Material Handler

Material Handler

The Material Handler operates sit-down propane forklifts to move lumber products and materials throughout a manufacturing facility while supporting general production activities. This role focuses on safe and efficient material handling, accurate inventory movement, and consistent support of production and shipping schedules in a clean, well-organized plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate sit-down propane forklifts with capacities ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 pounds to transport lumber products, bundles, and materials throughout the facility.
• Safely maneuver forklifts in tight spaces and narrow aisles while loading, unloading, stacking, and relocating inventory.
• Spend approximately 70% of the workday operating forklifts and 30% performing general production tasks.
• Sort lumber bundles and organize materials to support efficient production flow.
• Assist with general production operations, including picking, packing, and packaging materials as needed.
• Load and unload materials for shipping and receiving using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
• Use hand tools and related equipment to support production, packaging, and material handling tasks.
• Conduct pre-shift and routine equipment inspections on forklifts and related machinery to ensure safe operation.
• Follow all safety procedures and manufacturing plant guidelines while working on the production floor.
• Maintain accurate material flow by moving, staging, and organizing inventory according to production and shipping requirements.
• Support cross-training efforts by learning and performing multiple tasks within the production and material handling areas.
• Work efficiently to meet production and shipping schedules while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Communicate with team members and supervisors to coordinate material movement and resolve issues related to inventory or production flow.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating sit-down forklifts, preferably propane-powered, in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts with capacities ranging from 6,000 to 20,000 pounds.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment with material handling responsibilities.
• Strong skills in material handling, including loading, unloading, stacking, and relocating inventory.
• Familiarity with shipping and receiving processes in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Ability to work efficiently on a production floor, balancing forklift operation and general labor tasks.
• Comfort working around lumber products and handling lumber bundles.
• Capability to follow safety procedures and perform routine equipment inspections.
• Physical ability to perform general labor tasks, including lifting, moving, and organizing materials.
• Willingness to support cross-training and perform a variety of production and material handling duties.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using pallet jacks and other material handling equipment.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment involving machine operation or general production work.
• Familiarity with hand tools used in packaging, loading, and production support.
• Experience with stand-up forklifts or other types of industrial trucks is a plus.
• Comfort working in environments that may become dusty due to wood shavings.
• Ability to adapt to seasonal temperature changes in a production facility.
• Strong attention to detail when organizing materials and maintaining material flow.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, profitable, and safety-focused organization that values its employees and invests in their long-term success. The role offers consistent full-time hours and the opportunity to earn benefits and insurance upon transition to permanent employment. As part of an employee-owned company culture, you can take pride in contributing to a workplace where teamwork, accountability, and shared success are central to the environment.

Work Environment

The role is based on a production floor within a manufacturing facility that is well organized and generally clean. The environment can become dusty at times due to wood shavings from lumber products. Temperatures may be warmer in the summer and colder in the winter, reflecting typical conditions in a production plant. You will regularly operate sit-down propane forklifts and use pallet jacks, hand tools, and other material handling equipment while working around lumber bundles and related materials. The workday is primarily spent on the production floor, balancing forklift operation with general production and material handling tasks in a structured, safety-conscious setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.60 - $19.10/hr. 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 Phoenix, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.