Filler Operator - 1st Shift at Maola Local Dairies in Newport News, VA

SHIFT: 1st

HOURS: 4:00am-12:30pm. Must be able to work overtime, weekends and holidays.

HOURLY PAY= $21.00 PER HOUR

Why you will love working at Maola®:

• Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead—investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future.
• Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products.
• We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more—available within your first month.
• Our employees are an integral part of who we are — what you do and what you think matters.

SUMMARY

Tends machines that perform one or more packaging functions, such as filling, marking, labeling. Starts machine and observes operation to detect malfunctions. Stops machine and reports malfunction to supervisor. Various machines involved in this operation such as the 30 Valve filler; Quart filler; Nep filler; Bulk filler; 18 Valve plastic filler; and the 1/2 Gallon paper filler.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Tends machine that fill pasteurized products into containers.
• Examines containers from all lines for seals, labels, weights, dates, and valves.
• Seals are to be checked top and bottom for stains and valves are to be checked for excess leakage.
• Review with the lab for approvals of each product change on each machine.
• Observes flow of milk into machine and remove defective containers.
• Notifies foreman of machine malfunction.
• Place containers on machine and adjust machines of various sizes.
• Records information in 15 minutes intervals for weight, date, and label.
• Follow all safety and food quality standards.
• Perform organoleptic testing (e.g. sensory testing with taste, smell, touch, and sight) on finished product.
• Other duties may be assigned. .

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma, General Education Degree (GED), or International Education Equivalent.
• Related experience preferred.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication
  • Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels – oral, written, visual, and non-verbal – ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in-person or digitally.
• Accountability
  • Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise.
  • Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.
• Customer Focused
  • Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs.
  • Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.
• Initiative
  • Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats.
  • Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.
• Problem-Solving
  • Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance.
  • Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions.
• Collaboration
  • Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met.
  • Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal, recognizing and valuing each person’s contributions, is fundamental to successful collaboration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds. It also requires reaching and handling dairy products and pushing and pulling stacks of products weighing up to 200lbs.

The employee is frequently required to perform organoleptic assessments. This requires the acute physical ability to taste, smell, see, and feel product samples to detect deviations in flavor, aroma, color, and texture.

The employee must be physically able to consume and evaluate a wide variety of food ingredients, including potential allergens (e.g., diary, wheat, soy, nuts) processed in the facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids.
• Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.

Maola Local Dairies® is a farmer-owned cooperative committed to its local farm families and to producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products. Founded in 1920, Maola processes and delivers your favorite milk, cream, and dairy products to families, schools, and communities while investing in quality, innovation, and sustainability across its farms and supply chain. Learn more at www.maolamilk.com.

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