what is a material handler?
As a material handler, you deal with everything on the warehouse floor. At a basic level, this means processing shipments and using machinery to load products onto the shelves. You also take items down when a customer places an order, get them ready for shipping, and load them onto a truck. When your warehouse accepts a return, you process it and return it to the shelves.
Most material handlers are licensed to use equipment like forklifts, pallet trucks and stackers. You are responsible for following safety protocols, using the equipment correctly, and inspecting it to ensure it's still operable. You also perform regular maintenance tasks to avoid injuries or accidents on the warehouse floors.
If you receive a damaged shipment, you work with the office to secure a refund or replacement. You report issues like missing products or shipments that you should order. You also keep your workspace free of obstacles and debris that might be a trip hazard. At the end of your shift, you sweep, dust, straighten shelves and store equipment. In the manufacturing industry, your job is mainly to process materials, from receiving shipments to organizing the dispatch of products to storage facilities.
Would working as a material handler suit your organization and time management skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a material handler role.
view material handler jobsaverage material handler salary
According to Job Bank, material handlers earn $37,050 per year or $19 per hour. In an entry-level position, your earnings are lower since you have minimal experience. The average starting salary of a material handler is $32,311 yearly. Your salary increases significantly to over $45,048 annually with experience and industry-specific specializations, such as forklift operations.
how to increase your salary as a material handler
The wages of material handlers vary based on the region. Some regions and territories have higher hourly rates compared to others. For instance, the average salary in Saskatchewan or Alberta is higher than in Manitoba and New Brunswick. Some employers also pay according to the complexity of your duties. Additionally, those who work day shifts attract lower salaries than material handlers working nights.
Your salary also depends on your experience and skills. With experience using equipment like cranes and forklifts, you earn more due to your knowledge and expertise. Experience gives you an added advantage, thereby increasing your earning potential.
types of material handlers
Material handlers are classified based on the materials they use. Some types of material handlers include:
- manual material handlers: your job is to load, unload and move materials by hand in a warehouse or industrial setting. You move household appliances and furniture from the warehouse to trucks. You also perform other material handling tasks, including sorting, packing and weighing.
- forklift operators: as a forklift operator, you move materials in a warehouse using specialized equipment for lifting and moving heavy objects. Your job is to safely unload and load cargo onto the forklift and operate it to move materials.
working as a material handler
Working as a material handler requires knowledge of operating multiple machines and coordinating activities to ensure the timely shipment of materials or products. If you want to become a material handler, check out the specific tasks and work environments to expect.
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what does a material handler do?
A material handler has a range of tasks, including:
- receiving and processing materials and goods: as a material handler, you process new items received at the warehouse. During processing, you track and verify incoming goods' quantities and quality. You ensure the new shipment is complete by double-checking the delivery orders. Maintaining accurate records and documentation of all the materials shipped is essential.
- moving and storing materials: as a material handler, you store materials or finished products received at the warehouse. That means you unload trucks using forklifts and organize them in storage areas. You are also responsible for taking inventory. You count the incoming shipments and store them in designated locations.
- communicating with suppliers: your job is to ensure that production teams have enough materials for manufacturing. Therefore, you speak with suppliers about the availability of materials and make orders on time. You also relay information on the purchase requirements to ensure the quality and quantities are adhered to during deliveries.
- operating material handling tools: as a material handler, you use various tools to move, load and offload materials in warehouses. You should be familiar with using clamp fastenings and manual jacks and know how to operate lift trucks and forklifts. Apart from operating the equipment, you keep them in optimal condition with regular maintenance.
- reconciliation of incorrect deliveries: as a material handler, you keep track of returned goods and inspect them to determine their condition. When you receive incorrect materials, you follow the correct replacement procedures to ensure the inventory is complete.
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work environment of a material handler
If you work in an indoor facility, you are likely to work in a heated or air-conditioned building with overhead lighting. Outdoor facilities typically have full exposure to the sun and weather elements. Material handlers have large workspaces, which allows them to walk around and tackle different responsibilities. The career has occasional slow periods, but for the most part, you work in a fast-paced environment and take on multiple responsibilities throughout the day.
