Material Handler

Material Handler

The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, storage, and handling of materials within a food manufacturing environment using powered industrial trucks (PIT), including forklifts and pallet-moving equipment. This position requires strict compliance with OSHA powered industrial truck standards, food safety regulations, and company safety policies. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Essential Functions

• Receive, transport, stage, and store raw materials, ingredients, packaging supplies, and finished goods
• Load and unload materials from trucks, racks, conveyors, and production lines using PIT or manual methods
• Ensure proper material rotation (FIFO/FEFO), traceability, and segregation
• Verify quantities, lot numbers, and labeling accuracy during material movement
• Maintain clear aisles, dock areas, and storage locations

Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Operation OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178

• Safely operate powered industrial trucks (e.g., forklifts, electric pallet jacks) in accordance with OSHA standards and company policies
• Complete required OSHA-compliant PIT training, evaluation, and certification prior to operation
• Conduct and document pre-shift equipment inspections and report defects immediately
• Operate PITs only within designated areas and load capacities
• Maintain safe speeds, proper load handling, and pedestrian awareness
• Park, secure, and shut down PITs according to safety procedures

Food Safety & Quality

• Comply with GMP, HACCP, sanitation, and allergen control requirements while handling materials
• Prevent contamination or product damage during transport and storage
• Identify and report damaged, expired, or non-conforming materials

Safety & Compliance

• Use required PPE, including safety footwear and high-visibility apparel
• Follow all OSHA, company, and site-specific safety policies
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, or near-misses
• Participate in required safety meetings, refresher training, and re-evaluations

Attendance & Reliability

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Work assigned schedules, including overtime, weekends, or holidays as required

Marginal (Non-Essential) Functions

• Assist with inventory counts or audits
• Support production or warehouse teams during peak demand
• Participate in continuous improvement or cross-training initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to comply with OSHA safety regulations and food safety standards
• Ability to operate PITs safely after completing required training

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Prior experience operating forklifts or powered industrial trucks in a food or manufacturing environment
• Current OSHA-compliant PIT certification or ability to obtain and maintain certification
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS)

Physical Demands (ADA-Compliant)

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods (up to 812 hours per shift)
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to safely operate PIT controls using hands and foot pedals
• Frequent bending, reaching, and head/neck movement to maintain situational awareness
• Ability to communicate effectively in a warehouse or production environment

Work Environment

• Food processing and warehouse facilities
• Exposure to moving equipment, forklift traffic, and dock operations
• Temperature variations, including ambient, refrigerated, or frozen environments
• Exposure to noise and food allergens
• PPE required, including gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility apparel, and protective clothing

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Sandridge Crafted Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ADA / Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sandridge Crafted Foods complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions of this position.