Material Handler

Job Title:

Material Handler Job Description This role focuses on safely handling, moving, and loading structural steel products in a heavy industrial, construction-like environment. You will train extensively on inventory locations, color-coded systems, and crane operations, and gradually take on responsibilities such as pulling beams, loading flatbed trailers and railcars, and supporting logistics and shipping activities. The position requires strong physical stamina, comfort working both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, and the ability to operate around heavy equipment and overhead cranes while strictly following safety procedures. Responsibilities Train on first shift for at least the first two weeks to learn inventory locations, color codes for steel, and warehouse layout. Shadow an experienced trainer to learn daily tasks, including general clean-up, housekeeping, and safe material handling practices. Learn and use the color-based inventory and coding system, identifying and locating steel beams by painted beam ends. Operate indoor and outdoor overhead cranes to move steel beams and materials safely and efficiently. Pull beams and move materials to loaders using overhead cranes and other equipment as required. Load flatbed trailers and railcars, including rigging steel, climbing onto and down from the backs of trailers, and working on elevated surfaces safely. Receive inventory, move materials to appropriate storage or loading areas, and ensure accurate placement in the warehouse and yard. Complete shipping documentation, including shipping reports and bills of lading, and accurately document all outgoing loads. Work safely around flatbed trucks, railcar systems, and heavy equipment, strictly adhering to all safety rules and non-negotiable safety requirements. Perform housekeeping tasks such as sweeping, organizing, and maintaining clean and safe work areas inside the building and in outdoor yards. Walk extensively (approximately 8 miles per day) during 8-10 hour shifts, often on gravel and uneven surfaces. Use tape measures and other basic tools to verify dimensions and ensure correct materials are selected and loaded. Follow instructions from trainers and supervisors to achieve proficiency and independence before transitioning to an off-shift assignment. Maintain awareness of surroundings and communicate effectively with coworkers to coordinate crane movements, loading activities, and material flow. Potentially train to operate additional equipment such as saws, brakes, steel bending machines, beam saws/cutters, or forklifts as a promotional opportunity. Essential Skills Heavy industrial or construction experience is required. 1-2 years of construction experience is preferred. 1-2 years of manufacturing experience is preferred. Ability to read a tape measure accurately, verified by test or reference. Ability to learn and retain information based solely on color, including memorizing color-based inventory and coding systems. Ability to see color clearly to identify painted beam ends and inventory codes. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, even though most products are lifted by crane. Ability to perform physical tasks including reaching, stooping, squatting, climbing, and jumping on and off trailers. Experience working around heavy equipment in construction, heavy industry, or similar environments. Ability to operate equipment effectively and safely, including overhead cranes and other material handling equipment, once trained. Comfort working in an inside/outside role with exposure to heat, cold, and other weather conditions. Ability to walk for 8-10 hour shifts, covering roughly 8 miles per day on gravel and uneven surfaces. Flexibility to train on day shift for a few days up to two weeks before moving to an off shift. Ability to work independently once trained, or to work effectively with a trainer assigned to the off shift. Comfort working in a construction-like environment that requires hard hats, safety vests, and steel-toed boots with metatarsal protection. Additional Skills & Qualifications Overhead crane experience in a heavy industry or military setting is highly desirable. Background in construction, fabrication, sheet metal, or similar trades is beneficial. Experience in warehouse inventory, logistics, and distribution center operations is a plus. Experience with banding, loading, unloading trucks, and truck loading operations is advantageous. Exposure to machine operating, including band saws, beam saws, or similar cutting equipment, is helpful. Forklift or bobcat experience is a plus and may support promotional opportunities. Experience in heavy industry, industrial environments, or concrete and steel-related work is preferred. Rigging experience, including safely securing and moving large steel beams, is beneficial. Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with large steel products and heavy equipment. Willingness to train into roles such as saw operator, brake operator, forklift operator, or steel bending machine operator as promotional opportunities arise. Comfort working in a highly physical role that involves climbing, jumping, and using step stools to access trailers and materials. Ability to adapt to changes in workload, priorities, and shift assignments based on training and operational needs. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Petersburg, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr. 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 Type This is a fully onsite position in Petersburg,VA.

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.