Forklift Driver

Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc.; Milbank (SD); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc. in Milbank, SD is seeking a hands-on bulk ingredients and forklift operator for our dairy production team. You will fill lactose totes, label cartons, and help stage products for storage while ensuring safety and quality.

Responsibilities include operating a forklift, monitoring quality controls, completing paperwork, and maintaining clean, organized work areas in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Forklift certification required.
• 2+ years in manufacturing (food production a plus).
• Basic computer skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Fill and label lactose totes per customer specs.
• Sample and test lactose for water activity and temperature.
• Monitor metal detectors and magnets for foreign materials.
• Safely operate a forklift to move and stage finished products.
• Shrink-wrap, label, and transport 25kg bags from palletizer to warehouse.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Complete paperwork and maintain accurate records.
• Handle chemicals safely with proper protective gear.
• Follow all GMPs and food safety controls.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Basic computer skills

Good communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

This position is primarily responsible for filling bulk lactose totes, labeling, and transporting dry products to the designated storage area. This position will need to demonstrate proficiency in safely operating a forklift for final preparation and transfer of 25kg products (lactose or WPC80) to the designated storage area by forklift pallets.

About the Role

Join our production team and help prepare high-quality dairy products for customers around the world! In this role, you’ll fill and label bulk lactose totes, shrink-wrap and stage 25kg bags, and safely move products to storage using a forklift. If you enjoy hands‑on work and want to be part of a team that values safety and quality, this job is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Fill and label lactose totes according to customer specifications.
• Sample and test lactose for water activity and temperature.
• Monitor metal detectors and magnets for foreign materials.
• Safely operate a forklift to move and stage finished products.
• Shrink-wrap, label, and transport 25kg bags from the palletizer to the warehouse.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Complete paperwork and maintain accurate records.
• Handle chemicals safely while wearing proper protective gear.
• Follow all food safety and quality standards, including GMPs.
• Operate and monitor food safety controls.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Certification: Must maintain forklift certification.
• Preferred Experience:
  • 2+ years in manufacturing (food production experience is a plus)
  • Basic computer skills
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Food production setting with exposure to chemicals, temperature changes, and loud noise.
• Physical activity includes standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs occasionally).