ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Goodwill Material Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGoodwill Material Handler JobsGoodwill Material Handler Jobs in California

Goodwill Material Handler information

What is a Goodwill material handler?

Goodwill Material Handlers are employees responsible for receiving, sorting, and organizing donated goods at Goodwill locations. They unload donations, inspect items for quality, and prepare merchandise for the sales floor or recycling. Material Handlers play a key role in ensuring donations are processed efficiently and safely, helping to support Goodwill's mission of providing job training and employment services through store proceeds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Goodwill material handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Goodwill Material Handler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic organizational skills, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse equipment, inventory tracking systems, and safety procedures is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and communication skills help you excel in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. These abilities ensure efficient donation processing, maintain workplace safety, and provide positive experiences for both donors and coworkers.

What are some typical challenges Goodwill material handlers face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Goodwill Material Handlers often encounter challenges such as handling heavy, bulky, or irregularly shaped donations, maintaining safety and efficiency in a fast-paced environment, and sorting large volumes of items quickly. To manage these challenges, handlers are encouraged to use proper lifting techniques, collaborate closely with team members, and stay organized to ensure smooth workflow. Open communication with supervisors and ongoing training in safety procedures also help create a supportive work environment and reduce the risk of injury.

What is the difference between Goodwill Material Handler vs Goodwill Warehouse Associate?

AspectGoodwill Material HandlerGoodwill Warehouse Associate
Primary ResponsibilitiesLoading, unloading, and moving donations and inventoryAssisting with inventory management and order fulfillment
Required SkillsPhysical stamina, basic forklift or equipment operationOrganizational skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, donation centersWarehouse, retail stores
CertificationsForklift certification often preferredNone typically required

The Goodwill Material Handler primarily focuses on physically moving donations and inventory within warehouse settings, often requiring equipment operation skills. In contrast, the Goodwill Warehouse Associate may handle inventory organization and assist with store operations. Both roles are essential in the donation and retail process, but they differ in specific duties and skill requirements.

Is a Goodwill Material Handler a hard job?

A Goodwill Material Handler job involves lifting, sorting, and moving donated items, which can be physically demanding and require stamina. The role often requires standing for long periods and operating equipment like carts or dollies, making it physically challenging but manageable with proper safety practices. The difficulty level varies based on individual fitness and experience with manual labor tasks.
What are popular job titles related to Goodwill Material Handler jobs in California? For Goodwill Material Handler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Goodwill Material Handler jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Goodwill Material Handler jobs in California are:
Goodwill Material Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Goodwill Material Handler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Material Handler

Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Material Handler
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Material Handler is to assist in all phases of dock operations. The Material Handler reports to the Dock Lead and Senior Manager of Logistics and Aftermarket.
Exemplary Duties / Responsibilities:
  • The Material Handler Keeps the dock area clean and in a safe condition. Assist with unloading trucks and trailers.
  • Keeping the dock area organized.
  • Delivers full bins to respective areas.
  • Responsible for meeting deadlines and responding to special needs.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull at least 20 lbs.
  • Reports all safety hazards to the department manager.
  • Attends General Assembly, Department, and Safety meetings as required.
  • Cooperate with the Lead, Transportation Manager, and co-workers.
  • Responsible for other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
  • One to two years of positive work history preferably warehouse experience.
Knowledge & Skills:
  • Fluent communication skills, both verbal and written in English.
  • Ability to understand simple instructions.
Desirable Qualifications:
  • Bilingual is a plus.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and respond to special needs.
  • Ability to process materials safely, efficiently, and securely.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull at least 20 lbs.
  • Must have quantity and quality of work performed.
Core Competencies:
To perform the job successfully an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Ethics - Consistently demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and alignment with Goodwill's core values in all workplace interactions and decisions.
  • Technical Skills & Initiative - Effectively applies required tools and systems, seeks opportunities to improve skills, and takes initiative to support team and operational needs.
  • Safe Material Handling - Follows proper lifting techniques; uses safe practices during loading/unloading; reports hazards promptly; maintains safety in all operations.
  • Dock Organization & Cleanliness - Keeps dock space clean, clutter-free, and well-organized to support efficient loading/unloading and safe working conditions.
  • Time Management & Reliability - Completes assigned tasks within required timeframes; meets daily deadlines; demonstrates punctuality and consistency.
  • Communication & Team Coordination - Communicates clearly with dock leads, drivers, and peers; follows instructions accurately; responds appropriately to feedback.
  • Task Flexibility & Responsiveness - Adapts quickly to changing priorities or urgent needs; handles special tasks assigned without sacrificing performance on core duties.
  • Equipment Awareness - Uses carts, bins, or handling tools properly; identifies when equipment is damaged or unsafe; reports issues to management.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Works Well with others, receives and gives constructive feedback.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standard of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.

Apply