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Container Handler Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

... container and tank management and inspection, and transfer of hazardous waste to and from storage ... The Material Handler I is expected to operate within the framework of Tolmar's Core Values:

... container and tank management and inspection, and transfer of hazardous waste to and from storage ... The Material Handler I is expected to operate within the framework of Tolmar's Core Values:

... container and tank management and inspection, and transfer of hazardous waste to and from storage ... The Material Handler I is expected to operate within the framework of Tolmar's Core Values:

You'll be: • Loading and unloading drums, totes, containers, trailers, and tankers while ensuring safety protocols are followed. • Handling hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials safely and ...

You'll be: • Loading and unloading drums, totes, containers, trailers, and tankers while ensuring safety protocols are followed. • Handling hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials safely and ...

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Container Handler information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do container handler jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for container handler in Colorado is $18.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Container Handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Container Handler, you need physical strength, spatial awareness, and familiarity with warehouse operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Operation of forklifts, cranes, and container tracking systems typically requires relevant certifications such as OSHA forklift certification. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are crucial soft skills for managing inventory and ensuring safety. These competencies are vital for maintaining efficient logistics, minimizing workplace accidents, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods.

What are some typical challenges faced by Container Handlers and how can they be managed on the job?

Container Handlers often work in fast-paced environments where efficiency and safety are top priorities. Common challenges include operating heavy machinery in tight spaces, managing time pressures during peak shipping periods, and ensuring containers are properly loaded and secured to prevent damage. Effective communication with team members and attention to safety protocols are essential to overcome these challenges. Ongoing training and adherence to best practices help Container Handlers perform their duties safely and effectively.

What are container handlers?

Container handlers are specialized equipment operators or workers responsible for moving, loading, unloading, and stacking shipping containers in ports, warehouses, and freight terminals. They use heavy machinery such as container forklifts, reach stackers, or cranes to safely and efficiently handle containers. Container handlers play a key role in logistics and supply chain operations, ensuring containers are managed without damage and according to safety regulations.

What is the difference between Container Handler vs Forklift Operator?

AspectContainer HandlerForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires OSHA certification and specialized training for handling containersRequires forklift certification and OSHA training
Work EnvironmentOperates mainly in ports, shipping yards, and container terminalsWorks in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers
Industry UsagePrimarily used in shipping, logistics, and maritime industriesCommon in warehousing, retail, and manufacturing sectors

Container handlers and forklift operators both require OSHA certification and work in logistics environments. However, container handlers are specialized for port and shipping yard operations, handling large containers, while forklift operators typically work in warehouses and factories managing smaller loads. The roles overlap in certification needs but differ significantly in work setting and equipment used.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Container Handler jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Container Handler job openings:

Material Handler Associate - E-Commerce

Discover Goodwill of Southern & Western Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$16.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Please Note:  This position will be posted through 5/20/2026.

Goodwill's Material Handlers are an integral part of our production team! Material Handlers keep our production moving by using electric forklifts and/or pallet jacks to stage portions of our production flow (i.e., gaylords, pallets, tubs, etc.) matching them with the members of the production team to maximize efficiency. 

This position will be full-time.  

Prior experience with a forklift is a plus! The minimum age for this position is 18. 

