Warehouse Associate (Position Located in Salem, VA)

The Warehouse Associate will support the mission of Feeding Southwest Virginia by providing direct support in the daily operation of the warehouse including all duties related to shipping, receiving of food, warehouse maintenance, inventory control, food storage safety and distribution of products to agencies. Operate and maintain MHE vehicles according to procedure. Work and support the Operations Team to ensure a good team dynamic and warehouse operation.

Position Responsibility (Expected Work)

As a Warehouse Associate, he/she will demonstrate a professional demeanor in interactions with all FSWVA staff, agencies, program representatives and government officials in providing direct support in ensuring a compliant safe facility and environment.

• Keep informed and consistently practice the policies and procedures of Feeding Southwest Virginia, Feeding America national office, USDA, FDA and government regulations pertaining to food handling, storage, sanitation and disposal.
• Ensure that maintenance of the warehouse, equipment, grounds, vehicles, sanitation, pest control, fire prevention and safety procedures are followed.
• Possess knowledge of Feeding Southwest Virginia and all programs.
• Complete ServSafe training within the first six months of employment and keep current.
• Complete forklift certification per Federal and State regulations.

The Warehouse Associate reports directly to the Director of Warehousing and is responsible in supporting warehouse operations.

• Ensure all safety and product handling rules are maintained for the mutual protection of staff, visitors, volunteers and agencies.
• Restock selection floor daily as required to provide adequate product mix and quantities are available to agencies.
• Conduct random inspection of storage boxes in support of food safety goals.
• Maintain weekly product damage/loss log for input and adjustment to the Perpetual Inventory Software.
• Maintain accessible passage to all fire exits.
• Maintain selection floor cleanliness per AIB Audit best practices.

Facility Operations:

• Maintain procedures in receiving and shipping product to and from the Food Bank including loading, unloading truck and storage of product according to established procedures.
• Process Agency orders including reading orders, checking orders for accuracy and packing orders.
• Accurately tag pallets with codes, cases and weights.
• Assist in directing flow of product in warehouse.
• Monitors first in/first out system on date-coded products.
• Serves as backup in other areas as required.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Department with product handling and storage.
• Assist with local Food Drives and special events related to area of responsibility.
• Pickup and delivery of product using Food Bank vehicles.
• Serves as backup in other areas as required.

Maintains and follows effective processes for office communications and administrative procedures.

• Document and record movement of product according to established procedures.
• Assist in updating departmental SOP’s.

In working as a contact for the organization, demonstrates a professional demeanor in all interactions with member partners, visitors, volunteers, donors and the general public.

• Visitors should be handled professionally and promptly.
• Deal effectively with a variety of personalities and situations requiring tact, judgment and resolution.
• Develop strong customer service skills in effectively dealing with the public.
• Develop communications skills with co-workers to understand and articulate the need for support.

Other functions:

• Promote a cooperative spirit within the organization and among internal and external participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Warehousing, COO and the President and CEO.

Interface: Responsible in maintaining positive relationships

• Interactions with member agencies, the general public, vendors, donors and key contacts.

Training, Education and Experience:

Education:

• High School Graduate or equivalent.

Experience:

• One year experience in the operation of warehouse equipment according to established safety regulations proven by MHE certification card and/or review by FSWVA certified MHE trainer required.
• 1-2 years of strong customer service experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with food products, storage and handling requirements preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively. (Over 50 pounds requires assistance in lifting).
• Ability to work well with other staff members and volunteers.
• Able to work independently and to handle multiple priorities under minimal supervision.
• Must be able to understand instructions and effectively demonstrate quality results.
• Possess a willingness to learn.
• Able to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Required attention to detail.
• Limited occasional evening and weekend work required for special events.

Language Skills:

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and convey concepts in an understandable way.
• Ability to communicate with all staff members.

Technical/Computer Skills:

• Proficiency preferred in the use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Software.
• Capable of learning and independently operating equipment required for the position including but not limited to multi-use copier, fax, and phone system.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be reliable and dependable.
• Maintain compliance with established Food Bank directives, policies and external regulation

Licenses and Certificates:

Valid Driver’s License and own transportation to work required. Current forklift certification required within six months of employment. Maintain a safe driving record in driving company vehicles.

Flexibility:

• Be willing to work overtime and mandatory days set forth by the organization on short-notice.
• Be willing to work flexible coverage as needed.

Physical Demands:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the tasks outlined in this job description.

This position requires working primarily in an internal warehouse environment requiring working in hot and cold temperatures including lifting up to 50 pounds repetitively (Over 50 pounds requires assistance in lifting), walking, standing, bending, climbing, stooping, twisting, pulling and pushing. Occasionally, may be required to respond to organizational needs outside of normal working hours. Vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. With forklift traffic in the facility and product stacked and stored throughout, this position requires someone who is mobile and who can hear and watch for traffic and normal hazards of a warehouse environment. Conducts work in a fast paced and deadline driven environment.

We are looking for individuals who are reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. If you meet the qualifications listed above, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our team as a Warehouse Worker!

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person