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1St Shift Material Handler Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Material Handler

Sterling, VA

$22.50/hr

Now Hiring: 1st Shift Material Handler - $22.50/hr Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Location: Sterling, VA Be a Part of the Powerhouse Team--Start Your Career with Kelly!Looking for a role ...

BCforward

Material Handler

Laurel, MD

$11.80/hr

Material Handler 10/24/2016 to 04/23/2017 8880 Gorman Road Laurel MD USA 20723-5800 Rate:$11.80/hr Hours - 1st shift 40 hours per week (8-4:30pm) possible OT as needed Job duties - pick order from ...

Vistant Corp

Material Handler

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Material Handlers at the Joint Pathology Center handle pathology samples, manage inventory of ... Must be able to climb ladders and lift, shift and move heavy items - up to 15 lbs. * Must be able ...

Vistant

Material Handler

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Material Handlers at the Joint Pathology Center handle pathology samples, manage inventory of ... Must be able to climb ladders and lift, shift and move heavy items - up to 15 lbs. * Must be able ...

Lakeside Book Company

Material Handler

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$18.45 - $22.80/hr

Shift: Wednesday to Saturday 7am - 7pm Location: 18249 Phoenix Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21742 Culture ... Safety First Standard, Food Trucks, Employee Events, Holiday Parties, Employee Recognition Program ...

eTeam

Material Handler

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Material Handler Location: Manassas, VA - 20110 (Onsite) Duration: 12 Months Contract Work Schedule ... Night Shift - Sun/Mon/Tue, alternate Sat - 12 Hours Responsibilities: * Accurately processed online ...

eTeam

Material Handler

Manassas, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Job Title: Material Handler Location: Manassas, VA - 20110 (Onsite) Duration: 12 Months Contract ... Night Shift - Sun/Mon/Tue, alternate Sat - 12 Hours Responsibilities: * Accurately processed online ...

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1St Shift Material Handler information

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How much do 1st shift material handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift material handler in Washington is $21.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by 1st shift material handlers, and how can they be effectively managed?

1st Shift Material Handlers often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy while working quickly, managing physical demands like lifting or standing for extended periods, and adapting to changes in workflow or inventory systems. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to follow established safety protocols, use ergonomic techniques, and communicate regularly with team members and supervisors. Many teams also provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration to help new hires integrate smoothly and maintain efficiency throughout the shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st shift material handler?

To thrive as a 1st Shift Material Handler, you need strong organizational skills, basic math abilities, and experience with inventory control, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), forklifts, pallet jacks, and barcode scanners is typically required, with OSHA forklift certification being an advantage. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient movement of materials, supporting smooth warehouse operations.

Is a 1st Shift Material Handler an entry level job?

A 1st Shift Material Handler position is often considered entry level, especially for those with basic warehouse or forklift operation skills. Many employers require minimal prior experience, focusing instead on reliability and ability to learn safety procedures. However, some roles may prefer candidates with previous material handling or inventory management experience.

What does a 1st shift material handler do?

A 1st Shift Material Handler is responsible for moving, loading, and unloading materials within a warehouse or production facility during the first shift, which typically occurs in the early morning to afternoon. Their duties often include operating forklifts or pallet jacks, organizing inventory, and ensuring materials are delivered to the correct departments. This role is essential for keeping production lines supplied and maintaining an efficient workflow. Attention to safety procedures and the ability to lift heavy objects are important aspects of the job.

What is the difference between 1St Shift Material Handler vs 2nd Shift Material Handler?

Aspect1St Shift Material Handler2nd Shift Material Handler
Work HoursTypically 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMUsually 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM
CertificationsForklift certification often requiredSame as 1st shift, forklift certification usually needed
Work EnvironmentWarehouse or manufacturing floor during daytimeSame environment, evening hours
Job ResponsibilitiesReceiving, storing, and shipping materialsSimilar duties, may include night shift-specific tasks

The main difference between a 1St Shift Material Handler and a 2nd Shift Material Handler is their working hours. Both roles typically require similar certifications and responsibilities, but the 1st shift works during daytime hours, while the 2nd shift covers evening hours. Employers often seek candidates for both shifts based on operational needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Handler jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Material Handler jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to 1St Shift Material Handler jobs in Washington? For 1St Shift Material Handler jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Material Handler jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Material Handler jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for 1St Shift Material Handler jobs? Cities in Washington with the most 1St Shift Material Handler job openings:
1St Shift Material Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Material Handler job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,356 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Material Handler II - 1st Shift

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Germantown, MD

$15.83 - $23.77/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 422 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule

First Shift (Days)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

Pay Range: $15.83 to $23.77

1st Shift - Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
Location/Division Specific Information:
This position is within the Fisher BioServices business unit of Thermo Fisher Scientific. The Operations Technician 2 is responsible for the receipt, inventory, storage, withdrawal and shipment of biological specimens, samples, clinical agents, and materials from multiple commercial and government clients. These materials are stored at temperatures ranging from ambient (room temperature) to -196°C with potentially hazardous properties. This position uses database applications and standard precautionary procedures to work independently, be self-directed, communicate effectively, and use good judgment when making decisions. Internal or external client interaction occurs under the guidance of experienced professional or technical staff. This position may also participate in the assembly of kits and label printing. As a Technician 2, this position requires applying acquired skills with some complexity and working knowledge of technical, operative or administrative methods and practices found within the repository industry.
How Will You Make an Impact?:
At Fisher BioServices, we specialize in the management of critical biological materials in support for the advancement of cell therapy, high value biologics, and population-based public health research. We provide customized end-to-end chain of custody solutions for our large pharmaceutical clients and partners in academia and government, ensuring the integrity and efficacy of their valued material from the manufacturer to the bedside. Fisher BioServices is a brand of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.
A Day in the Life:

  • Receive, process, inventory, and store biological specimens and clinical materials in temperature-controlled environments ranging from room temperature to ultra-low cryogenic storage (-196°C), while following strict safety and quality procedures.

  • Manage specimen movements using specialized database systems, ensuring accurate tracking, documentation, retrieval, and shipment of client materials with a high level of attention to detail and independent decision-making.

  • Support daily repository operations by preparing shipments, assembling kits, printing labels, and collaborating with team members and clients to maintain efficient and compliant sample management processes.


Education: (NA or APAC)
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience:
Required: Minimum of 1 year of work experience in distribution, warehouse or supply chain or related field
Preferred: Several years of work experience in a biological sample repository with experience operating multiple inventory management systems.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)
Working knowledge of cold storage facilities.
Ability to work in cold conditions for extended periods of time.
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
Standing for extended periods of time

Ability to lift 50 lbs.
What We Offer:
Compensation
Competitive Pay
Performance Related Bonus where eligible
Annual merit performance-based increase
Excellent Benefits
Medical benefits
Paid Time Off/Annual Leave
Employee Referral Bonus
Career Advancement Opportunities

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Maryland is $15.85–$23.77.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

  • Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards

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