Pay: $16.85 Hr. This position is eligible for Daily Pay!  Work today, get paid today! We’ve partnered with DailyPay, a voluntary benefit to offer employees access to their pay on their own schedule. Full-Time employees in our Retail and Sales/Operations Division are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Flexible Spending Accounts, Long Term Disability, and several voluntary supplemental benefit offerings.  In addition, these positions are eligible for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, holiday, floating holiday, jury duty, and bereavement leave. All employees may also make pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) contributions to our retirement plan – must be 18 years of age to participate.Goodwill of Colorado is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligible employer.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Material Handler, Retail will primarily work in a production environment moving, storing, and retrieving donated products following Goodwill’s warehousing and material handling procedures and guidelines.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Meets or exceeds minimum productivity standards and expectations/Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for assigned duties.
  • Uses and becomes certified on pallet jack, walkie stacker, forklift, hand dolly or other equipment or tools to effectively move and store donated product. 
  • Ensures that all areas of production have sufficient materials to work with so that there is no lapse of work to minimize down time. 
  • Be proactive in preparing materials or storage containers to anticipate the needs of the production team.  
  • Ensures that the warehouse and trailers are well organized, stocked, and clean to ensure items are stored in an efficient manner.
  • Prepares items for shipment and track products that are both shipped as well as received by the Retail Center docks.
  • Ensures work areas are clear and organized and adhere to continuous improvement and safety requirements.
  • Duties are completed accurately, safely, and timely to ensure that items are handled appropriately and not damaged throughout the product flow process.
  • Promotes and demonstrates positive teamwork and cooperation.
  • Adapts and uses technology as it becomes available to operate efficiently. This includes but is not limited to process automation.
  • Maintains a clean and organized work area to provide a safe and efficient workflow for employees and customers.
  • Follows all company and department policies and procedures.
  • Cross-trains and works in other areas as assigned by any member of management.
  • Your job duties may extend beyond the tasks listed and may include additional responsibilities as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

  • A High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Experience:

  • Previous storage, moving or shipping/receiving experience is helpful.

Other:

  • Able to obtain walkie stacker and/or forklift certification to safely operate equipment.
  • Have a high attention to detail and ability to make decisions.
  • Able to withstand prolonged standing, bending, and lifting up to 8 hours per day.
  • Able to lift up to 75lbs, use a dolly and pallet jack as required.
  • Able to work a varied schedule to include weekends, evenings, and holidays with occasional overtime as necessary.
  • Able to communicate effectively with customers, managers, supervisors, staff, and peers.

    Goodwill is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to employing qualified individuals including those with disabilities, protected veterans and military spouses. Goodwill participates in E-Verify.  For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS:  888-897-7781 or www.dhs.gov/E-Verify We promote a Safe & Drug-free Workplace.

    Candidates offered this position will be required to successfully complete pre-employment screening, which could include: a background check, drug test, reference check, employment verification, education verification, fingerprinting, and/or MVR (if applicable, based on position). In addition, certain positions will require repeated screening processes, and your employment with Goodwill of Colorado will remain contingent upon the results of any continued screening processes.

     

    Physical Requirements

    Attachment to Job Description

    Job Title: 538 – Material Handler, Retail Dept Number: Varies - Retail

     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 to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Guide to Physical Requirements:

    • Continuously (5-8 hours)
    • Frequently (3-4 hours)
    • Occasionally (1-2 hours)
    • Never

     LIFTING: (as defined by ADA)

       Heavy: 45 lbs & over - FREQUENTLY

       Moderate: 15-44 lbs - CONTINUOUSLY

       Light: 14 lbs & under - FREQUENTLY

    CARRYING:

       Heavy: 45 lbs & over - FREQUENTLY

       Moderate: 15-44 lbs - FREQUENTLY

       Light: 14 lbs & under - FREQUENTLY

    PUSHING/PULLING - CONTINUOUSLY

    REACHING:

       Above Shoulder - CONTINUOUSLY

       At Shoulder - FREQUENTLY

       Below Shoulder - FREQUENTLY

    TWISTING - FREQUENTLY

    BENDING - FREQUENTLY

    KNEELING/CRAWLING - OCCASIONALLY

    SQUAT - OCCASIONALLY

    CLIMBING:

       Use of legs only (stairs) - OCCASIONALLY

       Use of arms & legs (ladders) - OCCASIONALLY

    HEARING - FREQUENTLY

    VISION:

       Visual, close - FREQUENTLY

       Visual, distant - FREQUENTLY

       Visual, depth perception - FREQUENTLY

    HANDS/FINGERS:

       Simple grasping - FREQUENTLY

       Fine Manipulation - FREQUENTLY

       Repetitive Movements - FREQUENTLY

    WALKING - CONTINUOUSLY

    STANDING - FREQUENTLY

    SITTING - OCCASIONALLY

    SPEAKING - OCCASIONALLY

    OTHER, please describe -