Title: Forklift Operator
Job Category: Operations
Requisition Number: FORKL004448
Job Type: Full-Time
Hyattsville, MD, 20785, United States

Description

SHIFT: 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Off Sundays and Friday)
Must be willing to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed.

Pay Rate: $23.54 per hour (starting rate at 70% of the full rate)

Wage Progression:

• 70% at hire: $23.54/hour
• 85% after 6 months: $28.59/hour
• 100% after 1 year: $33.63/hour

This position follows a union wage progression scale. Employees advance to the full rate after one year of continuous service.

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.
• As a union member, you'll have access to comprehensive benefits and a pension plan provided through the union.
• 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 products/materials.

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 provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Follow all associated procedures (including FIFO procedures).
• Verify code dates, labels, and leaks before loading the products.
• Operate forklifts and pallet jacks to transport milk products, packaging materials, and supplies throughout the facility.
• Stage finished goods for shipment and ensure accurate placement in designated storage areas.
• Loads and unloads products safely and efficiently.
• Responsible for the accurate loading of all orders.
• Receives incoming products and stock into designated areas.
• Clean up all debris and hoses down the area immediately after any spills.
• Notifies shift supervisor immediately of any breakdowns or any mixed products.
• Set aside “mistake products” for inventory and re-stocking.
• Maintains appropriate records and reports to ensure accurate inventory counts.
• Work closely with the supervisor and foreman on short code dates.
• Pulls work orders in sequence and places products on the conveyor chain.
• Check each item after products are placed on the line.
• Tips-up one unit in the top case of each stack of the last route selected.
• Places tag in products at the end of the night for rotation.
• Follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and company safety procedures.
• Responsible for general housekeeping to ensure a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
• Reprocess milk and complete restacking as needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Prior experience in dairy processing, food manufacturing, or a similar environment is a plus.
• Ability to operate and maintain production equipment safely.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow food safety guidelines.
• Exposure to cold storage, wet environments, and dairy ingredients.

COMPETENCIES

• 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.

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 accommodations 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; 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 accommodations 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.

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 network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality, freshness, and love for the environment, Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola, please visit www.maolamilk.com.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.