Material Handler - Joliet
RJW Logistics GroupRJW Logistics Group is looking for a full-time Material Handler to join its Joliet, Illinois team on site. The company is rolling out new pay incentives and an Employee Ownership Program, with the goal of rewarding reliable teammates who help move the operation forward. This role suits someone who enjoys hands-on warehouse work, operates a few different types of forklifts, and collaborates with drivers and dispatch to keep shipments moving smoothly.
The right person will be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, capable of lifting and moving items, and eager to contribute to a growing organization. If you want a role that blends hands-on logistics with a path toward ownership, this position could be a strong match.
Work is onsite in Joliet, and the company emphasizes a people-first approach, with opportunities for incentive pay, bonuses, and a share in the company’s future through its Employee Ownership Program.
A day in the life on the warehouse floor
The daily routine centers on loading and unloading trucks and outside carriers using the proper equipment, while also pulling orders from warehouse inventory and ensuring inbound stock is stored in the correct locations. You’ll keep shipments properly marked and prepared for storage or picking, and you’ll help maintain an orderly, safe, and clean warehouse environment. Trailers are spotted to support efficient yard flow, and you’ll coordinate with drivers after the day’s dispatch to finalize paperwork and handle any discrepancies with dispatch or sales. When needed, you’ll process cross-dock freight and perform routine maintenance around the facility. A core part of the job is operating a mix of equipment, Stand-up Reach Forklifts, Cherry Pickers, and some sit-down forklifts, while following safety procedures and building pallets or breaking down stock as required.
Your essentials for the role
- At least one year of forklift driving experience in a warehouse setting
- A certified forklift license
- Ability to operate Stand-up Reach Forklifts, Cherry Pickers, and some sit-down forklifts
- Capacity to build pallets and break down stock efficiently
- Comfort working in a fast-moving warehouse and always prioritizing safety
Nice-to-haves to consider
- Experience spotting trailers and helping maintain smooth yard operations
- Background coordinating with dispatch and sales to resolve shipment discrepancies
- Basic computer skills for using business software, word processing, and spreadsheets
Pay, benefits and practical details
The role is full-time and onsite in Joliet, with several shift options and corresponding pay. First Shift runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM at $20 per hour. A-Shift runs Sunday through Wednesday from 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, also at $20 per hour. B-Shift covers Wednesday through Saturday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at $20 per hour. C1-Shift is Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at $20 per hour. C2-Shift is Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at $20 per hour. D-Shift runs Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM at $21 per hour. E-Shift covers Sunday through Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM at $22 per hour. In addition, certified or qualified forklift/walkie rider/cherry picker drivers receive an extra $0.50 per hour, while certified reach truck drivers earn an additional $1.00 per hour.
RJW is also introducing several pay incentives: an attendance bonus of up to $2,400 for good attendance, a referral bonus of up to $500 per referral, and a hiring bonus of up to $1,000. There is a step-increase program where pay rises by $0.50 after 90 days and again after 180 days for Material Handlers. The Employee Ownership Program offers an ownership stake, potential earnings from share appreciation, a sense of belonging, and a collaborative environment, with shares awarded yearly based on salary and at no cost to the employee. The program is described as a core part of building a brighter future with RJW.
The job purpose is to perform loading and unloading of RJW trucks and outside carriers, ensure shipments are properly stored in the warehouse, and pick orders from inventory as directed by customers. In addition to the core duties, there are responsibilities around paperwork, dispatch coordination, proper staging, and cross-dock processing, all while maintaining a safe, organized workspace and keeping equipment and yard operations efficient.
Benefits include a comprehensive package such as 401(k) and 401(k) matching, medical/dental/vision insurance, an employee discount, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid time off and sick days, short- and long-term disability, and both accidental and critical illness insurance. The company notes that its benefits package is designed to support employees and their families over the long term.
Qualifications emphasize one year of forklift experience and a certified forklift license, with a preference for a high school diploma or GED. English communication skills are required, along with the ability to read, write, and speak English, and the capacity to interpret various forms of guidance. The role also requires basic math and the ability to solve practical problems, read and interpret general business materials, and use basic computer tools. Physical demands include lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, standing and walking, regular speaking, and the need to maintain good health and vision. The work environment may include exposure to moving parts and fumes, with a noise level ranging from quiet to moderately loud, and occasional long hours when required. The job is governed by an at-will employment policy, with terms subject to change at management’s discretion.
If you want to build a career in a company that blends hands-on logistics with a cooperative, owner-minded culture, this Material Handler role in Joliet could be the right next step.
Advice for applicants
Lead with your forklift experience and license in the top part of your resume, since those are the must-haves for this role. Make sure your one year of forklift driving experience is clear and easy to spot, and mention any experience with Stand-up Reach Forklifts, Cherry Pickers, or sit-down forklifts so the recruiter sees you can handle the equipment described.
When you describe your skills, frame them around the must-have capabilities: building and breaking down pallets, maintaining safe, organized warehouses, and coordinating with drivers to keep shipments on track. Give concrete examples of how you handled pallet building, stock movement, or cross-dock processing in prior roles.
For interview prep, be ready to discuss safety procedures you follow every day, how you manage documentation for shipments, and a time you helped resolve a discrepancy with dispatch or sales. Think about a situation where you kept a yard running smoothly through trailer spotting or efficient workflow in a busy period.
Ask a focused question about the Employee Ownership Program to learn how ownership shares are allocated and what kind of yearly share schedule looks like, since that program is highlighted as part of RJW’s culture and benefits.