Material Mover Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of logistics and supply chain, the importance of material movers is paramount.

As industries expand and evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can manage, organize, and ensure the safe transportation of materials increases.

But what’s truly expected from a material mover?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of material handling,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable material mover job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Material Mover Duties and Responsibilities

Material Movers play a crucial role in various industries including manufacturing, construction, and shipping, where they are responsible for moving and handling various materials.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Use equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks to move goods and materials
• Load and unload materials from trucks or other vehicles
• Inspect materials for defects and damages
• Prepare goods for shipment by wrapping items and packing them into containers
• Maintain records of inventory and location of goods
• Follow safety regulations when handling hazardous materials
• Sort materials according to type, size, weight, or destination
• Assist with the assembly of goods when necessary
• Perform basic maintenance on equipment used for material moving
• Perform routine checks to ensure that all materials are moved without causing damage

 

Material Mover Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent Material Mover to join our team.

The Material Mover’s responsibilities include loading, unloading, and moving materials within or near plants, warehouses, or worksites.

This role involves physically handling the materials and ensuring they are safely transported to their designated locations.

 

Responsibilities

• Manually or mechanically load and unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles
• Convey materials from storage or work sites to designated areas
• Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined sequence
• Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments and material and equipment needs
• Record numbers of units handled and moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets
• Attach identifying tags to containers, or mark them with identifying information
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures
• Maintain a clean work area

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous work experience in a similar role
• Ability to lift heavy items
• Good physical condition and endurance
• Proficiency in inventory software, databases, and systems
• Ability to read and write in English
• Good organizational and time management skills

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Work uniform provided

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Material Mover
• Work Environment: The job involves working in a warehouse environment and requires physical exertion. This job may require working in shifts and on weekends.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Warehouse Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Material Mover Do?

Material Movers are essential workers in several industries including manufacturing, warehousing, and construction.

Their primary role is to facilitate the movement of materials from one location to another.

They operate various types of equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks to move goods around a warehouse or onto delivery trucks.

They may also be tasked with packaging items prior to shipment, or unpacking and stocking items upon delivery.

Material Movers also record the movement of goods using bar-code scanners or through manual data entry.

They ensure accuracy in their work to prevent loss of inventory or misplacement of goods.

In a construction setting, Material Movers might carry bricks, lumber, tools, or other materials to and from the worksite.

They may also be responsible for clearing debris or unneeded materials from a site.

Safety is a crucial aspect of their job, as they must follow proper lifting techniques and operate equipment safely to prevent injuries or accidents.

Their role is integral in maintaining productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

 

Material Mover Qualifications and Skills

Material Movers need a combination of physical strength, technical skills, and teamwork abilities, including:

• Physical strength and stamina to lift heavy materials and operate machinery for extended periods of time.
• Attention to detail and accuracy to ensure materials are properly moved to the correct locations and that any potential hazards are quickly identified.
• Technical skills to operate a variety of machinery and equipment, such as forklifts, conveyor belts, and hand trucks.
• Time management skills to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and within the set schedule.
• Teamwork abilities to collaborate with other workers and coordinate tasks in a safe and effective manner.
• Communication skills to understand instructions, relay information, and report any problems or concerns.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly assess and resolve issues related to equipment operation or material handling.
• Basic math skills for tallying loads, calculating weight, and other similar tasks.

 

Material Mover Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Material Mover role may not require any prior experience, as many employers are willing to provide on-the-job training.

However, having a few months to a year of experience in warehouse or distribution environments can be advantageous.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience will likely have gained competence in using equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks, and have knowledge of warehouse safety protocols.

Those with more than 3 years of experience will likely have advanced skills in inventory management, organization, and the ability to move large and heavy objects efficiently and safely.

They may also be expected to supervise and train newer or less experienced material movers.

Material movers with over 5 years of experience may be prepared for a managerial role, such as Warehouse Supervisor or Manager, where they will oversee other material movers, manage inventory, ensure safety procedures, and coordinate shipping and receiving tasks.

 

Material Mover Education and Training Requirements

Material Movers typically require a high school diploma or an equivalent education for entry-level positions.

They receive on-the-job training to become familiar with the specific equipment used in their role, such as forklifts and conveyor belts.

Though not necessary, some Material Movers may also opt for a short-term certificate program offered by community colleges or vocational schools, that teach safety regulations and operational skills.

Many companies prefer Material Movers to have a valid driver’s license, especially for roles that require operation of heavy machinery or driving delivery vehicles.

Certification from organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can also be beneficial, as it showcases a candidate’s knowledge of safety protocols.

In addition, previous work experience in warehouse or industrial settings can be advantageous for a Material Mover role.

Continuous training is often provided, as methods and safety regulations regularly change.

This ongoing training helps keep Material Movers updated with the latest best practices and safety guidelines.

 

Material Mover Salary Expectations

A Material Mover earns an average salary of $29,650 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary depending on the level of experience, the location, and the size and type of the employing company.

 

Material Mover Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Material Mover need?

Material Movers should possess strong physical stamina and coordination as the job often involves lifting, moving, and transporting heavy objects.

They should also have good manual dexterity to handle equipment.

Basic math skills for inventory management and spatial awareness for efficient loading and unloading are also needed.

 

Do Material Movers need a degree?

Material Movers do not typically need a degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred.

Training is usually provided on the job.

However, if the position involves operating heavy machinery, certification may be required.

 

What should you look for in a Material Mover resume?

Experience in a similar role or environment can be a big plus, so look for previous jobs where heavy lifting or machinery operation was involved.

Certificates for equipment operation are a strong advantage.

Good physical health and stamina should be evident, and any experience or skills related to logistics, warehouse operations, or inventory management can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Material Mover?

A good Material Mover is physically fit and able to handle the physical demands of the job, including lifting heavy objects and being on their feet for extended periods.

They should also be detail-oriented to keep track of inventory and responsible enough to handle equipment safely.

Good teamwork and communication skills are also beneficial as they often need to coordinate with other staff for efficient operations.

 

Is it difficult to hire Material Movers?

Hiring Material Movers can be challenging depending on the specific requirements of the role.

For positions that require operation of heavy machinery, finding candidates with the necessary certification can be tricky.

Additionally, the physical demands of the role may limit the pool of applicants.

Offering competitive wages and ensuring a safe work environment can help attract more candidates.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap!

Today, we’ve dissected the intricate details of what it truly means to be a Material Mover.

Guess what?

It’s not just about moving stuff from point A to point B.

It’s about enabling the flow of goods and materials, one move at a time.

With our comprehensive material mover job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards drafting precise job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every move you make contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s keep the world moving. Together.

How to Become a Material Mover (Complete Guide)

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