Material Handler

Job Title: Material Handler Job Description

The Material Handler operates stand-up reach trucks and sit-down forklifts to move palletized materials and support production in a busy manufacturing environment. This role combines equipment operation with hands-on material processing, including handling reclaimed turf, breaking down containers, bundling pallets, and managing waste. The position requires accurate documentation of pallet movements and weights, careful staging of materials, and participation in cutting and repurposing turf. Over time, you will receive training to set large metal dies on cutter machines and read production instruction (PI) sheets, with the goal of growing into an equipment operator role.

Responsibilities

• Operate stand-up reach trucks and sit-down forklifts to safely move palletized materials throughout the facility (approximately 30% of the role).

• Process reclaimed turf and materials, including breaking down gaylords, bundling pallets, and moving and disposing of trash.

• Document pallet movements on paper, accurately recording the time each pallet comes off the line and its weight at regular intervals (about every 30 minutes).

• Stage pallets and materials in designated areas to support efficient production flow.

• Cut up old turf for grinding and repurposing, following established procedures and safety guidelines.

• Learn to set large metal dies onto cutter machines, ensuring proper setup and alignment for production runs.

• Read and interpret PI sheets to confirm the correct product type and quantity is being run and cut on the machines.

• Support inventory-related tasks as needed, helping maintain accurate counts and material locations.

• Perform general labor duties in the manufacturing area to assist with production and housekeeping.

• Follow all safety protocols when working around forklifts, extrusion machines, pelletizer machines, and hot plastic extruders.

• Collaborate with team members, including Spanish-speaking colleagues, to ensure smooth communication and workflow.

• Participate in overtime and weekend work during busy periods to help meet production demands.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to operate stand-up reach trucks and sit-down forklifts safely and efficiently.

• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment with exposure to dust, noise, and production equipment.

• Attention to detail and accuracy when documenting times, weights, and other production data on paper.

• Ability to read and understand PI sheets and other basic production paperwork.

• Comfort performing physical, hands-on work such as breaking down containers, bundling pallets, and handling reclaimed materials.

• Capability to work around hot plastic extruders and other machinery while following safety guidelines.

• Willingness to work night shift hours (9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) and some weekends as required.

• Basic communication skills, with openness to working in a multilingual environment, including Spanish speakers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with extrusion machines in a manufacturing setting.

• Familiarity with pelletizer machines and related plastic processing equipment.

• Prior exposure to inventory tasks such as counting, staging, and tracking materials.

• Background in general labor roles within production or warehouse environments.

• Ability to grow into an equipment operator role by learning machine setup, die changes, and production processes.

• Comfort working in an environment without air conditioning but with heating available in the winter.

• Openness to overtime during peak seasons, including mandatory overtime on certain days when production demands increase.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable manufacturing team where the average employee tenure is around ten years, reflecting strong retention and long-term opportunities. The company fosters a close-knit environment with a small team, making it easier for your contributions to be noticed and valued. Safety is supported through provided steel-toe footwear, and you will work alongside several Spanish-speaking colleagues in an inclusive, multilingual setting. Music is played in the plant, creating a more relaxed atmosphere while you work. During busy periods, there are opportunities for overtime, allowing you to increase your earnings while supporting a growing operation.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility with typical industrial conditions, including dust, noise, and work around hot plastic extruders and other production equipment. The plant does not have air conditioning but does provide heat during the winter as needed. Music is played on the floor, contributing to a more comfortable and engaging atmosphere. You will work on a small team of approximately 25 people, where performance is highly visible. The position is on the night shift from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with some weekend work and overtime required during busy seasons. Steel-toe footwear is provided and is part of the expected attire for working safely in this environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.25/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.