Cooler Loadout

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. in Traverse City, MI is seeking a Loadout Associate in a full-time, non-exempt role. You will load route trucks, manage product movement in the warehouse, and ensure inventory accuracy while upholding food safety standards.

This position requires reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment. Typical schedule is 2:00pm–11:00pm, Sunday through Thursday, with a shift differential and opportunities to contribute to operational

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous warehouse or loadout experience preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a refrigerated environment.

Responsibilities

• Load and stage orders onto refrigerated route trucks per procedures.
• Verify quantities, product codes, and load configurations.
• Maintain accurate inventory and complete daily load sheets.
• Adhere to safety policies, GMPs, and PPE requirements.
• Collaborate with drivers and warehouse staff to ensure on-time deliveries.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

Communication skills

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Pallet jack

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Manual Labor Traverse City, MI, US

Salary Range: $21.50 To $28.00 Annually

Warehouse/Cooler Loadout

(Non-union / Hourly)

Department: Distribution

Reports To: Branch Manager

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Pay Range + other compensation components: $21.50 - $28.00/hour

Shift (if applicable): [Mon-Fri (8am – 5pm + any OT requirements]

Position Overview

The Loadout Associate plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate, efficient, and timely distribution of Prairie Farms products to our customers. This position is responsible for loading route trucks, managing product movement throughout the warehouse, maintaining inventory accuracy, and upholding food safety and quality standards.

Success in this role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Loadout Associates directly contribute to customer satisfaction by ensuring products are loaded accurately, securely, and on schedule each day.

Prairie Farms is a stable, employee-focused organization with more than 75 years of success and a cooperative network of more than 800 farm families across the Midwest. We are committed to developing reliable team members who take pride in their work and contribute to operational excellence.

Schedule

Schedule: Tentatively 2:00pm - 11:00pm, Sunday through Thursday

Days Off: Friday and Saturday

Shift Differential: Tentative shift differential for hours between 2:00p - 11:00pm

Product Loading & Distribution

• Accurately pull, stage, and load customer orders onto refrigerated route trucks according to established loading procedures and delivery schedules.
• Verify product quantities, product codes, and load configurations to ensure shipment accuracy.
• Load and unload product from refrigerated trailers, pallets, racks, and designated storage areas while
• Ensure trucks are loaded safely, efficiently, and in a manner that supports delivery route

Inventory & Documentation

• Maintain accurate inventory counts and documents all product movements.
• Complete daily load sheets and required operational records with a high degree of accuracy.
• Report inventory discrepancies, product damage, shortages, or quality concerns to leadership promptly.
• Support inventory control efforts through proper rotation, organization, and product handling practices.

Safety & Quality Compliance

• Consistently adhere to all Prairie Farms safety policies, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), food safety requirements, and operational procedures.
• Properly wear and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Identify and report safety hazards, equipment concerns, and unsafe work conditions immediately.
• Maintain compliance with company sanitation, security, and quality standards.

Warehouse Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready loadout dock and warehouse work area.
• Assist with warehouse housekeeping, organization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support operational efficiency by proactively completing assigned tasks and assisting team members when workflow demands require.
• Demonstrate flexibility by performing additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Teamwork & Performance Expectations

• Work collaboratively with drivers, warehouse staff, supervisors, and other departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and readiness to work.
• Communicate effectively regarding operational issues, product concerns, and workflow challenges.
• Exhibit a positive, professional attitude while contributing to a productive team environment.
• Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn new responsibilities and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous warehouse, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or loadout experience preferred.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and customer service.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift, carry, push, pull, and move products weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods during the shift.
• Repeated bending, twisting, reaching, squatting, and climbing may be required.
• Ability to work in refrigerated and cold-storage environments for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to refrigerated, cold, wet, and humid conditions.
• Frequent interaction with moving mechanical equipment, material handling equipment, and forklifts.
• Fast-paced warehouse and distribution environment with changing priorities.
• Exposure to moderate high noise levels.
• Work is performed in accordance with all company safety and food quality requirements.

Key Success Factors

• Strong attendance and dependability
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Sense of urgency and productivity
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Accountability and ownership of results
• Commitment to customer service and operational excellence

About Prairie Farms – “Farmer Owned. Locally Produced. Since 1938.”

We are a farmer-owned cooperative. This means we are owned and operated by over 800+ farm families who are critical members of society. They have selflessly taken on the tremendous task of producing nutritious, high-quality milk for a growing population, which requires being on the job 24/7, 365 days a year.

We have represented American agriculture since our founding in 1938. Many of our dairy farms are operated by several generations of family members with roots dating back to the 1800s. On average, each farm milks around 120 cows and everyone pitches in to keep them happy and healthy - which means around-the-clock

Our Mission:

• Producing dairy products of the highest quality
• To conduct our business with professional integrity
• To exceed expectations of our customers and consumers
• To support our communities in a positive, sustainable manner
• To deliver exceptional patronage to our network of farm families
• To simply “do right” for our farm families, employees, and communities

EEO Statement

Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.