Loader

Loader Position

The loader is responsible for accurately and efficiently loading finished goods for outbound shipments while maintaining proper inventory rotation within the cooling facility. This role ensures customer orders are picked, staged, and loaded correctly, safely, and in compliance with quality, weight, and food safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Load outbound trucks in a timely manner, verifying order details, load counts, commodities, and aging reports
• Coordinate with drivers to confirm load configuration, truck identification, and special instructions prior to loading
• Inspect trailers before loading to ensure cleanliness, structural integrity, and suitability for product (e.g., no damage, odors, or unstable flooring)
• Ensure pallets and boxes are in good condition, stacked securely, and stabilized using corner boards and shrink wrap as required
• Maintain proper product rotation in cold rooms, following FIFO guidelines unless otherwise directed
• Accurately pick customer orders according to pick tickets and special instructions
• Document all loaded quantities on the loading manifest, including pallet counts and packaging materials used
• Verify inbound and outbound shipments for accuracy and damage, report quality variances immediately
• Remove pallet stickers and properly tag partial or leftover pallets as required for inventory tracking
• Receive product from transfer loads and assist with cold storage placement as needed
• Learn and apply correct loading patterns and configurations for various commodities to ensure product integrity
• Load transport vehicles with evenly distributed weight to ensure safe transport and compliance with gross weight regulations
• Complete daily equipment and forklift inspections and follow all safe operating procedures
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Must be able to work a rotating shift schedule, work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays as required
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Minimum of 25 years of experience in agricultural cooling, receiving, and/or shipping operations
• Ability to obtain and maintain forklift certification
• Basic math, reading, and documentation skills
• Experience using radio frequency scanners, scan guns, and reading pallet tags
• Ability to verify shipped quantities against pick tickets and manifests
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Good interpersonal skills with a customer-service mindset and the ability to work effectively with drivers, peers, and supervisors
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accuracy and accountability (honor system)
• Sufficient vision and hearing to safely perform job duties
• Ability to perform physical tasks including loading, unloading, and moving produce

This role is seasonal (approximately 9 months). Seasonal employees are laid off at the end of the season and are recalled at the beginning of the next season. Shifts: 8am/9am & 2pm. Monday - Saturday, Sundays and holidays as needed. Average hours per week: 48 - 52 hours.