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Lumber Yard Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

QXO

Yard Associate

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$20 - $24.03/hr

... of lumber and building materials, and the largest distributor of waterproofing products. The ... What you'll do: The Yard Associate plays a key role in supporting safe, efficient yard and ...

QXO

Yard Associate

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$20 - $24.03/hr

... of lumber and building materials, and the largest distributor of waterproofing products. The ... What you will do: The Yard Associate plays a key role in supporting safe, efficient yard and ...

Frattallone's Hardware

Store Manager

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

... yard personnel accurately receive and properly store merchandise. Safety & Loss Prevention: • ... associates. • Ensure that inventory is protected against loss and theft (out of rain, lumber flat ...

MAC's Hardware

Store Manager

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

... yard personnel accurately receive and properly store merchandise. Safety & Loss Prevention: • ... associates. • Ensure that inventory is protected against loss and theft (out of rain, lumber flat ...

Frattallone's Hardware

Store Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

... yard personnel accurately receive and properly store merchandise. Safety & Loss Prevention: • ... associates. • Ensure that inventory is protected against loss and theft (out of rain, lumber flat ...

All JobsLumber Yard Associate JobsLumber Yard Associate Jobs in Minnesota

Lumber Yard Associate information

What does a lumber yard associate do?

A Lumber Yard Associate is responsible for assisting customers, loading and unloading lumber and building materials, maintaining inventory, and ensuring the yard is organized and safe. They may also operate forklifts or other equipment to move heavy items and help customers select the right products for their projects. Good communication skills and physical stamina are important for this role, as it often involves outdoor work in various weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lumber yard associate?

To thrive as a Lumber Yard Associate, you need basic math and measurement skills, physical stamina, and experience handling building materials, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with forklifts, pallet jacks, inventory management systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. These skills ensure safe and efficient operations, accurate order fulfillment, and positive customer experiences in the lumber yard.

What are some common challenges lumber yard associates face during their shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Lumber Yard Associates often encounter challenges such as handling heavy materials, working in varying weather conditions, and maintaining accurate inventory. Effective management involves using proper lifting techniques, wearing appropriate safety gear, and staying organized with inventory tracking. Good communication with team members and customers also helps streamline workflow and ensures a safer, more efficient yard environment.

What is the difference between Lumber Yard Associate vs Hardware Store Associate?

AspectLumber Yard AssociateHardware Store Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require forklift certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic product knowledge
Work EnvironmentOutdoor and indoor lumber yard, heavy equipment useIndoor retail space, customer service focus
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, building supply companiesHome improvement, retail hardware stores
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for retail and warehouse roles in building materialsRelated but more retail-focused

The Lumber Yard Associate and Hardware Store Associate roles share similarities in customer service and basic product knowledge. However, Lumber Yard Associates typically work outdoors with heavy equipment and focus on building materials, while Hardware Store Associates work indoors in retail settings, assisting customers with a variety of hardware products. Both roles require a high school diploma and are common in the construction and retail industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lumber Yard jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Lumber Yard jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Lumber Yard Associate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Lumber Yard Associate job openings:

Lumber Yard Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lumber Yard Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Yard Associate

QXO

Saint Cloud, MN • On-site

$20 - $24.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

QXO rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 426 rated retail wholesalers

Job description

QXO is a leading distributor and installer of building products serving an $800 billion market. The company's mission is to modernize the building products industry through advanced technology and a best-in-class customer experience. QXO is North America's largest distributor and installer of insulation, the second-largest distributor of roofing products, the second-largest publicly traded distributor of lumber and building materials, and the largest distributor of waterproofing products. The company is targeting $50 billion in annual revenue within the decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. For more information, visit QXO.com.
What you'll do:
The Yard Associate plays a key role in supporting safe, efficient yard and warehouse operations by assisting customers, handling materials, preparing orders, and maintaining an organized work environment. This position helps ensure building materials are accurately received, stored, staged, and loaded while providing excellent customer service and supporting overall operational success. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, and enjoys working in a fast-paced outdoor environment.
Customer Service & Order Fulfillment
  • Provide friendly, professional service to customers, drivers, and contractors
  • Assist customers with locating products and building materials throughout the yard or warehouse
  • Help customers load and unload materials safely and efficiently
  • Answer customer questions and direct inquiries to the appropriate team members when needed
  • Ensure a positive customer experience through professionalism and teamwork

Material Handling & Yard Operations
  • Pull, stage, and prepare customer orders accurately and efficiently
  • Receive, organize, and store building materials in designated yard and warehouse locations
  • Assist with loading and unloading trucks, deliveries, and transfers
  • Verify quantities and product accuracy before loading or shipment
  • Support inventory organization and material flow throughout the facility

Equipment Operation
  • Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently (training and certification provided where applicable)
  • Perform routine equipment inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns
  • Follow all equipment operating procedures and company guidelines

Yard Maintenance & Safety
  • Maintain clean, organized, and professional yard, warehouse, and storage areas
  • Monitor racks, storage locations, and work areas to ensure materials are safely stored
  • Identify and report hazards, damaged materials, or unsafe conditions
  • Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements
  • Promote a safety-first culture and support overall operational excellence

Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with yard personnel, warehouse staff, drivers, sales teams, and management
  • Support daily operational goals and customer service objectives
  • Assist with additional yard, warehouse, and operational duties as assigned

What you'll bring:
  • Strong customer service and communication skills
  • Positive attitude and team-oriented mindset
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety
  • Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced environment
  • Basic math and measurement skills
  • Strong work ethic and dependable attendance
  • Experience in a lumberyard, warehouse, building materials, or construction environment
  • Forklift experience or willingness to obtain certification
  • Experience pulling orders and loading materials
  • Familiarity with building materials and inventory handling practices
  • Work is performed primarily in outdoor yard and warehouse environments
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions, equipment, dust, and building materials
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical tasks throughout the shift
  • Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50-75 pounds as required
  • Ability to safely operate material handling equipment
  • May require overtime or weekend work based on business needs

What you'll earn:
  • Pay: $20-$23/hour
  • Health Care Benefits
  • Paid Time Off

QXO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
To comply with Pay Transparency laws, employers must disclose an annual salary range. Actual offers depend on factors such as location, experience, skills, and market data. This position may also offer variable compensation.
Salary Range:
USD $20.00 - USD $24.03 /Hr.

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