Material Handler Forklift Operator

Available Shifts:

• 1st Shift: 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: 3:30 PM – 2:00 AM ($2.50/hr shift differential)
• Weekend Shift: Based on production needs

Position Overview

Snelling Talent Partners is partnering with an established metal fabrication and manufacturing company in Washington, MO, seeking an experienced Material Handler / Forklift Operator to support daily manufacturing and warehouse operations.

This position is responsible for receiving, organizing, transporting, and staging raw materials used in manufacturing operations. The Material Handler will operate forklifts to move steel, aluminum, metal components, and other industrial materials throughout the facility, ensuring production departments have the materials needed to maintain efficient operations.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience handling raw materials in an industrial manufacturing environment, preferably involving metal fabrication, steel, aluminum, or related materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to safely transport raw materials, components, and finished products throughout the facility.
• Deliver raw materials directly to production machines and manufacturing departments according to production schedules.
• Pull, stage, and distribute materials based on work orders, pick lists, and job travelers.
• Load and unload incoming and outgoing shipments using forklifts and appropriate equipment.
• Inspect incoming materials and verify quantities against packing slips, purchase orders, and shipping documents.
• Transport materials between company buildings, warehouse locations, and production departments.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including material receipts, transfers, adjustments, and transactions.
• Perform cycle counts and assist with physical inventory.
• Identify material shortages, damaged products, and inventory discrepancies.
• Communicate with production supervisors to ensure timely delivery of materials and prevent production delays.
• Perform daily forklift inspections and report equipment issues.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized warehouse and production environment.
• Follow all company safety procedures, including proper PPE requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Material Handler, Forklift Operator, or Warehouse Associate in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience handling and transporting raw materials used in manufacturing.
• Experience operating forklifts and moving heavy or irregularly shaped industrial materials.
• Ability to identify, organize, and stage materials for production.
• Familiarity with production work orders, pick lists, and material handling procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to obtain company forklift certification within 30 days of employment.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to workplace safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling steel, aluminum, sheet metal, metal tubing, or other raw manufacturing materials.
• Previous employment in metal fabrication, machining, stamping, or industrial production facilities.
• Experience supplying raw materials directly to production machinery.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems, inventory software, and barcode scanners.
• Experience performing cycle counts and inventory reconciliation.
• Knowledge of forklift attachments and safe handling procedures for oversized materials.

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will have experience working in a manufacturing facility where they were responsible for moving raw materials from storage areas to production machines, staging materials according to work orders, and operating forklifts throughout the day.

Important Recruiting Requirement: General warehouse, distribution, shipping, or finished-goods experience alone is not sufficient. Candidates should have demonstrated experience handling raw materials and supporting active manufacturing operations.

Why Join Our Team?

• Full-time, four-day workweek
• Overtime opportunities
• Second-shift differential
• Established manufacturing environment
• Opportunity to utilize forklift and industrial material handling experience

Snelling Talent Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

When it comes to finding an advocate for your company or your career, size matters. National employment agencies often miss the dynamics of the local market, while smaller firms may lack the resources or reach to fully support long-term hiring success.

Snelling Talent Partners combines the best of both: national reach, local market expertise, personalized service, and a relationship-driven approach focused on long-term success for both clients and candidates.