Material Handler/Driver

About the role

Johnstone Supply, North America's leading wholesale distributor of HVACR equipment, parts, and supplies, offers an opportunity to join our team. With over 470 distributor branches and 6 distribution centers across North America, we partner with major companies like Daikin/Goodman, Bosch, Copeland, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, and Fujitsu to provide contractors with world-class products, technical expertise, and quality service. Relationship-building is central to our success, and we value the contributions of our customers, partners, and employees.

Responsibilities

• Receive, fill, and ship products accurately and efficiently, ensuring safe and timely transport to customers and other store locations.
• Perform warehouse functions including receiving, order fulfillment, product picking, wrapping and packing, stock replenishment, customer will call, and inventory cycle counts.
• Drive company vehicles, sequence routes, verify orders, load and unload products, and handle returns while maintaining professional communication with customers.
• Operate power equipment (e.g., electric pallet, walkie rider, sit-down forklift) safely to locate, move, and store products daily, including stocking, facing cartons, and rotating inventory.
• Unload trucks using forklifts, pallet jacks, or by hand, and inspect shipments for damage, accuracy, and completeness against packing lists.
• Verify bar code labels and Johnstone stock numbers by scanning products, printing labels, and resolving discrepancies.
• Pick, pack, and stack orders to minimize damage, document shipments (including hazardous materials), and prepare trucks for shipments.
• Maintain accuracy and efficiency standards, follow standard operating procedures, and participate in inventory cycle counts.
• Assist in maintaining warehouse machinery, equipment, and a safe work environment by following safety rules and reporting concerns.
• Wear protective equipment, access Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as needed, and maintain required certifications (e.g., forklift, hazardous materials).
• Perform routine vehicle inspections, preventative maintenance, and report defects or repair needs promptly.
• Load and unload trucks, verify deliveries against sales/transfer orders, and prepare routes following schedules and deadlines.
• Drive straight body vehicles (e.g., box trucks) to deliver supplies to customers or other Johnstone locations, maintaining communication with supervisors.
• Record sales/delivery information, complete manifests with pictures/signatures, and handle returns via iPad or manual processes.
• Return vehicles fueled, complete driver logs, and submit necessary paperwork (e.g., gas receipts, inspection logs).
• Adhere to company values and perform additional duties as assigned to support team success.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED.
• 1+ years of truck driving experience (26 ft vehicle or larger) or 1 year operating Johnstone equipment/vehicles under supervision; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience operating forklifts and other warehouse equipment safely and competently.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record, compliant with state/federal laws and FMCSA regulations.
• Forklift certification required (or willingness to obtain on the job).
• Ability to read maps and mapping applications, and use technology (e.g., GPS, mobile Proof of Delivery devices, RF equipment, ERP software).
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and maneuver large/heavy products (up to 50 lbs independently; more with assistance or mechanical aid).
• Familiarity with warehouse/distribution center management systems and order picking processes.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, complete routine paperwork, and work in a team-based environment.
• Excellent customer service, verbal, and written communication skills; English proficiency (written and spoken) is required.

Preferred qualifications include 6+ months of warehouse/distribution experience (preferably in HVAC/R or related fields), experience with pickers/RF scanners/inventory systems, knowledge of HVAC wholesale industry principles, and OSHA/safety regulations.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling on concrete floors.
• Regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs; lift heavier weights with mechanical assistance or team support.
• Prolonged sitting and exposure to vehicle vibration/bouncing during driving duties.
• Frequent talking, hearing, and vision requirements (near, distance, peripheral, and color vision).

Benefits

• Competitive wage ($20.00–$23.00/hour).
• Health and wellness benefits: medical, dental, vision coverage, and supplemental care options.
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Safe Harbor 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 5% of base pay and immediate vesting.
• 7.5 paid holidays per year.
• Paid Parental Bonding Time.
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans; employer-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
• Voluntary benefits: long-term disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• 24/7 access to virtual care/telehealth options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Wellbeing program with opportunities to earn reduced medical costs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and families.
• Tuition reimbursement and employee referral bonus program.
• Employee service milestone recognition program.