How to Be Construction Material Handler - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The construction material handler is an essential role in the construction industry, as it is responsible for the safe, efficient and accurate transportation of materials to the worksite. This role is crucial for ensuring that the materials reach the construction site on time and are in the right quantity and quality. By having this role in place, construction projects can be completed on time and within budget.

In addition, it helps to reduce waste of materials and labor, resulting in a more efficient project. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of on-site injuries due to improper handling of materials. Therefore, it is important to have a qualified and experienced material handler in place to ensure the success of construction projects.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a construction material handler, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain On-the-Job Training. Most employers provide on-the-job training for new construction material handlers. During this training period, you will learn how to safely and efficiently handle the materials used in construction projects.
Obtain a Forklift License. Many employers require construction material handlers to have a forklift license. To obtain a forklift license, you will typically need to attend a training program and pass an exam.
Attend Safety Training Courses. Construction material handlers should attend safety training courses to learn how to safely use tools and equipment and how to adhere to safety regulations.
Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends. Construction material handlers should stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in order to stay ahead of their competitors. They should also keep up with the latest technological advancements in the industry.
Maintain a Positive Attitude. Construction material handlers should maintain a positive attitude and be willing to work with others in order to ensure the success of the project. They should be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Construction material handlers are essential personnel in the construction industry. They are responsible for the safe and accurate handling of materials, ensuring that building projects progress according to schedule. Material handlers must have a good understanding of the materials being handled, as well as the appropriate safety protocols, in order to do their job effectively.

An ideal material handler must be competent in communication, organization, problem-solving, attention to detail, and physical stamina. They must also be knowledgeable about the various types of materials used in construction and be able to correctly interpret instructions from supervisors. Furthermore, material handlers must be aware of their surroundings and be willing to take on challenging tasks.

All of these qualities are necessary for a material handler to be successful in their role.

You may want to check Construction Project Planner, Construction Safety Officer, and Construction Procurement Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Unload construction materials from delivery trucks and other vehicles.
Sort, store and organize construction supplies, materials and tools in the warehouse or job site.
Operate forklift and other heavy machinery to move construction materials into place.
Load and unload construction supplies, materials and tools onto and off of trucks, trailers and other vehicles.
Mark, label and store materials in their designated areas.
Assist in counting and verifying inventory levels.
Maintain a clean, orderly and organized work area.
Assist with completing paperwork related to the delivery of materials.
Operate hand and power tools to install, assemble, maintain and repair materials, equipment and structures.
Inspect materials for quality control purposes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to operate a forklift and other heavy machinery
Knowledge of building materials
Ability to read and interpret instructions
Good organizational and communication skills
Ability to work independently or with a team
Physical strength and endurance
Attention to detail
Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations
Ability to lift and move heavy items
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Construction material handlers are an essential part of any construction project. They are responsible for the safe and efficient transportation, handling, and storage of building materials and supplies. To be successful in this role, they must possess strong physical stamina, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Good communication skills are also necessary to effectively coordinate with others involved in the project. The most important skill for a construction material handler is an understanding of health and safety regulations. They must be able to identify potential hazards and take the necessary precautions to protect those working on the construction site.

they must be able to accurately measure and calculate the amount of materials needed for a project. They should also be able to effectively communicate with their team, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Finally, they must have the ability to work efficiently and accurately under tight timeframes and stressful conditions.

Construction Site Supervisor, Construction Draftsman, and Construction Equipment Maintenance Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How familiar are you with the processes and methods used to safely handle and store construction materials?
Describe a time when you successfully identified a problem, and how you solved it.
What safety procedures do you follow when working with construction materials?
What experience do you have operating construction material handling equipment?
What challenges have you faced when handling construction materials?
Describe a difficult situation with a customer or co-worker when working with construction materials, and how you overcame it.
How comfortable are you with reading and interpreting blueprints and schematics?
How would you ensure that all materials are properly labelled and stored in the right location?
What systems do you use to track inventory and manage supplies?
What would you do to ensure that all materials are handled safely and efficiently?

Common Tools in Industry

Forklift. A motorized vehicle used to lift and move heavy materials within a construction site. (Example: A forklift can be used to move wooden beams from one side of a room to another. )
Crane. A large piece of machinery used to lift and move large objects such as concrete slabs, steel beams, and other heavy materials. (Example: A crane is used to lift and place steel beams during the construction of a bridge. )
Hoist. A device used to lift and move heavy objects vertically. (Example: A hoist is used to lift and place concrete blocks during the construction of a wall. )
Pallet Jack. A mechanical device used to move pallets of materials around a construction site. (Example: A pallet jack is used to move pallets of bricks from one side of the building site to another. )
Wheelbarrow. A tool used to transport small loads of materials around a construction site. (Example: A wheelbarrow is used to move sand from one side of the building site to another. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
Association of Construction Inspectors (ACI)
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA)
U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

We also have Construction Laborer, Construction Superintendent, and Construction Cost Estimator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Forklift. A motorized vehicle used to lift and transport heavy objects.
Hoist. A mechanical lifting device used for moving large objects.
Crane. A machine for lifting and moving heavy objects, typically operated by power or cable.
Pallet Jack. A small, manually operated forklift used to move pallets.
Pallet. A flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift or other loading device.
Loader. A vehicle with a large arm and bucket attached that is used to load and unload materials.
Boom Lift. An aerial platform with an extending arm used to reach high places.
Tipper Truck. A truck that has a hydraulic hoist mounted at the rear, allowing the driver to tip the load out of the truck bed.
Scoop. A hand-operated tool with a long handle and curved blade used for scooping up material.
Bobcat. A small, tracked vehicle equipped with a variety of attachments used for construction tasks, such as digging, loading, and carrying materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Construction Material Handler?

A Construction Material Handler is a personnel responsible for managing, moving, and storing materials used in construction projects.

What duties does a Construction Material Handler perform?

A Construction Material Handler is responsible for transporting materials to and from construction sites, loading and unloading materials, organizing and storing materials, and conducting inventory checks.

What qualifications are required to be a Construction Material Handler?

Most Construction Material Handlers have a high school diploma or GED and experience in material handling. Additionally, they must have the ability to lift heavy items, operate forklifts, and follow safety protocols.

How much does a Construction Material Handler typically earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Construction Material Handlers in 2019 was $33,810.

What type of environment does a Construction Material Handler work in?

Construction Material Handlers typically work in outdoor environments on construction sites. They may also work in warehouses or other enclosed spaces.

Web Resources

Construction Materials | Civil & Environmental Engineering | UIUC cee.illinois.edu
Construction Materials and Methods - Building and Construction bct.eco.umass.edu
Material Handling Training | Office of Environmental Health and ehs.princeton.edu