What Is a Material Handler and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

The job of a material handler differs slightly across industries, which include manufacturing, warehouse supply, or retail. In production, your duties are to procure and deliver products or raw materials to the production floor to be assembled. You may use specialized equipment to move supplies, such as forklifts. In retail, such as working at a second-hand store, your responsibilities may include sorting through donations at distribution facilities or stock rooms and performing quality control to ensure materials meet company standards.

To become a material handler, you need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. If you work in a warehouse where you move large objects to production lines or shipment departments, you may need to have a forklift license or other commercial license. In addition to these qualifications, you need good physical strength and stamina, and you must be detail-oriented and have some familiarity with tracking supplies with electronic systems. Helpful skills include verbal communication and computer literacy.

Job Summary

We are seeking a self-motivated, efficient, and meticulous material handler to join our growing team. As a material handler with our organization, you will be responsible for unloading product deliveries, maintaining stock in the warehouse, and moving stock and other materials to fulfill orders. The ideal candidate for the material handler position is a diligent worker who can complete tasks successfully with little to no guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Move freight and stock to and from loading docks, delivery vehicles, storage areas, and production areas either manually or using equipment such as trucks, tractors, or forklifts
• Follow written or oral instructions regarding daily tasks and job duties
• Stage products based on customer orders; assist in filling customer orders
• Sort cargo during loading or unloading process and mark containers with identifying information
• Stack cargo in specific locations using cargo boards or pallets
• Document the numbers of units handled or moved each day using production sheets
• Utilize protective devices—padding, straps, etc.—to prevent damage to items during transport
• Use assistive devices—slings, hooks, etc.—to lift and guide cargo
• Operate machineries such as booms, cameras, cranes, and forklifts to handle materials and stock

Requirements and Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds at a time
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) forklift certification strongly preferred
• Availability to work overtime hours preferred
• High school diploma required