Loader/Lumper

Dole Packaged Foods; Atwater (CA); On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Dole Packaged Foods in California is seeking a warehouse associate to prepare product for shipment, load and stack cases, and ensure pallets follow exact patterns. This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds and adherence to safety procedures in an industrial plant environment.

You will maintain accurate counts per pallet, participate in forklift operations with certification as needed, and support other duties to keep production moving.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a warehouse/shipping environment preferred.
• Able to lift to 50 pounds in a continuous 8+ hour shift.
• Reliable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Performance evaluation will be completed within 30 days from date of hire. Must meet satisfactory job performance standards to continue in position.

Responsibilities

• Load boxes/cases onto trucks.
• Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stack product.
• Count boxes per pallet and follow pallet pattern instructions.
• Push/move pallets weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Clean up duties, as needed.
• Stretch wrap product by hand.
• Follow company policies.
• Follow safety procedures.
• Other duties that are reasonable and associated with the above essential functions of the job.
• Forklift Certification preferred within 12 months of hire date
• Forklift Evaluation/Certification mandatory prior to forklift operation of any kind, including forklift training
• Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and in two‑hour increments up to their full day worked, with management approval
• Must be able to stack boxes as high as 48 inches

Skills

Warehouse/shipping experience

Lift 50 pounds

Reliable attendance

Safety-conscious

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent Preferred

Job description

Purpose

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose‑led organization that champions accessible fruit nutrition and builds a brighter future for people through the goodness of fruit.

At Dole, our culture is uniquely driven by core values. Our commitment to these values transforms our work into a meaningful journey toward a brighter future together. Here, you'll be part of a respectful, inclusive culture that deeply values our colleagues, customers, and global communities. We strive for excellence, empowering each other to confidently overcome challenges, continuously learn, and achieve world‑class results. Guided by unwavering integrity, our actions consistently reflect our commitment to always doing what's right, fostering lasting trust and strong relationships.

Through a spirit of collaboration, we cultivate positivity, generosity, and genuine teamwork, enabling collective success toward our One Dole Purpose. Our innovative spirit leads directly to meaningful outcomes and business success.

Prepare product for shipment, stack cases into racks, following correct pallet patterns.

Responsibilities

• Load boxes/cases onto trucks
• Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds
• Stack product
• Count boxes per pallet and follow pallet pattern instructions
• Push/move pallets weighing up to 50 pounds
• Clean up duties, as needed
• Stretch wrap product by hand
• Follow company policies
• Follow safety procedures
• Other duties that are reasonable and associated with the above essential functions of the job
• Forklift Certification preferred within 12 months of hire date
• Forklift Evaluation/Certification mandatory prior to forklift operation of any kind, including forklift training
• Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and in two‑hour increments up to their full day worked, with management approval
• Must be able to stack boxes as high as 48 inches

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a warehouse/shipping environment preferred
• Able to lift to 50 pounds in a continuous 8+ hour shift
• Reliable attendance is an essential function of the job
• Performance evaluation will be completed within 30 days from date of hire. Must meet satisfactory job performance standards to continue in position.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Passionate about a purpose‑driven career
• Passionate about collaborating respectfully in a diverse and inclusive team environment
• Proactively seeks feedback and continuously improves work quality
• Consistently adheres to ethical standards and maintains transparency
• Actively contributes to achieving collective team goals

Education & Certification

• High School Diploma or Equivalent Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to pass the job‑specific Physical Ability Test (PAT)
• Noise produced by manufacturing machinery up to 92 decibels
• Lift and Carry: Worker’s stack or re‑stack boxes of strawberries onto pallets (average weight 25–50 lbs.)
• Highest lift point 48 inches or shoulder height, whichever is greater
• Carrying distance up to a maximum of 10 ft.
• Push and Pull: Moving of pallets
• Standing and Walking: All tasks require standing and walking on concrete floors
• Climbing: Step stool used to place boxes of fruit on top level of boxes stacked on pallets; step stool height 29 inches
• Reaching: Reaching forward up to 24 inches while stacking pallets
• Posture: Must be able to perform repetitive movements of bending, reaching overhead and forward up to 24 inches, squatting, kneeling, and bending
• Work Conditions: Temperatures range from -10° to 50° Fahrenheit and may be exposed to fumes, tools, and/or machinery with sharp edges
• PPE: Freezer gear where needed, gloves, bump cap, ear plugs, hair nets, safety glasses, smocks & sleeves
• Tools: Utility knives, shovels, brooms, ice picks
• Flexibility to work different shifts and days when required

Work Environment

• Industrial plant environment with related noise and temperatures

Travel Requirements

• None

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Employment is contingent upon drug screen, background verification and skills test required for some positions.

For jobs based in California, hiring pay scale: $17.78 per hour.

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.