Material Handler - Side Loader Operator

STOW Group; Adairsville (GA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

Health, dental & vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

stow Group is seeking a Side Loader Operator to move long loads safely in a warehouse and yard environment. You will operate combi-lift/side loader equipment, perform pre-shift inspections, and ensure accurate load documentation while following all safety rules.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years of side-loader experience, forklift certification, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather. The role requires flexibility for shifts, overtime, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Valid forklift certification/side-lift operator license (as required by local regulations).
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience operating a combi-lift/side loader.
• Good understanding of load balancing, material handling, and equipment safety.
• Ability to handle long or heavy loads efficiently, safely and precisely.
• Physically able to sit for long periods and handle manual tasks as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and safety mindset.
• Ability to work in outdoor or indoor environments and adapt to weather conditions (if applicable).
• Willingness to work shifts, overtime, weekends, or holidays as required.

Responsibilities

• Operate a combi-lift/side loader forklift to move materials within the yard, warehouse, or facility.
• Load and unload containers or storage racks following safety procedures.
• Transport long or oversized materials in tight or narrow spaces.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of the lift equipment and report issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of movements, loads, and inventory when required.
• Follow facility safety rules, traffic guidelines, and handling procedures.
• Assist with general warehouse or yard duties as assigned.
• Communicate with dispatchers, supervisors, and team members.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and hazard-free.

Skills

Forklift operation

Side loader operation

Load balancing

Safety procedures

Physical stamina

Communication

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

With over 45 years of excellence, stow Group has transformed from a family-owned business into a global leader in the supply chain industry and is at the forefront of driving peak warehouse performance through innovative racking systems and accessible automation solutions.

stowstands as one of the largest and most powerful industrial storage companies worldwide, with 10 manufacturing facilities, 19 commercial offices, and the know-how of around 2000 employees serving customers in 40 countries.

In 2026, we opened our first U.S. based manufacturing facility in Adairsville, GA and are continuing to grow strong. It's exciting times to be at stow!

Job Description

A side loader is a multi-directional narrow forklift specifically designed to transport long loads such as timber, steel pipes, and oversized pallets. Unlike conventional forklifts that position loads in front, side loaders carry materials on a side-mounted platform, allowing operators to maneuver easily through narrow aisles and maximize space in your facility.

Side Load Operators:

• Operate a combi-lift/side loader forklift to move materials within the yard, warehouse, or facility.
• Load and unload containers or storage racks following proper safety procedures.
• Transport long or oversized materials efficiently in tight or narrow spaces.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of the lift equipment and report any issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of movements, loads, and inventory when required.
• Follow all facility safety rules, traffic guidelines, and handling procedures.
• Assist with general warehouse or yard duties as assigned.
• Communicate effectively with dispatchers, supervisors, and team members.
• Ensure work areas remain clean, organized, and hazard-free.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Valid forklift certification/side-lift operator license (as required by local regulations).
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience operating a combi-lift/side loader.
• Good understanding of load balancing, material handling, and equipment safety.
• Ability to handle long or heavy loads efficiently, safely and precisely.
• Physically able to sit for long periods and handle manual tasks as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and safety mindset.
• Ability to work in outdoor or indoor environments and adapt to weather conditions (if applicable).
• Willingness to work shifts, overtime, weekends, or holidays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Tractor Trailer and/or Rear Loader experience required.
• Experience with container handling and warehouse operations.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems or basic inventory processes.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

The position requires extensive, near-continuous physical exertion such as repeated lifting of very heavy objects (more than 80 pounds), deep bending, climbing steps and/or assuming awkward positions. THERE ARE ROUTINE EXPOSURES TO SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF HEAT, COLD, MOISTURE AND SOMETIMES RAIN.

Additional Information

What do we offer you?

• PTO, days paid sick leave, 11 US paid holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• 401K with employer match, currently 4%
• Tobacco Free Campus

Every employee at stow contributes to a safe and compliant work environment. We set the example and motivate each other to work safely, efficiently, and in a qualitative way. stow's standards, policies, instructions, and local legislations are there to guide our decisions.

EEO

stow provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. stow prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based based on race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.