YARD ASSOCIATE

OBJECTIVE

The Yard Associate is responsible for receiving, stocking, preparing, and loading building materials in a safe, accurate, and customer-focused manner. This role supports daily yard and warehouse operations, including forklift operation, order fulfillment, inventory control, and yard maintenance. Yard Associates serve as a key point of customer interaction and play a vital role in maintaining an organized, efficient, and safe lumberyard environment.

This role encompasses a range of responsibilities that may vary based on experience, training, and business needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment safely and in compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
• Receive incoming materials; verify quantities, condition, and accuracy against paperwork.
• Stock, stage, and organize materials in designated yard, rack, and warehouse locations.
• Pull, prepare, and load customer orders and delivery orders accurately and efficiently.
• Load and unload company trucks, vendor trucks, and customer vehicles.
• Assist walk-in, pick-up, and contractor customers in locating and receiving materials.
• Provide courteous, professional customer service and assist with resolving material or order issues.
• Inspect materials for quality issues, damage, or discrepancies and report concerns to management.
• Perform rough cuts using saws and measuring tools as needed.
• Verify order accuracy prior to customer or delivery departure.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of the yard, bays, racks, and staging areas.
• Support inventory control activities, including cycle counts, stock rotation, and proper material labeling.
• Coordinate with supervisors, dispatch, and coworkers to manage yard flow and prioritize loads.
• Assist with training and mentoring of other yard staff as assigned.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance checks on equipment and report mechanical issues.
• Enforce and model proper use of PPE and safe work practices.
• Perform general yard maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping duties.
• Participate in required safety meetings, equipment training, and cross-training.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced, physically demanding outdoor environment.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to resolve issues professionally.
• Ability to read work tickets, measurements, and material descriptions accurately.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Ability to safely use power tools, saws, tape measures, and measuring devices.
• Forklift proficiency appropriate to assigned level.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior yard, warehouse, or construction experience preferred.
• Forklift certification is a plus, but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and climb throughout the shift.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to operate forklifts, machinery, and power tools.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Tolerance for exposure to noise, dust, and typical yard and warehouse environments.

BENEFITS

Available to all Full-Time employees.

• Paid Time Off (Vacation Pay)
• Paid Sick Leave (Sick Pay)
• 6 Paid Holiday Days
• 401(K) with employer contribution
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance

SALARY RANGE

$18.00 - $21.00 DOE

Berco Redwood/Berry Lumber, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.