Job Description of a Material Handling Worker
Material handlers manage, transport, and store hazardous and non-hazardous materials in a warehouse. Their duties involve loading, organizing and unloading packages; tracking inventory and purchasing more when needed; performing quality checks on items; and documenting orders and transactions.
Key skills for material handlers are physical strength, stamina, attention to detail, organization, and ability to safely operate machinery like forklifts. Certifications in forklift operation or safety protocols can provide career opportunities. With experience, handlers can become warehouse supervisors or specialize in inventory management or logistics planning.
Skills and Duties of a Material Handler
What skills do you need to be a material handler? Key skills include physical strength, stamina, attention to detail, organization, and ability to operate machinery like forklifts. Can material handlers advance their careers? Yes, with experience they can become supervisors or specialize in areas like inventory management or logistics planning. What is the job outlook? Demand is generally stable as these roles are important in supply chains. Do handlers need certifications? While not required, certifications in machinery operation or safety protocols can provide opportunities.
- Physical strength
- Stamina
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Operating machinery like forklifts
Job Requirements and Environment
The basic duties involve utilizing manual or powered equipment to transport materials between storage locations. Specific responsibilities include loading and unloading deliveries; tracking stock levels and purchasing additional inventory when necessary; conducting quality inspections; and documenting all warehouse transactions. Requirements are physical fitness, manual dexterity, and safe operation of material handling machinery. The fast-paced environment requires good communication skills and ability to work on a team. Entry-level handlers can expect to earn $15-20 per hour, with pay for experienced workers reaching up to $45,000 per year.
In summary, material handlers need both hard skills to perform physical job tasks as well as soft skills like organization, communication and accountability. While not always mandatory, certifications provide advancement opportunities. Demand for qualified handlers remains high thanks to steady growth in e-commerce and supply chain industries.