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Material Handler Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

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A Material Handler, or Assembler, is a worker who ensures that any necessary materials can be moved and/or delivered safely and efficiently. Their duties include loading and unloading inventory, managing and cataloguing inventory, and operating different types of machinery.

Material Handler duties and responsibilities

Material Handlers have several duties and responsibilities they must fulfill. Some of the most common duties every Material Handler will need to accomplish include:

  • Fulfill orders by packaging necessary materials and preparing them for shipment
  • Store materials in appropriate areas
  • Manage and catalogue inventory with consistently updated records
  • Operate machinery such as forklifts and cranes
  • Track inventory levels and make recommendations for purchases when supply is low
  • Comply with safety regulations

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Material Handler Job Description Examples:

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

What does a Material Handler do?

Material Handlers are responsible for moving and cataloguing incoming and outgoing inventory for the company they work for. This typically happens in a warehouse used to store the materials in question. A Material Handler may also have to package materials for shipment. Their tasks are often performed using machinery like forklifts, as the materials in question can be far too heavy for a single person to move by hand at an efficient rate. Additionally, Material Handlers ensure the right equipment is available for any order fulfillment they need to do.

Material Handler skills and qualifications

Several specialized skills are necessary to succeed as a Material Handler. Some of the most important skills prospective candidates will need to possess include:

  • Ability to regularly lift heavy objects
  • Standing and walking for long periods of time
  • Exceptional organization skills
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to operate heavy machinery
  • Time management skills

Material Handler experience requirements

Material Handlers generally do not need much experience, as these jobs are typically open to entry-level candidates. However, it is preferred for a candidate to have experience working in a warehouse environment, as some Material Handler positions require greater attention to detail or work with sensitive materials .

Material Handler education and training requirements

In terms of education, a Material Handler will need to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Generally, any higher-level degrees would not be relevant to the job and may not offer any candidate particular benefits or advantages. Some certifications may be required depending on the Material Handler position, however. For example, a Material Handler may need an official forklift certification and/or other certifications for relevant heavy machinery operation.

Material Handler salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Material Handler in Canada is $17.40 per hour. While this rate is fairly consistent, there are some fluctuations based on company, location, and the experience of the worker.

Job description samples for similar positions

If Material Handler doesn’t exactly match the kind of position you’re looking for, here are some other job description samples that may be a better fit:

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

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