Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

Job Category: Operations

Requisition Number: FORKL
004269

Full‑Time

Location: Newport News, VA 23605, USA

• 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.

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.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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 stocks it into designated areas.
• Operates and cleans equipment: e.g., palletizer, bander, etc.
• 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 restocking.
• Maintains appropriate records and reports to ensure accurate inventory counts.
• Lift and stack boxes of product in cooler.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Forklift experience required.

• Communication
  • 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.

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 or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50‑60 pounds.

• 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.

Maola Local Dairies is a farmer‑owned cooperative sustainably producing a full suite of nutritious dairy products. Maola processes milk, cream, butter, and dry milk powders through our…