Material Handler

Knowledge

• Material Handling – Understanding of how to safely move, stage, and store raw materials, regrind, and finished goods in a production environment
• Injection Molding Support – Familiarity with material dryers, loaders, blenders, and conveying systems used in plastic injection molding operations
• Inventory Practices – Knowledge of FIFO principles, lot number verification, inventory transactions, and basic ERP/MRP systems
• Shipping & Receiving – Familiarity with inbound and outbound shipping processes, carrier pickups, packing, labeling, and documentation
• Driving & Transport – Understanding of safe local driving practices for deliveries, vendor runs, and inter-facility transfers
• Work Order Interpretation – Ability to read production schedules, work orders, material labels, and basic documentation
• Computer Literacy – General proficiency with computers; experience with ERP, shipping software, or office suite applications preferred
• English Language – Ability to read and understand verbal and written work instructions, safety signs, and documentation
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) – Preferred; ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking team members and convey safety and operational information across the workforce

Skills

• Safe and efficient operation of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment
• Strong attention to detail when verifying materials, lot numbers, and inventory records
• Accurate and legible recordkeeping of material transactions, production activity, and shipping/receiving documents
• Ability to operate material dryers, loaders, blenders, and conveying systems per established procedures
• Effective communication with production leads, planning supervisors, and shipping personnel to coordinate material flow and coverage needs
• Time management and ability to stay on task with minimal supervision across multiple functional areas
• Basic computer skills sufficient to complete ERP transactions, shipping software entries, and general documentation
• Safe and responsible operation of a company vehicle for local deliveries and inter-facility transfers

Work Context

Responsibility for Others

• Responsible for maintaining a safe workspace and following all safety procedures to avoid injury to self or others
• No direct supervisory responsibilities

Work Setting

• Injection molding manufacturing facility
• Regular exposure to plastics processing equipment, noise, and temperature variation
• Periodic off-site driving for local deliveries, vendor runs, and inter-facility transfers
• Daily interaction with production operators, setup personnel, and shipping/receiving staff

Job Hazards

• Potential for contact with moving machinery, forklifts, and production equipment if proper safety procedures are not followed
• Risk of repetitive motion fatigue, lifting-related discomfort, or strain if ergonomic practices are neglected
• Exposure to plastics, resins, and airborne particulates, mitigated through use of PPE and proper ventilation
• Driving-related hazards managed through adherence to company vehicle use policies and applicable traffic laws
• All hazards are controlled through required training, machine guarding, PPE usage, and adherence to company safety protocols

Body Positioning

• Approximately 80% standing, walking, or operating material handling equipment; 20% lifting, bending, or reaching
• Frequent operation of forklifts and pallet jacks throughout the shift
• All heavy materials are to be moved using appropriate equipment; team lift required where applicable
• Occasional sitting during driving duties for local deliveries and inter-facility transfers

Basic Work Attire

• Shop-appropriate work shirt and pants
• Steel-toe shoes or boots
• Safety glasses are always required in production areas
• Gloves, ear protection, and high-visibility gear as required by area policy

Primary Job Duties

• Stage and deliver plastic resins, additives, colorants, and packaging materials to injection molding machines according to production schedules
• Load, unload, and transport materials using forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment
• Set up and operate material dryers, loaders, blenders, and conveying systems
• Verify correct materials and lot numbers are issued to each job per work orders
• Return unused materials to proper storage locations and update inventory records accordingly
• Label, store, and track raw materials, regrind, and finished goods
• Assist with material changeovers and line clearance procedures
• Monitor material levels at machines and refill as needed to prevent production downtime
• Maintain cleanliness of material storage, drying, and staging areas
• Dispose of scrap and manage regrind processes according to established procedures
• Follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory practices for all material management
• Complete required documentation and inventory transactions in ERP/MRP systems
• Support shipping and receiving functions as needed, including packing, labeling, carrier coordination, and inbound/outbound documentation
• Perform local driving duties including deliveries, vendor runs, and inter-facility transfers using a company vehicle
• Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE at all times in designated areas
• Support 5S and continuous improvement practices by keeping work areas clean, organized, and audit-ready