Material Handler

Material Handler Job Description

The Material Handler operates forklifts and related equipment to move, load, and unload materials, and ensures the production area receives the correct materials from inventory. This role supports 2nd and 3rd shift operations in a manufacturing environment that uses corrugated paper, and requires experience operating non-palletized forklifts. The Material Handler also completes required documentation and follows established procedures to maintain an efficient and safe material flow.

• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment, including non-palletized forklifts, in a safe and efficient manner to move materials throughout the facility.
• Read and interpret work orders via an on-board computer and follow oral instructions to determine materials and products to be moved.
• Examine materials received, verify part numbers, and check for discrepancies such as damaged or incorrect shipments, following established procedures when issues arise.
• Load and unload materials onto or from trucks, trailers, pallets, racks, trays, and shelves by pushing, pulling, lifting, or stacking, either manually or with provided equipment.
• Supply the production area with required materials from inventory in a timely and accurate manner.
• Convey materials or products from storage or work sites to designated areas according to production and inventory needs.
• Scan and attach identifying tags or labels to materials, bales, or other containers to ensure accurate tracking and identification.
• Lift heavy objects by hand or with equipment to assist machine operators and support production activities.
• Use levers, pedals, and other controls to drive lift trucks and control the movement of lifting apparatus.
• Maintain accurate paperwork and electronic records related to material movement, inventory transactions, and shipments.
• Interact with customers, drivers, and co-workers in a professional and respectful manner.
• Follow all safety procedures and company policies while working around moving mechanical parts and material handling equipment.
• Perform general warehouse duties, including picking, packing, shipping, receiving, and inventory tasks as needed.
• Assist with general production and general labor tasks to support overall operations when required.
• Carry out other duties as assigned to meet changing business needs.

• Proven experience operating non-palletized forklifts safely and efficiently.
• Hands‑on experience with sit‑down forklifts, stand‑up forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
• Strong knowledge of receiving, warehouse, and material handling methods and operations.
• Ability to read work orders and instructions from an on‑board computer and follow verbal directions.
• Experience in material handling, including picking, packing, and production support.
• Background in shipping and receiving, including loading and unloading trailers and processing materials.
• Ability to use RF scanners for tracking inventory, materials, and shipments.
• Basic computer skills to process paperwork, access work orders, and update inventory records.
• Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and computer‑based communication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and accuracy.
• Physical ability to regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and to reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required by material handling tasks.
• Adequate hearing and speaking abilities to communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred.
• Approximately one (1) year of relevant material handling, warehouse, or production experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job.
• Experience in warehouse inventory…