Yard Puller/Loader-Columbia

Mid-City Lumber Co Ltd; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Mid-City Lumber, Ltd. in Mid-Missouri is seeking a Yard Loader/Puller to act as the physical engine of the lumber yard. You will manually load lumber, shingles, and hardware, assist delivery drivers and customers, and help keep the yard organized and safe.

This entry-level role requires lifting 50–80 lbs repeatedly, learning lumber species and dimensions, and maintaining punctual, courteous service. A drug test and background check may be required during hiring.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift 50-80 lbs repeatedly during an 8-hour shift
• Willingness to learn difference between wood species and dimensions
• Ability to count pieces quickly and accurately
• Polite and helpful attitude when interacting with busy contractors and customers
• Morning rush requires punctuality and reliability

Responsibilities

• Customer Loading: load lumber, shingles, and hardware into customers' vehicles safely.
• Order Picking: pull materials from pick lists to stage loads for deliveries, ensuring correct species, grade, and length.
• Housekeeping & Organization: keep the yard clean and neat, restack damaged boards, and remove scraps.
• Stock Replenishment: move materials from overstock areas to primary picking bins.
• Receiving Support: assist the Receiving Clerk by spotting for forklifts and breaking down bundles.
• Safety Compliance: follow yard safety rules and wear PPE as required.

Skills

Physical stamina

Lumber literacy

Basic math

Communication

Punctuality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Forklift Certification

Job description

Mid-City Lumber, Ltd. is a longstanding Mid-Missouri business that has served local contractors and homeowners since 1969. With convenient locations in Columbia, Jefferson City, Boonville, Sedalia, and Linn Creek, we pride ourselves on being a trusted resource for quality building materials and expert guidance. Our team is built on a "people first" philosophy, offering a casual, family-oriented work environment where helping our customers get the job done right is our top priority. We are currently looking for dedicated individuals to join our crew and help us continue our mission of providing fast, reliable service to the communities we call home.

Mid-City Lumber Hiring Highlights

• Established Local Roots: Serving Mid-Missouri for over 50 years with a strong reputation for customer service.
• Team Atmosphere: Known for a supportive, friendly culture with a "roll with the punches" attitude to meet customer needs.
• Multiple Locations: Opportunities across mid-Missouri, including a specialized Design Center in Osage Beach.
• Professional Growth: A place where "Our People - Your Resource" isn't just a slogan, but a commitment to expertise and training.

A Yard Loader/Puller (also called a Yard Loader or Lumber Stacker) is the physical engine of a lumber yard. This is a high-energy, entry-level role responsible for the manual movement of materials, maintaining a clean and safe facility, and providing direct loading assistance to customers and delivery drivers.

Responsibilities

• Customer Loading: Assisting contractors and DIY customers by manually loading lumber, shingles, and hardware into their vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Order Picking: Pulling materials from "pick lists" to stage loads for upcoming deliveries, ensuring the correct species, grade, and length are selected.
• Housekeeping & Organization: Keeping the yard "broom clean" by removing banding, wood scraps, and trash; restacking "culls" (damaged boards) and maintaining straight, neat lumber piles.
• Stock Replenishment: "Down-stocking" materials from overstock areas to primary picking bins to ensure the sales team always has products available.
• Receiving Support: Assisting the Receiving Clerk by spotting for forklifts, breaking down bundles, and hand-stacking individual boards when necessary.
• Safety Compliance: Strictly following yard traffic patterns and wearing all required PPE (high-visibility vests, gloves, and steel-toed boots).

Qualifications

• Physical Stamina: Must be able to lift 50-80 lbs repeatedly throughout an 8-hour shift and work outdoors in all weather (heat, rain, snow).
• Lumber Literacy: Willingness to learn the difference between wood species (e.g., Pine vs. Cedar) and dimensions (e.g., 2x4 vs. 2x6).
• Basic Math: Ability to count pieces quickly and accurately to ensure customers get exactly what they paid for.
• Communication: A polite and helpful attitude when interacting with busy contractors and retail customers.
• Punctuality: Since the yard's "morning rush" starts early, being on time is critical for operational flow.

Education

• Experience: 0-1 year. This is often a "steppingstone" role in Forklift Operation, Counter Sales, or CDL Driving.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Certifications: While not always required for a "Hand," obtaining a Forklift Certification is the primary way to advance in this role.

As a condition to your employment with Mid-City Lumber, you acknowledge that Mid-City requires that a drug test be preformed within 72 hours of your acceptance of the offer of employment set forth in this letter. You further acknowledge that if you (a) refuse to submit to any requested drug test for any reason, (b) test positive for the presence of illegal drugs, or (c) fail to take the test within 72 hours, the offer made to you in this letter may be rescinded by Mid-City without liability. Also a condition of employment by Mid-City, you hereby authorize Mid-City to conduct a background check prior to the Commencement Date. You acknowledge and agree that the offer of employment set forth in this letter is contingent upon the completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of Mid-City.