What are the responsibilities and job description for the Material Handler position at HarborFab?
Job Description: Material Handler
Reports To: Plant Manager / Production Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Position Summary
The Material Handler is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient movement of steel and fabricated materials throughout the plant. This role plays a critical part in supporting daily production operations — including receiving, staging, issuing material to work packages, and loading/unloading shipments. Material Handlers work closely with fabrication, inventory control, shipping, and leadership teams to keep work flowing smoothly and on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely load, unload, and move raw steel, components, and finished products using forklifts, overhead cranes, and telehandler mobile equipment.
- Accurately receive, verify, and tag incoming material, ensuring proper documentation and traceability (heat numbers, mill certs, PO match, etc.).
- Stage and deliver materials to production bays based on work package requirements and fabrication schedules.
- Maintain organized and clearly labeled material storage areas to support Lean manufacturing and safe shop operations.
- Support TEKLA EPM system transactions by scanning and updating inventory status as material is received, issued, or shipped.
- Assist with remnant control, stock rotation, and scrap segregation.
- Prepare material for outbound loads, including wrapping, banding, and securing for transport.
- Support shipping team with loading trucks and verifying BOL documentation.
- Communicate with supervisors and leads to identify material shortages or delays.
- Participate in daily safety meetings and maintain a clean, safe work area.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support plant operations.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a fabrication, manufacturing, or warehouse environment preferred.
- Certified forklift and/or overhead crane experience strongly preferred (training can be provided).
- Basic understanding of steel products (HSS, angle, channel, plate, etc.) helpful.
- Proficiency in reading work orders, BOLs, and job travelers.
- Will train to read drawings
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a production environment (indoor/outdoor as needed).
- Comfortable using handheld scanners, barcoding systems, or basic ERP software (e.g., Tekla EPM).
Core Competencies
- Safety Focus – Consistently operates equipment and performs tasks safely.
- Teamwork – Works effectively with others across departments.
- Dependability – Reliable attendance, timeliness, and task completion.
- Communication – Clear, respectful interaction with supervisors and co-workers.
- Attention to Detail – Accurate tagging, tracking, and documentation.
Work Environment
- Fabrication shop environment with overhead cranes, forklifts, and heavy steel.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operating equipment throughout the shift.
- PPE required (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots, etc.).
- May work indoors or outdoors depending on job staging areas.