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who are your colleagues?
As a material handler, you work with procurement, manufacturing and logistics professionals. You interact with warehouse associates, warehouse workers, production supervisors and assemblers. Sometimes, you also interact with sales associates, customer service representatives and drivers to organize customer deliveries.
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material handler work schedule
As a material handler, you work 8-hour shifts with opportunities for overtime. Expect to work at least 5 days a week or more if your employer needs extra help. Some warehouses offer longer but fewer shifts, so you may get an extra day off. It is rare to get a regular 9-to-5 schedule, Monday through Friday. Depending on the company's needs, your employer may ask you to work mornings, afternoons and nights. If your company operates 24 hours a day, you may also pick up overnight shifts.
Most material handlers work on bank holidays and weekends. You also work extra hours during seasonal holidays, particularly if you work at a major warehouse or shipping facility. When your facility gets busy, you probably won't leave on time, and you should be prepared for your employer to ask you to come in earlier than usual during peak times. Secure a more consistent schedule by landing a high-paying job in your facility.
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career opportunities as a material handler
Working as a material handler is a promising career with good job prospects. Some warehouses now use robots to move products and arrange them, but material handlers still have a role to play. Increasing automation in distribution centres means material handlers should acquire the skills to work in modern warehouses. Becoming a material handler prepares you for a lucrative logistics and supply chain management career. You can become an inventory specialist or a procurement officer.
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advantages of finding a job as a material handler through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
material handler skills and education
If you want to work as a material handler in Canada, check out some of the requirements for the role:
- on-the-job training: some employers expect you to have a secondary school education to become a material handler. You will also undergo on-the-job training to learn the skills required for the role and familiarize yourself with the software that they use for inventory management.
- work experience: having previous work experience in a warehouse or manufacturing environment prepares you for the role of a material handler.
competencies and characteristics of material handlers
Some of the skills for success as a material handler include:
- communication skills: as a material handler, you constantly communicate with your team, suppliers and supervisors. Good communication skills help you relay information clearly and improve your active listening skills.
- problem-solving skills: material handlers ensure that the production team has a constant supply of materials. Problems usually occur due to miscommunication or improper storage. You can rely on problem-solving skills to resolve issues that arise in the warehouse.
- physical strength: as a material handler, you manually move materials and operate machines. These strenuous tasks require physical stamina and capabilities. You also need physical strength to stand for long hours.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a material handler.
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what are the main duties of a material handler?
As a material handler, you move materials or products in manufacturing facilities or warehouses. You remove products from the shelves to be prepared for shipping or fulfilling orders. Material handlers also unload materials or product deliveries from trucks and stock them on the right shelves. You perform your duties using forklifts or cranes, though you sometimes move the items manually.
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how much do material handlers earn in Canada?
As a material handler, you receive a salary of $37,050 per year or an average hourly rate of $19. The earnings fluctuate based on various factors, from experience and qualifications to company size. Entry-level positions attract a salary of $32,311 annually, while experienced workers take home over $45,048 yearly.
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what are the skills of a material handler?
As a material handler, you rely on your physical strength to move products and materials. Knowledge of operating some warehouse equipment, like forklifts or cranes, may be useful. Your knowledge of inventory control is crucial in keeping track of the materials coming in and moving out of the warehouse or manufacturing facility.
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is being a material handler a difficult job?
Working as a material handler is a challenging role that involves difficult and tedious tasks. The role involves a lot of manual work, including the lifting of products during loading and unloading. Despite the tedious labour, being a material handler is an interesting role if you enjoy working in a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
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is a material handler the same as a forklift operator?
A material handler organizes products or materials to ensure that the manufacturing facility has sufficient raw materials for production. A forklift operator is trained to use a forklift to transfer items from the truck to the shelves. A material handler also has a working knowledge of how to use forklifts and other material-handling machines.
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how do I find a job as a material handler?
Finding a job near you as a material handler is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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