MATERIAL HANDLER/FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Spherion Staffing, LLC; Franklin (KY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Spherion Staffing, LLC in Kentucky is seeking a Material Handler to support daily warehouse and production operations at our scrap metal processing facility. The role involves moving, sorting, and staging materials, with frequent heavy lifting and forklift operation.

You will work on a team, follow safety procedures, and maintain a clean, organized work area. Prior experience in manufacturing or warehouse settings is preferred; 50 lb lifts are common.

Qualifications

• Forklift operation experience required.
• 1–4 years in manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Commitment to safety and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts safely to move, load, unload, and stage materials.
• Sort, organize, and prepare scrap metal and other materials for processing.
• Load and unload trucks and containers as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Follow all company safety procedures and operating instructions.
• Assist production and warehouse teams with general material handling duties as needed.

Skills

Forklift operation

Heavy lifting

Rigging & securing loads

Industrial safety

Basic mechanical aptitude

Equipment operation

Education

No Degree Required

Job description

Terms

I am at least 18 years old

I am legally authorized to work in the United States

Position Summary

The Material Handler supports daily warehouse and production operations at our scrap metal processing facility. Material Handlers are responsible for safely moving, handling, sorting, and staging materials throughout the facility. Heavy lifting up to 50lbs will be required frequently/as needed. Previous forklift operating experience required. Previous experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or industrial environment preferred. Ability to safely perform physical work, including lifting and moving materials. Dependable, punctual, and willing to work as part of a team. Ability to follow instructions and maintain a strong focus on safety.

Work Environment: Manufacturing / Scrap Metal Processing Facility

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts safely to move, load, unload, and stage materials.
• Sort, organize, and prepare scrap metal and other materials for processing.
• Load and unload trucks and containers as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Follow all company safety procedures and operating instructions.
• Assist production and warehouse teams with general material handling duties as needed.

Working hours: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Skills

• Scrap Metal Knowledge: Prior experience identifying, sorting, and grading various ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals (e.g., Titanium and Nickel).
• Specialized Industrial Equipment Operation: Experience operating Powered industrial equpment
• Forklift Certification: Active OSHA-compliant or industry-recognized forklift operator certification.
• Heavy Industrial Environment Experience: Experience working Hot, non-climate-controlled, high-noise, and dust-heavy industrial conditions.
• Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Familiarity with basic hand/power tools and conducting daily pre-shift inspections or light maintenance on equipment.
• Rigging & Securing Loads: Familiarity with proper load distribution, securing cargo, straps, and rigging techniques for heavy, loose, or irregularly shaped scrap loads.

Education

No Degree Required

Experience

1-4 years

Qualifications

• Forklift Operation: Proven experience operating sit-down industrial forklifts for moving, loading, unloading, and staging heavy materials. (reference checks will be required for this experience)
• Continuous Heavy Lifting & Physical Stamina: Ability to safely and continuously lift, move, and carry up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout an entire shift in a fast-paced environment.
• Industrial Safety Compliance: Strong understanding of standard safety protocols, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, and situational awareness in a heavy industrial setting.
• Material Loading & Unloading: Hands-on experience safely loading and unloading flatbed trucks, trailers, and shipping containers.
• Dependability & Punctuality: Proven record of consistent attendance, reliability, and readiness to perform demanding physical work.
• Instruction & Task Execution: Ability to clearly understand, follow, and execute daily verbal and written operational instructions from team leads and supervisors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Spherion, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact [e-mail].

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc.

Spherion offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).