Yard Worker/Material Handler
BUILDING BLOCKSPosition Summary The Yard Material Handler safely rigs, lifts, and moves finished GFRC, UHPC, and precast concrete facade panels from the production floor through curing, storage, and onto trucks for shipment. Operating overhead cranes, telehandlers, and forklifts, this role protects two things above all: the people working around every lift and the architectural finish of every panel. Each panel is a custom, high-value piece of a building facade, so one bad lift can cost weeks of production and a damaged client schedule. Key Responsibilities Rigging and lifting Plan each lift before it happens: confirm panel weight from shop drawings or the piece ticket, center of gravity, pick points, and travel path. Select and attach the correct rigging: slings, shackles, spreader bars, strongbacks, and lifting clutches matched to the cast-in inserts or anchors. Calculate sling angles and load on each leg; never exceed the rated capacity of any component. Confirm QC has released the panel for stripping or lifting (minimum concrete strength reached) before any pick. Use tag lines to control load rotation and keep all personnel clear of suspended loads. Rotate, tilt, and flip panels using approved methods and edge protection to prevent chipping, cracking, or finish damage. Equipment operation Operate overhead bridge cranes to strip panels from molds and move them through the shop. Operate telehandlers and forklifts to transport panels, molds, steel, and raw materials across the yard. Load and unload flatbed trailers, A-frames, and shipping racks to match the delivery sequence. Give and follow standard hand signals and radio commands as signal person or operator. Yard and inventory management Place panels on proper dunnage, racks, or A-frames per storage details so they stay flat, supported, and damage-free. Keep panel locations accurate so any piece can be found and pulled for shipping, repair, or QC review. Keep travel lanes, staging areas, and storage rows clean, marked, and free of hazards. Secure loads on trailers with straps, chains, and edge protectors to meet DOT cargo securement rules. Inspection, maintenance, and documentation Complete and log daily pre-use inspections on cranes, telehandlers, forklifts, and all rigging gear. Remove damaged or out-of-tag rigging from service immediately and report it. Report any panel damage, near miss, or incident to the supervisor the same shift. Coordinate daily with production, QC, and shipping on pick priorities and truck schedules. Qualifications Required High school diploma or GED. 2+ years operating forklifts and telehandlers in a manufacturing, precast, construction, or yard setting. 1+ year rigging and moving heavy or fragile loads with overhead or mobile cranes. Working knowledge of sling types, hitches, sling angles, load charts, and rated capacities. Fluent in standard crane hand signals. Able to read shop drawings, piece tickets, and lift plans for weights and pick points. Valid driver's license. Pass operator evaluation on each piece of equipment before independent operation. Certifications (required within 90 days if not held at hire) Powered industrial truck (forklift and telehandler) operator certification, per OSHA 1910.178. Qualified Rigger, Level I or higher (e.g., NCCCO Rigger I or equivalent). Signal Person qualification (e.g., NCCCO Signal Person or equivalent). Overhead crane operator training and BBF authorization. Preferred Experience handling precast, GFRC, UHPC, or architectural stone panels. NCCCO Overhead Crane Operator certification. Experience loading flatbeds and applying DOT cargo securement. OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 General Industry card. Basic equipment maintenance skills. Physical Requirements and Work Environment Work outdoors most of the shift in Florida heat, humidity, sun, and rain. Stand, walk, climb, bend, and kneel for long periods on uneven yard surfaces. Lift and carry rigging gear up to 50 lbs. Climb onto equipment and trailer decks using three points of con…