Industrial Material Handling Technician (Heavy Forklift & Crane Trainee)

Job Description

Job Description

Role at a Glance

It’s a busy morning in Houston, TX 77073. You complete a pre-shift check on a heavy forklift, review the day’s shipping list, and coordinate with the team to sequence loads. Throughout your shift, you’ll move materials with precision, help turn rough metal parts into finished components, and keep the warehouse running safely and smoothly.

What You’ll Do

• Operate heavy forklifts to lift, move, and stack materials with accuracy and care.
• Load and unload trucks while maintaining tight control over inventory and shipping/receiving documentation.
• Perform regular equipment inspections and immediately report maintenance needs.
• Follow and reinforce all safety rules to protect yourself and your team.
• Coordinate with team members to streamline workflow and increase productivity.
• Keep precise records of inventory movement and equipment usage.
• Support the onboarding and training of new operators in safe, efficient practices.
• Stay adaptable—learn new skills and be open to moving between departments as needed.
• Hands-on metalwork: paint, grind, deburr, phosphate, and cold roll parts; perform surface finishing (shot peen, cold roll, phosphating).
• Learn to run overhead cranes and other production machinery.
• Maintain clean, orderly spaces across the warehouse, shop, and yard, including moving tools on/off racks and general housekeeping.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse safety standards and best practices.
• Physical ability to lift heavy loads and perform hands-on tasks.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
• Eagerness to learn and solid technical aptitude.
• Valid forklift license; overhead crane training provided.
• Experience loading/unloading trucks and moving tools on/off racks.
• Experience in painting and grinding; comfortable with shop cleanup.
• Surface finishing familiarity (shot peen, cold roll, phosphating).
• Willingness to take on other duties as assigned.

Proficiencies That Set You Up for Success

• Shipping/Receiving and Warehouse Experience
• Material Handling Experience; Loading and Unloading Vehicles
• Accurate Tape Measure Reading; Shop Math Skills
• Forklift Licensed; Overhead Crane Operation
• Industrial & Commercial Painting; Grinding
• Surface Finishing Techniques
• General Tool Knowledge

Growth & Opportunity

As you master day-to-day operations, you’ll deepen your equipment knowledge, cross-train on additional machinery, and broaden your metals finishing skills. If you’re energized by safety, precision, and teamwork, this role is a strong next step in your material handling career.