Material Handler Job Description

What is a Material Handler?

Material handlers move products in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, either manually or using equipment such as trucks or forklifts. Their responsibilities may include pulling inventory and moving stock and other materials to fulfill orders, and unloading product deliveries by pulling them off of trucks and putting them on shelves.

There are no specific education requirements, but many employers prefer a high school degree or equivalent. In some positions, material handlers need a certificate to operate a forklift or other equipment. Material handlers need to have stamina and strength since they are typically on their feet for long periods of time and often need to lift heavy products.

Material Handler Job Description Template

Job Overview

Here at Sample Company, we are the leading company in our industry in the tri-county area. We're proud of our 4.5 rating on Glassdoor. We're now hiring a talented Material Handler to join our growing team. If you're excited to be part of a winning team, Sample Company is a perfect place to grow your career. Apply now!

Responsibilities for Material Handler

  • Load and unload incoming and outgoing materials and products
  • Move materials to and from loading docks, delivery trucks, storage areas, and manufacturing areas
  • Identify and label materials, and record their locations in the warehouse/on the shelves to maintain inventory
  • Prepare finished products for shipment by identifying their location, then pulling, packing, and loading them
  • Operate trucks, forklifts, cranes, and other equipment to move freight
  • Perform and report cycle counts
  • Comply with all warehouse safety rules and guidelines

Qualifications for Material Handler

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1-5 years of experience working in a warehouse setting or in logistics; experience in operating material handling equipment preferred
  • Certification to ride forklift truck preferred
  • Must be able to work well in a team
  • Ability to read.write and to follow instructions, and work independently with little guidance
  • Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time; ability to bend and to lift heavy materials
  • Ability to operate computers and relevant warehouse management computer software
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends

Ready to Hire a Material Handler?

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes
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