Material Handler

North Lawrence Plant (NCD)
North Lawrence, NY 12967, USA

• On-site
• Supply Chain
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: MATER
  004728

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands:
Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Position Summary

The Materials Handler is responsible for supporting production, warehouse, and inventory operations through the safe handling, storage, inspection, and movement of materials and finished goods. This position plays a key role in maintaining product quality, inventory accuracy, workplace safety, and operational efficiency throughout the facility.

Material Handling & Warehouse Operations

• Band finished product for all product lines.
• Place and scan product pallets into designated cooler rack locations.
• Load palletizers with pallets as needed.
• Stage fruit totes for production lines using proper inventory rotation procedures.
• Assist production personnel by supplying packaging materials to case packers.
• Accurately tally finished product cases and product designated for food bank distribution.

Receiving & Inventory Control

• Receive packaging supplies and ingredients.
• Verify code dates and complete all required receiving documentation.
• Inspect inbound trailers and incoming supplies for pest activity, damage, and overall condition.
• Packaging integrity
• Correct UPC codes
• Inspect pallets for damaged, open, or compromised cases.

Equipment & Facility Maintenance

• Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Complete assigned cleaning and sanitation tasks and maintain required documentation.
• Conduct routine inspections of cooler racks and submit work orders for needed repairs.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in required training programs and safety initiatives.
• Support and participate in plant safety teams and programs.
• Plan work activities to ensure breaks and meal periods are taken in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
• One to three months of related warehouse, manufacturing, or material handling experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret:
• Work orders
• Safety regulations
• Operating instructions
• Maintenance procedures
• Company policies and manuals
• Ability to complete routine reports and documentation accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and other departments.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers and standard units of measurement.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to solve routine problems involving a limited number of variables in standardized situations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Regularly required to:
• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and manipulate materials and equipment
• Reach above shoulder height
• Communicate effectively through speaking and hearing
• Occasionally…