Yard Assistant

Yard Assistant

The Yard Assistant plays a key role in a busy lumber distribution warehouse, working in pairs to accurately pull, package, and prepare lumber orders for shipment. This is an entry-level, hands-on role that involves consistent physical activity, use of basic tools and equipment, and collaboration with a large team. The position offers steady hours, regular overtime, and the opportunity to build a long-term career in the building materials industry.

Responsibilities

• Meet with the warehouse team each morning to review the daily workload and coordinate tasks with an assigned partner.
• Use RF scan guns and banding cards to locate, identify, and pull lumber orders from designated areas in the warehouse.
• Lift and move pieces of lumber onto lumber carts, working in pairs to handle materials safely and efficiently.
• Package lumber orders according to standard procedures and special packaging requirements when needed.
• Stage completed orders for pickup and coordinate with forklift operators who transport packaged materials.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area by clearing debris, bags, and banding materials from lanes to keep pathways safe for forklifts and other equipment.
• Sweep the yard and warehouse areas safely, using a mechanical sweeper when available.
• Operate a trench saw to make simple cuts on lumber, following all training and safety protocols.
• Assist with regular inventory counts to ensure accurate stock levels and order fulfillment.
• May operate a gas-powered tug to move lumber products within the yard or warehouse.
• Perform heavy lifting throughout the shift, consistently handling materials up to approximately 35 pounds while working in pairs.
• Use basic math skills to count pieces, verify quantities, and ensure each order is accurate before it is packaged and staged.
• Follow all safety guidelines and procedures related to equipment operation, material handling, and warehouse traffic.
• Commit to the assignment schedule, including mandatory overtime and, if applicable, a minimum assignment duration.
• Collaborate with a team of 15-20 warehouse employees, maintaining a positive, team-oriented attitude throughout the shift.

Essential Skills

• Ability to lift approximately 35 pounds continuously throughout the entire shift while working in pairs.
• Comfort performing heavy physical labor and general warehouse tasks for extended periods.
• Basic math skills to count pieces, verify quantities, and confirm order accuracy.
• Strong team-player mindset, with the ability to work closely with an assigned partner and a larger warehouse team.
• Willingness to work mandatory overtime as required by the operation.
• Ability to commit to the assignment for a minimum of 6 weeks, with the option to pursue longer-term employment.
• Capability to work safely and effectively in a busy lumber yard and warehouse environment with forklifts and other equipment.
• Ability to obtain and wear steel-toed boots as part of required safety attire.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in general labor or warehouse roles.
• Experience using RF scan guns to locate and process inventory or orders.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English, which is preferred to support learning and use of RF scanners, but not required.
• Previous experience in a lumber yard or building materials environment.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a distribution or warehouse setting, with potential for promotion or relocation to other branches.

Why Work Here?

Employees join a supportive, growth-oriented organization that values empowerment, responsibility, and long-term relationships. The culture emphasizes teamwork and offers clear opportunities for advancement, including promotions and relocation to other branches for larger roles. This entry-level position provides a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in the building materials industry, while also offering regular overtime and weekly pay that can benefit those seeking immediate income. The environment encourages learning on the job, developing new skills, and building a stable future with a company that invests in its people.

Work Environment

The role is based in a lumber storage warehouse and yard environment with 20 or more team members and regular forklift traffic. Work takes place primarily indoors and in covered outdoor areas where lumber is stored, pulled, and packaged. The schedule runs Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with typical workweeks around 55 hours and frequent mandatory overtime, resulting in 8-12 hour days. Yard Assistants work in pairs and as part of a larger team of 15-20 people, using equipment such as RF scan guns, banding tools, trench saws, mechanical sweepers, forklifts (operated by others), and gas-powered tugs. The environment is active, fast-paced, and physically demanding, with a strong emphasis on safety and keeping aisles clear for moving equipment. Steel-toed boots are required as part of the safety dress code, and employees should be comfortable working in a predominantly male warehouse setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Healdsburg, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Healdsburg, CA.