Forklift Operator (Nights)

Hilmar; Dalhart (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Hilmar Cheese Company in Dalhart, Texas, is seeking a Forklift Operator to facilitate shipping and receiving of products. The candidate will ensure safety, cleanliness, and adherence to operational procedures while collaborating with teammates. A high school diploma or GED and forklift certification are preferred. The work environment may require variable shifts in a cold setting, and the role emphasizes strong English communication skills and the ability to lift 60 lbs.

Qualifications

• Proficient English reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• Ability to work in a cold environment (≈35 °F).
• Strength to lift 60 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate shipping and receiving of all products produced in the cheese plants.
• Create a positive work environment and develop good relational skills.
• Follow all safety measures and standard operating procedures.
• Inspect incoming products to prevent contamination.
• Maintain cleanliness in the cold box and surrounding areas.

Skills

Proficient English communication

Warehouse management software knowledge

Forklift operation

Teamwork and communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Hilmar Cheese Company is a dairy products manufacturer that produces cheeses, whey protein, and lactose products. The company operates high‑quality production facilities and partners with food and beverage brands worldwide.

Typical Day

The Forklift Operator facilitates shipping and receiving of all products produced in the cheese plants, using the warehouse management system. They organize products with an emphasis on internal and external customer service and operate all equipment, reporting any malfunctions.

Job Responsibilities

• Create a positive work environment and develop good relational and communication skills.
• Take personal initiative to advance knowledge of warehousing and distribution procedures.
• Assist packaging areas with communication and teamwork.
• Follow all safety measures and standard operating procedures.
• Perform operations consistently and repeatably.
• Stage all products before shipment and verify paperwork for shipping; report any inaccuracies to the supervisor.
• Make adjustments to quantity inaccuracies using the warehouse management system.
• Inspect incoming products to prevent contamination.
• Ensure all incoming products are marked correctly with product type, case count, and production date.
• Maintain order and cleanliness in the cold box and surrounding areas.
• Complete daily forklift inspection and report unsafe conditions.
• Sort incoming products by plant and organize them accordingly.
• Follow and understand Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Complete all shipments as required by the manifest.
• Report any equipment malfunctions to the supervisor.
• Consult the shipping schedule for changes communicated by the logistics coordinator or direct supervisor.
• Participate actively in training and development programs and associated activities.
• Coach and train teammates and participate in on‑the‑job or buddy training.
• Prioritize food safety and sanitation by understanding and executing HCC’s policies and procedures.
• Report safety incidents, observations, or opportunities to leadership.
• Maintain a safety‑first approach at all times.

What You Will Need

• Proficient English reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• Availability to work 8‑hour or 12‑hour variable shifts, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to work in a cold environment (≈35 °F).
• Strength to lift 60 lbs.

What Will Put You Ahead

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Forklift certification.
• Warehouse forklift experience.
• Knowledge of warehouse management software.
• RF scanning knowledge.
• Experience in manufacturing or distribution.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Employees must be physically capable of performing the essential functions described below.

• Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.
• Stand and walk almost the entire workday.
• Work at heights and in fairly small areas.
• Pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, handling and grasping, twisting/turning, repetitive bending.

Food safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high‑quality products.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned.

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E‑Verify.