Loader/Logistics Technician

Job Description

About the Role:

The Steel Manufacturing Loader is responsible for safely and accurately loading outbound trucks and unloading inbound materials in a steel manufacturing/warehouse environment. The Steel & Manufacturing Loader/Logistics position plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient handling, loading, and transportation of steel products within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for coordinating logistics activities to maintain smooth operations and timely delivery schedules. The successful candidate will manage the safe and accurate loading of steel materials onto transport vehicles, adhering to all safety and quality standards. This role operates material-handling equipment (primarily overhead crane and forklift) to stage, verify, secure, and load product to meet customer requirements, DOT weight considerations, and internal quality and safety standards. The Loader supports on-time shipments by sequencing multi-stop loads, completing required paperwork checks, and maintaining an organized dock and storage area. Additionally, this position involves collaborating with warehouse, production, and transportation teams to optimize workflow and inventory management. Ultimately, the role contributes to the overall productivity and operational excellence of the manufacturing facility by supporting seamless logistics and material handling processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Select and stage material for shipment using shipping/receiving documentation and load instructions.
• Operate overhead crane (primary), forklift, and other material-handling equipment (e.g., side loader, yard dog, stacker crane) to move, stack, and load steel products.
• Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently, including multi-stop loads sequenced for customer offloading.
• Verify accuracy of material type, quantity, packaging, and special instructions; pull/compare inventory tags to ensure order accuracy.
• Apply load balancing principles to support DOT weight regulations and safe transport (including legal and over-dimensional loads as applicable).
• Secure loads by banding/wiring and ensure orders are prepared to ship per standard procedures.
• Monitor the loading process and ensure shipping paperwork is completed and signed appropriately; communicate non-compliance or discrepancies to the supervisor/shift lead.
• Perform basic first-article/initial verification checks on orders as required by the quality process.
• Use hand tools as needed (e.g., grinder, bander, drill, hammer, pliers, screwdriver, wrench) to support safe, compliant loading and packaging.
• Maintain forklift certification and required crane/rigging training; follow established safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area (dock, staging, storage areas); perform housekeeping tasks as assigned.
• Drive tractor-trailers on company property when authorized and trained.
• Adhere to the Quality Policy and all safety requirements at all times.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid forklift operator certification or equivalent experience in operating material handling equipment.
• Ability to lift heavy materials and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Basic understanding of safety regulations and procedures in a manufacturing or warehouse environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED preferred.
• Prior warehouse/manufacturing experience preferred.
• Work is performed in a warehouse/manufacturing environment with frequent interaction with docks, trailers, and storage areas.
• Must be able to walk, stand, and climb ladders/platforms repeatedly throughout the shift (including climbing on/off trailers).
• Frequent bending, squatting, and repetitive grasping.
• Regular lifting/moving of materials and tools; may be required to lift up to 50 lbs (and handle heavier products via mechanical equipment).
• Experience working in steel manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.
• Familiarity with logistics software and inventory management systems.
• Additional certifications related to crane operation or hazardous materials handling.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow load instructions and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and work with urgency.
• Proven track record of maintaining safety compliance and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Basic math skills (whole numbers, fractions, decimals).
• Ability to read a tape measure accurately.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred (or ability to obtain certification/training).

Responsibilities:

• Load and unload steel products and raw materials safely and efficiently using forklifts, cranes, and other material handling equipment.
• Coordinate with warehouse and production teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking and timely movement of materials.
• Inspect shipments for damage or discrepancies and report any issues to supervisors promptly.
• Prepare and organize materials for shipment, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the loading area and equipment to promote a safe working environment.
• Assist in scheduling and tracking deliveries to optimize logistics operations and meet production deadlines.
• Operate logistics software and documentation systems to record shipment details and inventory movements.

Skills:

The required skills such as forklift operation and adherence to safety protocols are essential for the daily handling and movement of steel products, ensuring both personal and team safety. Attention to detail is critical when inspecting shipments and verifying inventory to prevent errors and maintain quality standards. Physical stamina and strength are regularly utilized to manage heavy materials and operate equipment efficiently throughout the workday. Preferred skills like familiarity with logistics software enhance the ability to track shipments and inventory accurately, improving overall operational efficiency. Effective communication skills support collaboration with warehouse, production, and transportation teams, facilitating smooth logistics coordination and problem resolution.