NM Career:Fulfillment Center Forklift Operator—Certified
Local Job Overview: South Valley
At a Glance
- Based in: South Valley, NM (our growing South Valley office)
- This role centers on your professional skills within the Package Logistics And Fulfillment space in South Valley.
- Pay: $24-$28/Hour (approx. $54.1k/Year)
- Job Title: Fulfillment Center Forklift Operator — Certified Equipment, Premium Pay
- Benefits: This role offers a competitive benefits package.
- Employer: UPS (Hiring in South Valley)
- Impactful work with supportive local leadership.
- This South Valley-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our UPS team in South Valley, NM is growing.
- Benefit from working in South Valley, a key hub for the Package Logistics And Fulfillment industry.
About UPS & Our Culture
Powered industrial equipment operators are among the most valued hourly workers in any fulfillment center — and at UPS, they earn some of the highest hourly rates in our entire Teamsters union workforce. Our Fulfillment Center Forklift Operators move the heavy freight that no conveyor can carry — pallet loads of bulk merchandise, oversized inbound skids, and staged outbound pallets that keep our sort floor supplied and our outbound dock operating without interruption. If you hold a forklift certification and are searching for forklift operator jobs near me that pay a genuine premium, come with union protection, and provide free recertification across multiple equipment classes, UPS fulfillment is the strongest landing spot in your market.
What Our Team Says (Employee Reviews)
"I have operated forklifts at three different warehouse employers before UPS, and the difference in pay, equipment quality, and safety culture is dramatic. UPS's fleet is maintained to a standard I have never seen elsewhere — every pre-trip deficiency gets fixed before you operate again, no exceptions. The Teamsters premium wage for certified operators is real, and UPS recertified me on two additional machine classes for free when I joined. The best forklift operator job I have held in fifteen years of equipment work." - Current Fulfillment Center Forklift Operator, Atlanta, GA.
Role Overview & Responsibilities
As a UPS Fulfillment Center Forklift Operator, you operate powered industrial trucks across our fulfillment center facility — moving inbound pallet loads from the receiving dock to the sort floor, replenishing outbound staging areas, and loading completed freight pallets onto outbound trailers — under strict UPS safety protocols and the OSHA-compliant equipment standards that define the UPS fleet management culture.
- Pallet Jack & Forklift Operation: Operate electric pallet jacks, sit-down counterbalance forklifts, and reach trucks as assigned, moving shrink-wrapped pallet loads between receiving, staging, and outbound dock areas with precise load control and constant awareness of floor personnel in your operating zone.
- OSHA Pre-Trip Inspection: Complete a documented OSHA-required pre-shift equipment inspection before operating any powered industrial truck, recording findings accurately in UPS's maintenance log and immediately removing any equipment with safety deficiencies from service before beginning your shift.
- Outbound Pallet Staging: Position completed outbound freight pallets at assigned trailer doors in the correct load sequence, communicating with the shipping associate team to ensure every pallet reaches its designated trailer before the hard departure schedule requires the dock door to close.
Benefits & Perks
UPS Fulfillment Center Forklift Operators earn a meaningful pay premium above standard handler Teamsters wages, reflecting the OSHA certification requirement and equipment operation responsibility of the role. All additional equipment certifications across the UPS fleet are provided free on-site. Full Teamsters medical, dental, and vision benefits, pension accrual, paid personal time, and UPS Earn & Learn tuition assistance are all included. This is the highest-paying entry-level role in our fulfillment center lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Fulfillment Center Forklift Operator—Certified position pay at UPS?
This role offers a pay range of $24 - $28. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within South Valley.
Where is this Fulfillment Center Forklift Operator—Certified job located?
This position is based in South Valley, NM. UPS has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in South Valley.
Do I need a forklift certification for this role?
No prior forklift certification is required. UPS provides free, paid on-site training and certification for all powered industrial truck (PIT) equipment including forklifts, clamp trucks, and order pickers.
Do I need prior experience to apply for this Fulfillment Center Forklift Operator—Certified job?
No prior experience is required. UPS provides all necessary training for new hires. This is an entry-level opportunity open to candidates from all backgrounds.
What benefits does UPS offer for this position?
UPS provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Does UPS offer tuition assistance or education benefits?
Yes, UPS offers fully funded tuition reimbursement programs. Eligible associates can pursue degrees and certifications at no cost through programs like Career Choice, covering tuition, books, and fees.
