Fiber Yard Material Handler

Pratt Industries, Inc.; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Overtime eligibility

Incentive plan

Paid holidays & vacation

401K plan

Tuition reimbursement

Uniforms provided

Safety allowances

Health, dental, vision

Life and disability plans

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Pratt Industries, Inc. in Valparaiso, IN is seeking a Fiber Yard Material Handler to operate forklifts, front-end loaders, and Bobcats, staging bails and loose materials for our paper mill.

You will manage inventory, support production, and adhere to strict safety policies while coordinating with the team. This role requires flexibility for 12-hour rotating shifts and a 2–4 year degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience operating forklifts, front-end loaders, and Bobcats.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must read orders and perform basic math.
• Excellent communication and safety mindset.
• Education: 2–4 year degree preferred.
• Willingness to work 12-hour rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to stage bails and raw materials.
• Manage inventory and ensure material availability.
• Support production efficiency in the paper mill.
• Maintain safety policies and PPE compliance.
• Read orders, perform basic calculations, complete documentation.
• Pre/post shift equipment checks and site housekeeping.

Skills

Forklifts

Front-end Loader

Bobcat

Inventory control

Safety compliance

Reading orders

Data entry

Communication

Shift flexibility

Education

2-4 year degree

Job description

Are you a skilled equipment operator ready to drive your career forward? Join Our Team as a Fiber Yard Material Handler!

Are you a highly motivated individual with a knack for operating heavy machinery? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your skills directly contribute to essential operations? We're looking for a dedicated Fiber Yard Material Handler to play a vital role in our paper mill, ensuring the smooth flow of raw materials and the efficient operation of our facility.

In this hands-on role, you'll be the backbone of our material staging process, operating a variety of mobile equipment like Forklifts, Front-End Loaders, and Bobcats. You'll work outdoors, directly impacting our production by expertly handling and organizing bails and loose raw materials. If you're safety-conscious, detail-oriented, and ready to contribute to a thriving team, we want to hear from you!

What You'll Do:

• Operate Heavy Equipment: Safely and efficiently maneuver forklifts, front-end loaders, and Bobcats to stage bails and loose raw materials.
• Manage Inventory: Apply your understanding of inventory procedures to keep materials organized and accessible.
• Support Production: Ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the paper mill, directly contributing to our operational success.
• Maintain Safety: Adhere strictly to all Mill safety policies, including PPE, lock-out-tag-out procedures and hazard observation, to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your team.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate clearly with your team and supervisor to maintain seamless operations.
• Documentation & Data Entry: Accurately read orders, perform basic mathematical computations, and complete necessary documentation using basic computer skills and scanning equipment.
• Equipment Maintenance: Pre/Post shift equipment checks, perform basic housekeeping tasks such as washing, sweeping, and shoveling debris to keep equipment and work areas clean.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience Operating Equipment: Proven ability to operate various small to medium-sized industrial mobile equipment, including forklifts, front-end loaders, and Bobcats.
• Physical Dexterity: Ability to frequently get on and off equipment, operate steering controls, hand levers, and foot pedals, and possess excellent depth perception. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Mental Acuity: Strong ability to read orders, prepare reports, perform basic mathematical computations, and utilize basic computer and scanning equipment.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective oral communication skills to interact with all plant personnel.
• Safety Mindset: A strong commitment to working safely and following all established procedures.
• Education: A 2-to-4-year degree from a college, university, technical school, military, vocational, or other advanced educational institution is preferred.
• Learning Aptitude: A demonstrated desire and ability to learn new skills and participate in ongoing training programs.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including both days and nights.

Why Join Our Team?

We value our employees and offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth.

• Competitive Salary: Base salary of $48,500.00 ($23.31/hr)
• Overtime Eligibility: Overtime pay after 40hrs worked per week.
• Lucrative Incentive Plan: Earn up to 100% of one month's base salary every quarter through our mill incentive program!
• Paid Holidays & Vacation
• Total Compensation: $75,000.00+ annually with scheduled OT & Incentive
• Schedule - 12hr rotating shifts as part of a 4-shift operation - Scheduled to work 14 days out of 28 days!
• Company Provided Uniforms
• Annual Safety Allowances for Boots & Glasses
• Excellent Benefits Package:
  • Earn up to $1200 for you HSA annually
  • Reimbursement of $500 per year towards gym memberships or other qualifying expenses
  • Medical (HSA Plan), Dental, and Vision Plans
  • 401K Plan with Company Match
  • 100% Tuition Reimbursement to fuel your continued education
  • Healthy Lifestyle Programs
  • Child Bearing/Parental Leave
  • Supplemental Life, Spouse, and Child Life Insurance plans
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability Plans
  • Legal and Travel Assistance Plans
  • EAP/Home Auto Insurance Plans
  • Wireless/Auto/Discount Plans
• Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development with practical application training that may include travel to other Pratt Paper Mills and ongoing educational certificate programs.