Material Handler - Welding Department

Job Summary

The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of raw materials, components, and finished goods within the metal fabrication shop. This role supports production by staging materials, loading/unloading deliveries, maintaining accurate inventory, and ensuring materials are stored and handled according to company procedures and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Load, unload, move, and stage raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods using forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, or other material handling equipment.
• Verify material type, size, and quantity against work orders, delivery documents, or inventory records.
• Deliver raw materials and components to workstations according to production schedules.
• Properly store and organize materials in racks, bins, or designated areas to maintain shop efficiency.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including counts, transfers, and usage logs.
• Assist with packaging, labeling, and preparing parts for shipment.
• Monitor material quality and report damaged or nonconforming materials to supervision.
• Support recycling, scrap handling, and waste disposal processes.
• Follow all safety rules, including proper lifting techniques and equipment operation procedures.
• Keep work areas, storage areas, and material staging zones clean and organized.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and logistics.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of experience in material handling, warehousing, or manufacturing preferred.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification required.
• Experience in a metal fabrication or industrial environment is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of material handling practices in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Proficiency with forklifts, pallet jacks, and (if applicable) overhead cranes or hoists.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, shipping documents, and material tags.
• Basic math and measurement skills for material verification.
• Strong organizational skills for efficient material storage and staging.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in handling inventory.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of shop safety rules and PPE requirements.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the ADA.

• Standing/Walking: Required to stand and walk on concrete floors for 8–10 hours per shift.
• Lifting/Carrying: Regularly lift and carry sheet metal parts and blanks up to 35 lbs; occasionally lift up to 50 lbs with assistance or lifting devices.
• Pushing/Pulling: Move sheet metal stacks, scrap bins, or finished part racks weighing up to 300 lbs using carts or material handling equipment.
• Reaching/Handling: Frequent reaching at or below shoulder level to load/unload material; occasional overhead reaching.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands for feeding parts, operating control panels, changing dies, and handling small components.
• Climbing/Balancing: Occasionally step onto platforms or ladders less than 3 ft in height.
• Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching: Occasional bending or kneeling when aligning material, removing scrap, or performing cleaning/maintenance tasks.
• Vision: Must have close vision, depth perception, and ability to distinguish part details for inspection and quality checks.
• Hearing/Speaking: Must be able to hear machine alarms, communicate with team members, and follow verbal instructions in a noisy environment.

Work Environment

• Noise: High noise levels from punch presses and fabrication equipment; hearing protection required.
• Temperature: Exposure to fluctuating seasonal shop temperatures.
• Other: Exposure to sharp edges, lubricants, and metal scrap; personal protective equipment (PPE) required at all times.