Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Equipment Handler

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a dedicated and detail-oriented Equipment Handler to become a crucial part of our logistics and warehouse operations. In this key role, you will be the driving force behind the physical movement of our inventory. You will operate a variety of powered industrial trucks and material handling equipment to manage the flow of goods from receiving to storage and finally to shipping. Your commitment to safety, accuracy, and efficiency is paramount to our success, ensuring that our products are handled with care and our operational goals are met on time, every time. This position is ideal for a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in maintaining a well-organized and productive workspace.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
General Laborer
Picker / Packer

Advancement To:

Lead Equipment Handler / Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and efficiently operate various types of powered industrial trucks, including sit-down counter-balance forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, order pickers, and electric pallet jacks, to move materials throughout the facility.
Perform daily pre-operational safety inspections on all material handling equipment, documenting and reporting any malfunctions, damages, or necessary repairs to the maintenance team or supervisor.
Accurately load and unload freight from trucks, trailers, and shipping containers, ensuring proper stacking, securing, and weight distribution to prevent damage during transit.
Utilize radio frequency (RF) scanning equipment and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to accurately track inventory movements, record transactions, and manage bin locations.
Systematically pull and prepare products for shipment, verifying that the exact number, type, and lot number of product is staged and loaded as per the customer order or bill of lading.
Transport raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to and from designated storage areas, production lines, and staging zones in a timely manner to support production schedules.
Responsible for put-away of received products, replenishing picking locations, and consolidating inventory to optimize warehouse space and improve operational efficiency.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards to maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
Maintain the integrity of inventory by handling products carefully to prevent damage and by reporting any discrepancies in counts or product condition to the inventory control team.
Participate in physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and audits as required, ensuring a high level of accuracy in our stock records.
Keep aisles, docks, and work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards, contributing to a culture of safety and cleanliness within the facility.
Assist in staging and sorting products for inspection, packaging, or other value-added services as directed by the warehouse leadership.
Efficiently stack and store merchandise in the appropriate designated areas, following inventory control instructions and ensuring stability of stacked pallets.
Operate shrink-wrap machines or manually wrap pallets to secure loads for storage or shipment, ensuring load stability.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, shift leads, and other warehouse personnel to coordinate activities and resolve operational challenges.
Monitor equipment performance and fluid levels (e.g., battery, propane), performing basic preventative maintenance and charging/refueling as needed.
Correctly label and tag pallets and products with identifying information, including part numbers, quantities, and destination codes.
Complete all required paperwork and logs accurately and legibly, documenting movements, shipments, and equipment status.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new team members on proper equipment operation and standard operating procedures.
Actively participate in team meetings and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and safety within the warehouse.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general warehouse duties, including picking, packing, and sorting, during periods of high demand or when equipment operation is not required.
Support the shipping and receiving department by verifying packing slips, inspecting incoming materials, and processing returns.
Maintain a clean and organized battery charging and propane storage area, following all safety protocols for handling and changing fuel sources.
Collaborate with the inventory control team to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies found during daily operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Forklift Certification: Valid and current certification to operate powered industrial trucks (e.g., sit-down, stand-up, reach truck, cherry picker).
Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Proficient in operating a wide range of warehouse equipment beyond forklifts, such as electric pallet jacks and dollies.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Experience using WMS software to track inventory, process orders, and manage locations.
RF Scanner Proficiency: Skilled in using handheld radio frequency scanners for order picking, put-away, and inventory transactions.
OSHA Safety Standards: Strong knowledge of warehouse safety regulations and best practices.
Basic Computer Skills: Ability to use a computer for data entry, email communication, and accessing company systems.
Inventory Management: Understanding of inventory control principles, including cycle counting and FIFO/LIFO.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking orders, counting inventory, and completing paperwork to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.
Spatial Awareness: Excellent awareness of surroundings to navigate tight spaces and operate equipment safely around personnel and infrastructure.
Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Proven ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve shared operational goals.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and operational needs.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated with a commitment to quality and productivity.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical school certification in logistics, warehousing, or equipment operation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of documented experience operating forklifts and other material handling equipment in a warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience in a high-volume distribution center.
Experience with specialized equipment such as clamp trucks, reach trucks, or turret trucks.
Prior experience working with a computerized Warehouse Management System (WMS).