Forklift Operator - Newport News

Maola® Forklift OperatorWork Schedule: Monday - Friday Shift: First shift Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM; ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Rate: $20 - $22 per hour Why you will love working at Maola®: Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future. Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products. We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month. Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.SUMMARY Supports shipping division by operating a forklift to load, unload, move, stack, stage, and count product/materials. Maintains a clean, sanitary and safe work area. Ensures all required information is documented in accordance with SOPs.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Loads and unloads product in a safe and efficient manner. Responsible for the accurate loading of all palletized orders. Receives incoming product and stock into designated areas. Cleans up all debris and hoses down area immediately after any spills. Notifies shift supervisor immediately of any breakdowns or any mixed products. Sets aside "mistake products" for inventory and re-stocking. Maintains appropriate records and reports to ensure accurate inventory counts. Lift and stack boxes of product in cooler. Additional duties as assigned.BASIC REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:High School Diploma, General Education Degree (GED), or recognized international equivalent.Forklift Experience RequiredCOMPETENCIESCommunication: Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels – oral, written, visual, and non-verbal – ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in-person or digitally.Accountability: Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise. Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.Customer Focused: Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs. Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.Initiative: Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats. Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.Problem-Solving: Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance. Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions.Collaboration: Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met. Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal, recognizing and valuing each person's contributions, is fundamental to successful collaboration.PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds.WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids. Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment. The warehouse area is maintained at cooler temps, 34-38 degrees.Maola Local Dairies® is a farmer-owned cooperative committed to its local farm families and to producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products. Founded in 1920, Maola processes and delivers your favorite milk, cream, and dairy products to families, schools, and communities while investing in quality, innovation, and sustainability across its farms and supply chain. Learn more at All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.