- _Material Handler_
- Job Description
- The Material Handler operates forklifts and related equipment to move, load, and unload materials, and ensures the production area receives the correct materials from inventory.
This role supports 2nd and 3rd shift operations in a manufacturing environment that uses corrugated paper, and requires experience operating non-palletized forklifts. The Material Handler also completes required documentation and follows established procedures to maintain an efficient and safe material flow.
- Responsibilities
- + Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment, including non-palletized forklifts, in a safe and efficient manner to move materials throughout the facility.
+ Read and interpret work orders via an on-board computer and follow oral instructions to determine materials and products to be moved. + Examine materials received, verify part numbers, and check for discrepancies such as damaged or incorrect shipments, following established procedures when issues arise. + Load and unload materials onto or from trucks, trailers, pallets, racks, trays, and shelves by pushing, pulling, lifting, or stacking, either manually or with provided equipment. + Supply the production area with required materials from inventory in a timely and accurate manner. + Convey materials or products from storage or work sites to designated areas according to production and inventory needs. + Scan and attach identifying tags or labels to materials, bales, or other containers to ensure accurate tracking and identification. + Lift heavy objects by hand or with equipment to assist machine operators and support production activities. + Use levers, pedals, and other controls to drive lift trucks and control the movement of lifting apparatus. + Maintain accurate paperwork and electronic records related to material movement, inventory transactions, and shipments. + Interact with customers, drivers, and co-workers in a professional and respectful manner. + Follow all safety procedures and company policies while working around moving mechanical parts and material handling equipment. + Perform general warehouse duties, including picking, packing, shipping, receiving, and inventory tasks as needed. + Assist with general production and general labor tasks to support overall operations when required. + Carry out other duties as assigned to meet changing business needs.
- Essential Skills
- + Proven experience operating non-palletized forklifts safely and efficiently.
+ Hands-on experience with sit-down forklifts, stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment. + Strong knowledge of receiving, warehouse, and material handling methods and operations. + Ability to read work orders and instructions from an on-board computer and follow verbal directions. + Experience in material handling, including picking, packing, and production support. + Background in shipping and receiving, including loading and unloading trailers and processing materials. + Ability to use RF scanners for tracking inventory, materials, and shipments. + Basic computer skills to process paperwork, access work orders, and update inventory records. + Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and computer-based communication. + Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and accuracy. + Physical ability to regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. + Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and to reach with hands and arms. + Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required by material handling tasks. + Adequate hearing and speaking abilities to communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment. + Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Additional Skills & Qualifications
- + High school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred.
+ Approximately one (1) year of relevant material handling, warehouse, or production experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the job. + Experience in warehouse inventory control and shipping and receiving processes. + Familiarity with general production and general labor tasks in a manufacturing or warehouse environment. + Ability to maintain professionalism when interacting with co-workers, drivers, and other stakeholders. + Comfort working with moving mechanical parts and in environments with dust, odors, noise, and variable temperatures.
- Why Work Here?
- You will join a manufacturing operation that values reliability, safety, and teamwork, and offers the opportunity to build hands-on skills with a variety of material handling equipment.
The environment supports independent work while still fostering collaboration and professional communication. Consistent shift schedules provide structure, and the role offers the chance to develop experience in warehouse, production, and inventory operations that can support long-term career growth in industrial and logistics settings.
- Work Environment
- This role is based in a manufacturing plant that uses corrugated paper and operates in a shop environment.
Work takes place around moving mechanical parts and material handling equipment, with regular exposure to dust, odors, noise, and variable temperatures. The position supports 2nd shift (Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 3rd shift options (either Monday through Thursday, 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., or Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.), and candidates should be prepared to work either 3rd shift schedule as needed. The role involves frequent lifting, carrying, climbing, and other physical activities typical of a warehouse and production setting, and requires adherence to all safety procedures and appropriate work attire suitable for a manufacturing and warehouse environment.
- Job Type & Location
- This is a Contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
- Pay and Benefits
- The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 Grand Rapids,MI.
- Application Deadline
- This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.
- About Aerotek
- We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder.
Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
- It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates.
AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.