Material Handler II

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

403(b) retirement plan

34+ accrued time off

Job summary

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is hiring a part-time Material Handler to join its Operations Department in Nashville. The role involves operating various warehouse equipment to fulfill orders accurately and efficiently while maintaining safety standards. Ideal candidates will have experience with electric pallet jacks and a high school diploma. Second Harvest offers a range of employee benefits and values diversity in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Experience with ride-on powered material handling equipment preferred.
• Reach truck experience required.
• Strong performers are cross-trained in all duties.

Responsibilities

• Operate warehouse equipment to build customer orders accurately.
• Fulfill order duties efficiently, ensuring safety and productivity.
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety standards.

Skills

Warehouse equipment operation

Customer service

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

English communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electric pallet jack

Walkie-stacker

Handheld scanning equipment

Job description

We are hiring for a part‑time Material Handler to join the Operations Department at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Who we are: For nearly 50 years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has dedicated itself to nourishing and empowering their neighbors so they can thrive. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Second Harvest implements sustainable solutions to food insecurity through a strategically selected network of more than 600 partners across 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. Our partners include food pantries, congregate meal sites, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes and youth enrichment programs. For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, its mission and programs, please visit secondharvestmidtn.org.

What you’ll do

Summary: Material Handler operates warehouse equipment for the purposes of product placements (moving, locating, relocating, stacking), counting merchandise, customer order fulfillment, tagging and staging of orders. Ensures completeness and correctness of all orders filled. All job responsibilities are required to meet company standards for safety, accuracy, and productivity. This position supports and fosters our deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is the foundation for creating a culture of belonging for all personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate warehouse equipment (electric pallet jack, ride‑on pallet jack) to physically build customer orders, ensuring accuracy and proper staging of all orders pulled.
• Performs order fulfilment duties in an efficient manner that meets the highest possible levels of safety, accuracy, productivity, and customer service standards.
• Ensures correct number and product type pulled.
• Uses handheld scanning equipment.
• Repacks and weighs any orders which require handling.
• Reports quality variances.
• Submits all paperwork legibly, accurately, and completely.
• Maintains facilities cleanliness and food safety standards through responsible equipment and materials use.
• Contributes to a clean and orderly work environment by performing daily cleaning duties.
• Charges electric power equipment batteries and operates all equipment in a safe and efficient manner following prescribed work methods.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with co‑workers, OTR drivers and the public. Communicates in a productive and professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

When & Where

• Schedule:
  • Monday – Wednesday or Wednesday‑Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
  • Occasional individual schedule may vary to meet work demands, with common schedule examples: 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
  • Occasional duties may be necessary, as well as responding to issues outside of normal working hours (e.g., disaster response, community events).
• Travel:
  • Travel between facilities may be required for meetings and vacation/staff relief.
  • Occasional daytime travel required, up to 10% of work week within the local service area.
  • Current driver’s license with copy of current auto insurance and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) results required.
• Essential Business / First Responder:
  • In instances of an emergency, Second Harvest is typically considered an essential business service and emergency responder. All employees may be required to perform regular or emergent duties on‑site. Employee safety is balanced with business and community necessity. Some positions are more likely to be required on‑site than others.

Is this you?

• Education: High School Diploma (or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience: Experience with ride‑on powered material handling equipment such as electric pallet jack and walkie‑stacker preferred. Reach truck experience required.

Skills & Capabilities

• Operates power material handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Productive within a warehouse environment that is climate controlled with seasonally ranging temperatures (warm in summer and cold in winter) and approximately 30% of day spent in freezer and cooler cold food storage zones.
• Fulfills physical demands of warehouse responsibilities, including consistently lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects 25–50 pounds.
• Collaborates with the team, listens, and asks questions to effectively learn new tasks and continually develop skillset. Strong performers are cross‑trained in all duties, are adaptable and flexible to meet changing work demands.
• Consistent, dependable, and reliable work ethic and regular attendance.
• English oral and written communication abilities.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail, Result Orientation/Execution, Quality Improvement and Customer Service

What Second Harvest has to offer

• Compensation & Benefits: Second Harvest is proud to offer a rich and affordable total compensation package. Total compensation for full‑time employment includes many benefits, in addition to base pay. The paid days off policies include 34+ accrued time off. Benefits offered include medical, dental and vision (employee‑only coverage paid 100% by employer). Additional available benefits include a 403(b) retirement plan (up to 3% match, 5% base), disability insurance (short and long‑term), life insurance as well as pet insurance.
• Work with a purpose: As one of Middle Tennessee’s largest nonprofits, our local hunger relief work is uniquely rewarding, hands on and solutions oriented. Our mission is to nourish and empower people so they can thrive. A career with Second Harvest ensures that you not only earn a paycheck, but also help your local community through meaningful work.
• Award winning workplace: We are a best‑in‑class workplace because we are passionate and people focused, so that our community can count on us for our critical work. We are among The Tennessean’s Top Workplaces based solely on employee feedback.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee provides equal employment to all applicants and employees based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We believe that inclusion and belonging strengthen our team, drive innovation and enhance our ability to serve our community.

Application

• Online: employment application on our website: secondharvestmidtn.org/job‑opportunities. Resume and cover letter can be uploaded with applications on the website as well.
• In person: applications can be completed by visiting us on‑site at any of our distribution centers. Locations can be found on our website: secondharvestmidtn.org/contact.