Job Description

Position Summary

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The Material Handler is responsible for the safe, efficient handling of raw materials, components, and products within the manufacturing facility. This role supports production of industrial tanks, silos, and vacuum trucks by receiving, storing, and delivering heavy materials to the appropriate areas in a timely manner. The Material Handler operates forklifts, overhead cranes, and other equipment to move and stage bulky items, maintains inventory accuracy through proper tracking, and coordinates with production teams to meet manufacturing schedules. Strict adherence to safety standards and effective communication with team members are essential for success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

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Operate Lifting Equipment:

Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts, overhead bridge cranes, hoists, and pallet jacks to transport heavy raw materials and large fabricated parts safely around the plant. Ensure loads are balanced and secure during movement.

Receiving & Inspection

: Load and unload materials from delivery trucks and flatbeds. Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders/packing lists for accuracy (correct part numbers, quantities, and quality) and report any discrepancies. Route or convey received materials to proper storage areas or departments promptly.

Material Storage & Organization:

Store materials in designated warehouse areas, drop points, stockyards, or racks using proper material handling techniques. Organize inventory by type or project, label stock clearly, and utilize pallets, racks, or supports to prevent damage. Maintain an orderly storage area that allows easy access and inventory counts.

Staging for Production:

Deliver and stage raw materials, parts, and sub-assemblies at drop points or production lines (welding booths, assembly stations, paint booths) as required by the production schedule. Anticipate upcoming jobs and ensure the right materials are at the right place just in time to avoid production delays.

Assist Production Teams:

Work closely with welders, fabricators, assemblers, and painters to support manufacturing operations. Assist in moving, lifting, or positioning large work pieces using cranes or team lifts as needed]. For example, help welders set up heavy steel components or assist painters in loading/unloading large parts from paint racks, either manually or with a forklift.

Inventory Control:

Monitor inventory levels of materials and consumables. Perform regular cycle counts and inventory audits to reconcile physical stock with inventory records. Record material movements in the inventory management system (ERP/WMS) to keep stock data up-to-date. Immediately report any shortages, overages, or damage to materials.

Communication & Coordination:

Coordinate with production planners and supervisors regarding upcoming material needs or any supply issues. Communicate effectively with team members across departments (purchasing, quality, shipping) to resolve material discrepancies or urgent needs. Ensure that priority materials for rush orders or critical builds are expedited to the line.

Housekeeping:

Maintain a clean and organized work environment in the warehouse and yard. Keep aisles, loading areas, and staging areas free of obstructions. Follow 5S principles (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to organize tools and materials. Properly dispose of waste materials and assist with recycling or scrap metal handling as needed.

Support Shipping/Logistics:

As needed, assist the shipping department in preparing outbound shipments. This may include packaging large components or securing finished tanks/truck units onto trailers using blocks, straps, or tie-downs to prevent movement during transit. Ensure all outbound loads meet weight and safety regulations.

Other Duties:

Participate in cross-training and continuous improvement activities. Provide assistance with miscellaneous production support tasks (such as basic machine feeding, shop clean-up, or maintenance projects) when material handling workload is light. Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors to support overall plant operations

Safety Compliance:

Strictly adhere to all safety protocols

and company policies. Perform daily pre-operation inspections of forklifts and cranes (check fluids, brakes, hoist ropes, etc.) and report any equipment malfunctions. Use proper rigging and lifting techniques when handling suspended loads; ensure bystanders are clear of moving materials. Always wear required PPE (e.g. hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves) and encourage a safe work culture by reporting hazards or near-misses immediately.

Required Skills & Qualifications

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Education & Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent is required. A minimum of 2 years experience in material handling, warehouse, or logistics support in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred

Equipment Operation:

Demonstrated ability to handle large/heavy materials safely using forklifts is essential. Overhead crane operation experience or training is strongly preferred. Knowledge of using slings, chains, and other rigging hardware to lift irregularly shaped loads is a plus.

Inventory & Computer Skills:

Basic proficiency with inventory tracking systems or warehouse management software to look up part locations, enter transactions, and print labels. Ability to accurately maintain paper logs or digital records for material movements. Comfortable using a computer or handheld scanner to perform inventory transactions.

Safety Knowledge:

Solid understanding of industrial safety practices and procedures. This includes knowledge of OSHA regulations relevant to material handling (forklift safety, PPE requirements, hazard communication) and commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. Should be familiar with proper material labeling and storage of hazardous or non-hazardous materials.

Communication & Teamwork:

Good verbal and written communication skills; able to follow written work orders and fill out logs or checklists. Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team - this role interacts with supervisors, co-workers in production, maintenance, and sometimes drivers or outside vendors. Reliability and a cooperative attitude are a must.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

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Physical Demands:

The duties of this job require frequent physical activity. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs unaided on a regular basis and occasionally heavier loads with assistance. Tasks involve constant standing and walking, as well as frequent bending, stooping, reaching overhead, and pushing/pulling carts or pallet jacks. The role may also require climbing steps, ladders, or onto trucks/trailers to load or secure materials. Good hand-eye coordination and balance are important when operating equipment or rigging loads. *

Work Environment:

The work is performed in a heavy industrial manufacturing setting with exposure to typical factory conditions. The Material Handler will encounter loud noise levels (due to machinery and metal fabrication processes), airborne particles (dust, welding fumes), and vibrations from equipment. The facility may be partially outdoors or not climate-controlled, so exposure to heat, cold, and weather can occur. Floors may be uneven or slippery at times. This position works near large moving equipment and crane loads, so alertness and adherence to safety protocols are critical