Warehouse/Cooler Loadout (Non-union / Hourly)

Department:

Distribution Reports To:

Branch Manager Location:

Traverse City, Michigan FLSA Status:

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

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, Thrift, Life Insurance 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:

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 minimizing product damage. Ensure trucks are loaded safely, efficiently, and in a manner that supports delivery route effectiveness. Inventory & Documentation Prairie Farms Dairy Corporate Human Resources Created 12/2/2025 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 The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. Prairie Farms Dairy Corporate Human Resources Created 12/2/2025 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 The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. 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 Employees who are successful in this role consistently demonstrate: Safety-first mindset 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 care!

Our Mission:

Producing dairy products of the highest quality To conduct our business with professional integrity Prairie Farms Dairy Corporate Human Resources Created 12/2/2025 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. Prairie Farms Dairy Corporate Human Resources