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.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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.
- Verify product packaging, including:
- Packaging integrity
- Correct UPC codes
- Shelf-life code dates
- 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 required to:
- Climb ladders
- Balance while performing work tasks
- Lift and move:
- Up to 55 pounds occasionally
- Up to 25 pounds regularly
- Up to 5 pounds above shoulder height frequently
- Must possess adequate:
- Close and distance vision
- Color and peripheral vision
- Depth perception
- Ability to adjust focus
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position.
- Regularly works near moving mechanical equipment.
- Occasionally works at elevated heights.
- Frequently exposed to wet and humid conditions.
- May be required to work with or around cleaning chemicals, including sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid.
- Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include:
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Gloves
- Rubber boots
- Hearing protection
- Other PPE as required
- The work environment is generally loud and requires the consistent use of hearing protection.
Work Schedule
Work schedules may vary based on operational needs and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Pay: $25.32/hr.*
*The hourly rate as indicated in the CBA. The posted pay rate reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.