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Material Handler Associate information

What is a material handler associate?

Material Handler Associates are workers responsible for moving, storing, and managing materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. They load and unload shipments, track inventory, and ensure goods are delivered to the correct locations. Their duties often involve operating forklifts or other machinery, following safety protocols, and maintaining records of materials handled. Material Handler Associates play a crucial role in keeping supply chains running smoothly and efficiently.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a material handler associate?

As a Material Handler Associate, your typical day involves receiving, storing, and distributing materials within a warehouse or production facility. You’ll use equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks to move goods, verify shipment information, and maintain accurate inventory records. Collaborating closely with warehouse supervisors and other team members is essential to ensure timely delivery of materials to production lines or shipping areas. Attention to safety protocols and efficient workflow management are key aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Material Handler Associate, you need basic math skills, physical stamina, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), forklifts, pallet jacks, and inventory tracking tools is commonly required, along with any necessary safety certifications. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities are crucial for maintaining efficient operations, ensuring workplace safety, and minimizing errors in material handling tasks.

Is material handler associate a hard job?

A material handler associate job involves physical tasks such as lifting, moving, and organizing materials, often in a warehouse or manufacturing environment. The job can be physically demanding and may require operating equipment like forklifts, but it generally does not require advanced technical skills or formal education. Physical stamina and attention to safety are important for success in this role.

What exactly does a material handler associate do?

A material handler associate is responsible for moving, storing, and organizing materials within a warehouse or manufacturing environment. They operate equipment such as forklifts, ensure inventory accuracy, and follow safety procedures to maintain efficient operations. This role often requires physical stamina and attention to detail.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Handler jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Material Handler jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Material Handler Associate jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Material Handler Associate job openings:

Material Handler Associate jobs near you

Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate

Springfield, TN • On-site

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

420th of 783 rated non-profit organizations

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn more about Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennesseeexternal

$15 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Location
Springfield
Job Summary:
The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate supports Goodwill's donated goods operations by delivering an exceptional donor experience while safely receiving, handling, and moving donated merchandise through backroom operations, including the Donation Express Center (DEC). This role is responsible for donor engagement, material handling, trailer loading, and maintaining efficient workflow to support production and store replenishment.
Under the direction of the store leadership, this role balances donor service, safety, productivity, and accuracy in a fast paced, high-volume environment. The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate operates in alignment with Goodwill's mission of Changing Lives through Education, Training, and Employment and upholds the values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment.
Job Description
Essential Functions
Donor Experience
  • Consistently deliver the GREAT donor experience by Greeting donors promptly, offering donation Receipts accurately, providing Excellent Service, Assisting donors as needed, and Thanking donors sincerely for their support.
  • Greet donors professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming and positive first impression at the donation site.
  • Receive donated goods in accordance with established donation acceptance, safety, and operational guidelines.
  • Provide basic donor information as needed, including donation procedures and Goodwill's mission impact.
  • Assist donors with unloading, directions, or questions to ensure a safe, efficient, and positive donation experience.
  • Manage donor flow to maintain safety, efficiency, and a customer-friendly environment during peak donation periods.

Material Handler & Backroom Operations
  • Support efficient donated goods operations through safe, accurate handling and movement of donated merchandise within backroom operations and donation areas.
  • Maintain consistent material flow to support processing, production, and store replenishment needs in a high-volume environment.
  • Load, unload, and stage donated goods, including trailers and trucks, in accordance with safety and operational standards.
  • Operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks, as trained and authorized.
  • Ensure backroom, staging, equipment, and trailer areas are organized, clean, and operationally ready to support daily workflow.
  • Perform routine housekeeping to maintain a safe, orderly, and efficient work environment, including keeping work areas free of hazards.
  • Follow all safety guidelines, housekeeping standards, lifting practices, and operational procedures to support a safe and productive workplace.

Safety & Operational Standards
  • Perform all duties in accordance with Goodwill's safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.
  • Use proper lifting techniques and safe work practices to prevent injury and protect donors, team members, and donated goods.
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings and report safety hazards, equipment concerns, or operational issues promptly to leadership.
  • Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within backroom operations.

Schedule & Flexibility
  • Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support donor experience, backroom operations, and overall store performance.

Minimum Qualifications
Required Skills
Education
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience
  • Previous experience in retail, donation intake, production, warehouse, or customer-facing roles preferred, but not required.

Knowledge and Skills
  • Ability to balance positive donor interactions with operational and backroom responsibilities throughout the workday.
  • Ability to follow established operational standards, workflows, and safety procedures consistently.
  • Ability to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move donated goods as required.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills / Certifications & License
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Experience in fast-paced, high-volume, quota/production or warehouse environments with strong service, productivity, accuracy, and quality expectations preferred.
  • Experience supporting donors/customers in a community-facing role while performing donation processing, material handling, or backroom operations preferred.
  • Prior nonprofit or mission-based retail experience is a plus.
  • Bilingual language skills preferred.

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