MATERIAL HANDLER at Progressive Surface, Inc – Grand Rapids, Michigan

This role is responsible for the safe movement, transportation, and staging of materials to ensure efficient production support. The Material Handler will operate material handling equipment, assist with loading and unloading shipments, and perform basic inventory transactions while maintaining a strong focus on safety, accuracy, and organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate material handling equipment, including stand-up and sit-down Hilo (forklifts), in a safe and efficient manner
• Transport materials between buildings and campus locations using company vehicles, including box truck
• Load and unload incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring proper handling and placement
• Band, wrap, and secure skids for transport or shipment
• Stage materials to support production and internal operations
• Perform basic computer transactions for inventory movement and tracking
• Verify material accuracy, quantities, and condition during handling
• Maintain organization of docks, staging areas, and material locations
• Communicate effectively with production, shipping, receiving, and planning teams
• Identify and report material discrepancies, damage, or process issues
• Always follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Maintain awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents involving people, equipment, or materials
• Follow proper lifting techniques and material handling practices
• Report all safety incidents, near misses, and hazards immediately

MISCELLANEOUS RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous material handling, warehouse, or manufacturing preferred
• Experience operating forklifts (stand-up and sit-down) preferred
• Valid driver’s license required
• Chauffer’s license preferred; manual (stick shift) driving experience strongly preferred
• Basic computer skills for inventory systems and data entry
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Dependable attendance and reliability

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to frequently lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
• Ability to operate forklifts and company vehicles for extended durations
• Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, climbing in a warehouse/production environment
• Ability to work in varying environments, including indoor and outdoor conditions
• Ability to safely load, secure, and unload materials of various sizes and weights

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; and vibration.

2. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.