ready to help you move forward. We are immediately hiring a Parts Warehouse Associate for a leading...

3rd Shift Heavy Duty Warehouseperson

  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 16 days ago
  • Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
  • 16 days ago

Selects correct amount of grocery items from the pick slot and manually stacks merchandise onto a pallet while operating a single or double pallet jack....

Demographic Data for Ames, IA

Moving to Ames, IA? Find some basic demographic data about Ames, IA below.


Local
National
70,648
1,560
Medium

Forklift Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireLogistics curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Forklift Operator Training
Forklifts are extensively used in warehouses, construction sites and distribution centres for lifting and moving heavy objects. This course will introduce you to forklift operation. Youll learn...
Forklift Operator Safety Training
Are you aware of the risks involved with operating a forklift? Inadequate training can lead to serious workplace accidents. This free course offers in-depth insights into forklift types, safety...
Stand-Up Forklift Operator Training Online
Learn how to load, stock, and move products and materials safely at your warehouse or construction site with our online stand-up forklift training. Enroll now!

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Forklift Operator Jobs in Ames, IA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireLogistics research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Forklift Operator positions.



Highest Education Level

Forklift Operators in Ames, IA offer the following education background
High School or GED
48.6%
Bachelor's Degree
17.0%
Vocational Degree or Certification
14.9%
Associate's Degree
11.5%
Master's Degree
3.9%
Some College
2.3%
Some High School
1.5%
Doctorate Degree
0.3%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Forklift Operators in Ames, IA
2-4 years
44.1%
Less than 1 year
28.0%
None
23.7%
1-2 years
4.3%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills