Material Handling Equipment Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of logistics, the importance of Material Handling Equipment Technicians has never been more apparent.

As industries evolve, so does the demand for skilled technicians who can maintain, repair, and optimize our material handling equipment.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Material Handling Equipment Technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a profile for the perfect candidate,
• Or just curious about the intricacies of material handling equipment maintenance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Material Handling Equipment Technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Material Handling Equipment Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Material Handling Equipment Technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of various types of material handling equipment.

Their main role is to ensure that equipment used in warehouses, factories, and other industrial environments is functioning properly and efficiently.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Inspecting and diagnosing faults and malfunctions in material handling equipment
• Performing regular maintenance on equipment, such as changing oil and lubricating parts
• Repairing or replacing defective parts in material handling equipment
• Providing advice on the proper use and maintenance of material handling equipment
• Conducting safety inspections to ensure that equipment is operating in accordance with industry standards and regulations
• Maintaining a log of all maintenance and repair work for each piece of equipment
• Assembling and disassembling equipment for repair or transportation
• Ordering replacement parts and maintaining an inventory of commonly used parts
• Assisting in the training of new technicians or operators on the safe and efficient use of the equipment
• Communicating with customers to understand their equipment needs and provide suitable solutions

 

Material Handling Equipment Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and skilled Material Handling Equipment Technician to join our team.

The successful candidate will have a background in maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing various types of material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and conveyor systems.

The Material Handling Equipment Technician will be responsible for ensuring that all equipment is in optimal working condition by conducting regular maintenance, troubleshooting problems, and carrying out necessary repairs.

The ideal candidate will be mechanically inclined, possess excellent problem-solving abilities, and have a strong commitment to safety.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and preventative maintenance on material handling equipment.
• Diagnose and repair equipment malfunctions, including mechanical and electrical issues.
• Inspect and test equipment to ensure it is in good working order.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment condition and maintenance performed.
• Recommend necessary repairs or replacements to management.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with team members and management about equipment status and needs.
• Keep work area clean and organized.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Material Handling Equipment Technician or similar role.
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair various types of material handling equipment.
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant technical training or certification is preferred.
• Physical stamina and ability to lift heavy equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous learning and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Material Handling Equipment Technician
• Work Environment: This role typically works in a warehouse or industrial setting. The role may require working in varying weather conditions and may involve physical labor.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Maintenance Supervisor or Facilities Manager.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, also considering market and business factors.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume detailing your experience and qualifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Material Handling Equipment Technician Do?

Material Handling Equipment Technicians primarily work in warehouses, factories, and other industrial settings where large equipment is used to transport and handle materials.

They are responsible for the regular maintenance, repair, and inspection of various types of material handling equipment such as forklifts, conveyor systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems.

Their duties include diagnosing mechanical issues, performing routine service checks, replacing worn parts, and updating maintenance records.

They use various tools and testing equipment to ensure that the machinery is operating safely and efficiently.

In addition to their technical duties, Material Handling Equipment Technicians also train other staff on the correct usage of the equipment to ensure safety and reduce the likelihood of mechanical issues due to improper use.

They may also be involved in the installation and set up of new equipment, making sure it’s in proper working condition and meets the operational requirements of the workplace.

When equipment malfunctions, these technicians are the first line of response, tasked with troubleshooting the issue and making necessary repairs to minimize downtime and prevent disruption of operations.

In case of complex problems, they consult with manufacturers or engineering staff to identify and implement solutions.

They must adhere to all safety regulations and standards in the performance of their duties.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure that all material handling equipment in their facility is running smoothly and efficiently, contributing to optimal production and operational efficiency.

 

Material Handling Equipment Technician Qualifications and Skills

A competent Material Handling Equipment Technician should have the skills and qualifications that align with the needs and operations of the role, including:

• Mechanical knowledge and experience to understand and work on various types of material handling equipment such as forklifts, conveyor systems, and automated warehouse systems.
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose mechanical and electrical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Attention to detail to thoroughly inspect and repair equipment, ensuring that all parts are functioning properly and safely.
• Physical stamina and strength to lift heavy equipment parts and work in physically demanding conditions.
• Time management skills to prioritize tasks and complete repairs and maintenance in a timely manner to reduce downtime.
• Technical communication skills to interpret and understand technical manuals, and to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
• Customer service skills to interact with clients professionally, understand their needs and ensure their satisfaction.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, demonstrating reliability and cooperation.
• Basic computer skills for updating work orders and inventory management.

 

Material Handling Equipment Technician Experience Requirements

Material Handling Equipment Technicians generally require a high school diploma or equivalent, with 1 to 2 years of hands-on experience in equipment maintenance or in related mechanical work.

Entry-level technicians often acquire this experience through internships, apprenticeships, or technical programs that provide hands-on training.

These roles typically focus on the maintenance and repair of various material handling systems like conveyors, forklifts, cranes, and more.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have advanced knowledge of diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic faults in material handling equipment.

This experience is typically gained in roles such as Maintenance Technician, Mechanic, or Service Engineer.

Those with over 5 years of experience could have leadership experience and could have developed the ability to plan and direct the work of other technicians.

They may be suitable for roles such as Maintenance Supervisor or Service Manager.

Regardless of years of experience, continuing education through manufacturer training or certification programs is often required to stay up-to-date with the latest equipment technology.

 

Material Handling Equipment Technician Education and Training Requirements

Material Handling Equipment Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a post-secondary degree, such as an associate’s degree in mechanical or electrical technology.

These programs offer comprehensive training in equipment repair and maintenance, electronics, hydraulics, and other relevant areas.

This education provides a strong foundation for understanding the complex machinery involved in material handling equipment.

In addition to formal education, many technicians receive on-the-job training.

This training can last up to a year and allows the technician to become proficient with different types of material handling equipment.

Certification is not mandatory but can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Certifications can be obtained from organizations like the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) or the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).

Continuing education is also essential as it helps technicians stay updated with the latest advancements in material handling technology.

Many technicians participate in workshops and seminars, or take advanced courses related to their field.

Apart from these, Material Handling Equipment Technicians should have good physical strength and stamina, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a team.

 

Material Handling Equipment Technician Salary Expectations

A Material Handling Equipment Technician can expect to earn an average salary of $45,897 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, and location.

Certain employers may also offer higher remuneration.

 

Material Handling Equipment Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Material Handling Equipment Technician need?

Material Handling Equipment Technicians should have a good understanding of mechanical and electrical systems as they often work on complex machinery.

They should also possess problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and repair equipment.

Technical skills, including welding and using hand and power tools, are also essential.

In addition, technicians should have good communication skills to explain complex technical issues to non-technical colleagues or clients.

 

Do Material Handling Equipment Technicians need specific qualifications?

Most Material Handling Equipment Technicians require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many employers prefer candidates who have completed post-secondary education in industrial technology, mechanical drawing, or related fields.

Additionally, Technicians often need to pass a certification exam depending on the complexity of the machinery they handle.

 

What should you look for in a Material Handling Equipment Technician resume?

A Material Handling Equipment Technician’s resume should show a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.

It should also highlight experience with specific types of material handling equipment such as forklifts, conveyor systems, or automated storage and retrieval systems.

Any industry-specific experience or certifications are a plus.

In addition, look for evidence of problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities.

 

What qualities make a good Material Handling Equipment Technician?

A good Material Handling Equipment Technician is proactive, able to anticipate potential problems with equipment and resolve them before they impact operations.

They should be detail-oriented, ensuring that equipment is well-maintained and safe to use.

Good Technicians are also excellent communicators, able to explain technical information to diverse audiences.

They should also be able to work well under pressure, often having to meet tight maintenance schedules.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Material Handling Equipment Technician?

Finding qualified Material Handling Equipment Technicians can be challenging due to the specialized skills required for the role.

Employers often look for candidates with specific training and experience working with the type of equipment used in their operations.

Therefore, an attractive compensation package, opportunities for growth, and a safe and supportive work environment can help in recruiting the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the essential world of a Material Handling Equipment Technician.

But guess what?

It’s not just about fixing equipment.

It’s about engineering a more efficient future, one piece of machinery at a time.

With our practical Material Handling Equipment Technician job description template and real-life examples, you’re now ready to step up.

But don’t just stop there.

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next pit stop for tailor-made job listings or perfecting your resume to precision.

Always remember:

Every piece of machinery is part of a larger, well-oiled system.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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