Material Handling Specialist

Material HandlerThis Material Handler role supports a fast-paced production environment by safely operating forklifts, handling materials, and following detailed work orders. You will perform manual labor that includes lifting, pushing, and pulling materials, while maintaining strong safety awareness and high attention to detail. The position requires consistent attendance, reliable transportation, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.ResponsibilitiesOperate forklifts safely and efficiently to move, load, and unload materials throughout the facility.Read, interpret, and complete work orders accurately to ensure correct materials, quantities, and destinations.Handle materials manually, including lifting, pushing, and pulling items weighing 50 pounds or more using hands, pallet jacks, forklifts, or other equipment.Perform inspection, packing, picking, and packaging tasks to support production and shipping operations.Support production activities by feeding materials to machines, assisting with machine operation, and ensuring materials are staged correctly.Maintain a high level of attention to detail when measuring, counting, and verifying materials and finished goods.Follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards to support a safe and efficient workplace.Communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate material flow and resolve issues.Manage time effectively to meet production schedules and respond quickly to changing priorities.Work on your feet for most of the shift, performing continuous bending, lifting, climbing, and other physical tasks.Adapt to new tasks and processes by cross-training and applying new skills to daily work.Work overtime or alternate shifts as needed to support production demands, including incremental and Saturday overtime.Essential SkillsMinimum 1 year of forklift operator experience.Proven ability to read and understand work orders.Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.Knowledge of basic math and measurement skills.Strong communication skills with individuals at all levels of the organization.Good attendance with a record of being regularly at work and on time.Reliable transportation to and from work.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and safety.Ability to lift, push, or pull an average of 50 pounds or more by hand or with a manual pallet jack, forklift, or other equipment.Ability to be on your feet for the majority of the day, performing continuous bending, lifting, and climbing.Demonstrated safety awareness and ability to follow all safety procedures.Essential time management skills and the ability to think quickly and make accurate decisions.Ability to work independently with little supervision and stay self-motivated.Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).Willingness and ability to work overtime or alternate shifts as necessary.Additional Skills & QualificationsGeneral mechanical aptitude to support material handling and basic machine-related tasks.Experience with inspection, material handling, forklift operation, packing, picking, packaging, production, and machine operation.Ability to read and write work orders and related documentation clearly and accurately.Capability to learn on the job and apply new knowledge and skills to improve performance.Ability to motivate yourself and maintain productivity without constant supervision.Comfort working in a physically demanding role with continuous bending, lifting, and climbing.Interest in cross-training and learning new skills in a thermoforming and production environment.Why Work Here?This facility serves as a key center for custom thermoforming, offering extensive opportunities to cross train and build new skills across multiple production lines, including specialized work for medical customers. The organization supports long-term career growth with structured training, tuition reimbursement, and a culture that values safety, reliability, and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from a comprehensive rewards package that includes paid holidays, paid vacation, and paid sick time, as well as company-paid long-term and short-term disability, basic life insurance, and an employee assistance program. Additional financial and lifestyle benefits include tuition reimbursement, an employee referral bonus program, an annual discretionary bonus program based on company performance, and a workboot allowance program. A wide range of health and wellness options are available, including medical plan options with HSA or FSA, dental and vision coverage, and an FSA dependent care option. Employees can further tailor their coverage with optional supplemental life, AD&D, accident, and critical illness insurance for themselves and eligible dependents. Retirement planning is supported through a 401(k) plan with a company match, helping you build long-term financial security while working in a stable and well-organized production environment.Work EnvironmentThe work environment is a very clean, well-organized production facility with 18 thermoforming lines split between the north and south sides of the building, including a dedicated area for medical customers. You will work primarily on the second shift from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with incremental and Saturday overtime as needed. The role is physically demanding and requires being on your feet for most of the day, with frequent bending, lifting, climbing, and handling of materials weighing 50 pounds or more. You will regularly use forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other material handling and production equipment. The facility emphasizes safety and requires the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. The environment is fast-paced yet structured, with clear processes, strong safety standards, and opportunities to collaborate with production teams and supervisors across different areas of the plant.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntley, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Huntley, IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.