Material Handler

Material Handler

The Material Handler safely operates forklifts and related equipment to move, load, and unload non-palletized and palletized materials, ensuring the production area receives the correct materials from inventory in a timely manner. This role works on-site in a manufacturing environment and supports shipping, receiving, and general warehouse operations across afternoon and overnight shifts.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment, including non-palletized forklift operations, to move, load, and unload materials safely and efficiently.
• Read work orders via an on-board computer and follow oral instructions to determine which materials and products need to be moved and where they should be placed.
• Examine incoming materials, verify part numbers, and check for discrepancies such as damage or incorrect shipments, following established procedures to resolve issues.
• Load and unload materials onto or from trucks, trailers, pallets, racks, trays, or shelves by pushing, pulling, lifting, or stacking, either manually or using provided equipment.
• Convey materials or products from storage locations or work sites to designated areas to support production and shipping schedules.
• Scan and attach identifying tags or labels to materials, bales, or containers to ensure accurate tracking and inventory control.
• Lift and move heavy objects by hand or with equipment to assist machine operators and support production processes.
• Use levers, pedals, and controls to drive forklifts and control the movement of lifting apparatus in a safe and controlled manner.
• Operate lift trucks and other warehouse equipment in a safe, efficient, and compliant manner at all times.
• Support shipping and receiving activities, including staging, picking, packing, and verifying materials as needed.
• Assist with inventory and warehouse organization, helping to maintain accurate stock levels and orderly storage areas.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with co-workers and internal customers to coordinate material flow and resolve issues.
• Follow all safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and company policies while performing daily tasks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet changing business and production needs.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating forklifts with non-palletized loads.
• Strong knowledge of receiving, warehouse, and material handling methods and operations.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders and instructions from an on-board computer system.
• Experience with material handling activities such as picking, packing, loading, and unloading.
• Ability to operate sit-down forklifts, pallet jacks, and other standard warehouse equipment.
• Experience with RF scanners for tracking and identifying materials.
• Basic computer skills to manage work orders, inventory transactions, and related documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and accuracy.
• Ability to regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to use hands to 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 close, distance, peripheral, and color vision, along with the ability to adjust focus, to safely operate equipment and read labels and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• Approximately one (1) year of relevant experience in material handling, warehouse, or production, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job.
• Experience in shipping and receiving, including warehouse inventory processes.
• Experience in general production or general labor in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Experience operating reach trucks, stand-up forklifts, or other powered industrial trucks is beneficial.
• Familiarity with warehouse inventory practices and basic shipping and receiving procedures.
• Strong understanding of safe work practices in environments with moving mechanical parts.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and positive working relationships with co-workers and internal customers.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable manufacturing operation where your skills in safe material handling directly support production and customer satisfaction. The role offers consistent full-time hours on established afternoon or overnight shifts, allowing you to plan your schedule reliably. You will work in an environment that values safety, professionalism, and teamwork, with opportunities to broaden your experience across warehouse, shipping, receiving, and production support activities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing plant that uses corrugated paper and operates as a shop environment. You will work around moving mechanical parts and regularly…