Material Handler

Material Handler

The Material Handler safely operates rear-wheel steering forklifts and yard tractors to move materials throughout a clean, temperature-controlled food manufacturing facility. This role focuses on loading and unloading shipments, transporting raw materials and finished goods between departments, and supporting production by keeping lines stocked. The Material Handler also performs routine equipment checks, follows strict safety and GMP guidelines, and collaborates closely with warehouse and production teams to maintain efficient material flow.

Responsibilities

• Operate rear-wheel steering forklifts and yard tractors to safely and efficiently transport materials within the facility.
• Load and unload incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring proper handling, placement, and secure storage of products.
• Transport raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods between various departments to support continuous production.
• Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance checks on forklifts to ensure safe and optimal performance.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines, GMP standards, and facility regulations while operating equipment and handling materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and obstruction-free work area, ensuring aisles and storage locations remain clear and accessible.
• Use RF scanners and related equipment to complete inventory transactions, order picking, and material tracking.
• Support shipping and receiving activities, including loading and unloading trucks, verifying materials, and staging pallets.
• Perform general labor tasks such as picking, packing, palletizing, and packaging as needed.
• Operate additional material handling equipment such as pallet jacks, reach trucks, and sit-down forklifts as required.
• Assist with inventory counts, including calculating pallet tie and tier, and verifying expiration dates and product details.
• Collaborate with production supervisors, warehouse personnel, and other team members to coordinate material movements and resolve logistical challenges.
• Provide clear and timely communication on material availability and ensure production lines remain stocked with required raw materials.
• Follow all company procedures for safe operation of forklifts and yard tractors in tight spaces within a food manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a forklift driver in a food manufacturing or similar setting.
• 23 years of warehouse and forklift experience preferred.
• Valid forklift operator certification.
• Clean driving record.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate rear-wheel steering forklifts, including in tight spaces.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Strong material handling skills, including loading, unloading, and transporting materials.
• Experience with sit-down forklifts and general forklift operating.
• Proficiency with inventory handling, order picking, shipping and receiving, and general labor tasks.
• Ability to use RF scanners for picking, packing, and inventory transactions.
• Strong mathematical skills to handle inventory counts, pallet tie and tier, and expiration date verification.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with team members and provide updates on material status.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with yard tractors and their safe operation.
• Experience with pallet jacks and reach trucks.
• Background in production, packaging, and order picking environments.
• Comfort working in a GMP-regulated, food manufacturing facility.
• Being bilingual is a plus.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a stable, privately held organization that offers a 401(k) with company match and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance. The company is growing and provides clear opportunities for advancement and long-term career development. There is potential for future profit-sharing starting in 2025, offering additional upside as the business continues to expand.

Work Environment

This role is based in a GMP-regulated food manufacturing facility of approximately 135,000 square feet located in Hopkins. The environment is very clean, temperature controlled, and well maintained, supporting both safety and comfort. Employees work on structured weekday schedules, with a first shift from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and a second shift from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the contract-to-hire period, candidates do not receive the shift differential for second or third shift; however, a guaranteed shift differential is provided as a raise upon conversion, including an additional $1$2 per hour for first shift and $2 per hour for second shift. The work involves regular use of forklifts, yard tractors, pallet jacks, RF scanners, and other material handling equipment in a structured, safety-focused setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hopkins, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 Hopkins, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.