Warehouse Associate & Backup Delivery Driver

Job title: Warehouse Associate & Back-up Driver

Department: Warehouse

Reports to: Warehouse Manager

Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time, 40 hours per week

About us:
Hummingbird Wholesale is a small, family and employee-owned & operated company distributing organic food throughout the Pacific Northwest and into northern California. We are a team of highly engaged and extraordinarily productive people who are inspired to work hard, have fun, and give our very best at all times. We are motivated by our mission, vision, and values. We work effectively & efficiently and enjoy connecting through our daily work.

Our Mission, Core Values and Culture:
We endeavor to serve people and the planet by providing the highest quality, most nutritious foods grown locally and sustainably to nourish the body, mind, and soul. We practice principles of ecological & social justice in our business operation and strive for minimum packaging and waste. We value long-term relationships with farmers, vendors, coworkers, and customers.

Do you want to work at an Employee-Owned Company rated one of Oregon's 100 Best Green Workplaces? 

In January 2023, Hummingbird owners Charlie and Julie Tilt made a bold move by transitioning their ownership of the company to an Employee Owned Purpose Trust, securing and guiding the mission and values of the business into perpetuity. The Purpose Trust was established to serve as a co-creator of life-enhancing, inclusive, and healthy food systems for our regional and global community. We invite you to join us as we work together to transform the world toward a sustainable food production system that supports the health of the people who depend on it, as well as the earth’s precious ecosystems.

Can work be fun?
We think so! Creating a positive, safe, and healthy work environment is central to our mission and values. From our weekly, all-company huddles where we share what's going on in each department and our quarterly profit-sharing program, to unique benefits like our coworker annual self-care stipend, we walk our talk.  

Compensation, Benefits Perks:
We offer competitive wages and generous benefits and perks including health insurance with an HSA option, paid vacation, paid holidays, paid sick leave, 401(k), profit sharing, self-care funds, discounted pricing on Hummingbird products, wholesale pricing with local vendors, and more!

Job Summary

The Warehouse Associate & Backup Driver plays a vital role at Hummingbird, ensuring the safe, efficient, and accurate handling and delivery of product to maintain timely availability to customers. Under the guidance of the Warehouse Manager and the Warehouse Lead, this position is focused on order fulfillment, delivery, warehouse organization, inventory management, and the seamless execution of shipping and receiving. They uphold key department values, including physical and food safety, product quality and availability, operational efficiency and continuous improvement. They contribute to the company’s mission by thriving in a dynamic environment that demands both physical and mental agility. The Warehouse Associate & Backup Driver excels in managing varied tasks, adapting to frequent changes, and bringing focus and energy to their work in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.

Essential Functions – All Company

• Use all company systems in compliance with established policies and procedures including workplace safety and food safety policies and procedures.
• Participate and contribute to strong safety culture by working safe and supporting safety with Coworkers.
• Help generate healthy company profits consistent with our mission and principles.
• Uphold the highest standard of food safety by following all policies and procedures in the Food Safety Plan applicable to the job title.
• Communicate in-person, via phone, and over email in a friendly and professional manner.
• Participate in department meetings and trainings as needed and/or scheduled.
• Complete company-sponsored training in Lean and Kaizen culture, use Lean and Kaizen principles in collaboration with Coworkers to reduce waste, improve customer outcomes, and support company goals and objectives.
• Comply with all applicable company, governmental, and regulatory agency policies and guidelines.
• Give great customer service, understanding that every relationship counts. Build mutually rewarding, long-term relationships with Coworkers, customers, vendors, and community. 
• Help drive our sustainability practices through participation in and help improving company sustainability initiatives and programs. Complete company-sponsored training and participate in Hummingbird’s waste-stream reduction program, minimizing waste and properly sorting waste-stream items into designated receptacles.
• Arrive to work each day ready to participate in helping others do their best. Be committed to having fun.
• Be enthusiastic and active in growing and improving personally and professionally.
• Exhibit respectful behavior.
• Have excellent attendance and punctuality.

Essential Functions – Warehouse Associate

 Safety

• Consistently demonstrate safe and ergonomic work
• Safely operates all warehouse equipment, pallet jacks, and carts – electric and manual as
• Maintain a sanitary and aesthetic workspace within the Warehouse area using daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning checklists.
• Safely operate a commercial vehicle in compliance with all DOT regulations and maintain professionalism and calm under pressure.
• Perform thorough pre and post-trip inspections and adhere to all company, Governmental, and regulatory agency policies and guidelines.
• Promote a strong safety culture by working and driving safely and supporting safety with coworkers.
• Maintain equipment and supplies, promptly reporting maintenance needs to the Logistics Manager.

Communications

• Maintain clear, professional, and accurate communications, supporting a team-based approach.
• Listens actively; asks clarifying questions and summarizes or paraphrases what others have said to verify understanding.
• Communicates with internal teams regarding inbound/outbound SOs, POs, & TOs regarding outgoing orders, including late additions/orders, reprint requests, out-of-stocks, and quality issues as assigned.
• Maintains performance and self-control under pressure or adversity. Self-regulates emotions and reactions which enables the display of a calm demeanor, regardless of the working environment or situation.
• Provide constructive feedback to Logistics and Warehouse teams to improve efficiency and customer service.

Tasks

• Independently, accurately, and efficiently completes work in assigned areas as trained, using all applicable department procedures and food safety standards.
• Update and maintain information in Company systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency of operations and data management.
• Accurately and efficiently picks, checks, packs, and prepares orders for
• Ensure package integrity, product safety, and the accurate verification of labels, quantities, and product appearance, while precisely fulfilling all special instructions for specific customers.
• Checks in and signs for freight including basic inspection for pests and damage. Performs internal freight receiving that maintains food safety, including completion of special instructions and quality sampling. Communicates with QC and FC & Sourcing as necessary.
• Stores, rotates, and restocks inventory accordingly.
• Performs duties associated with quality control and pest control in the warehouse. 
• Provide accurate product counts for cycle counts and inventory. 
• Accurately double-check loads and paperwork for accuracy and ensure efficiency by securing deliveries while minimizing losses.
• Adhere to scheduled delivery windows, maintaining reliability and professionalism.
• Complete required paperwork, collect payments, and manage returnable deposit containers accurately.

Teamwork

• Collaborate with coworkers to solve problems, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Organize and maintain warehouse space for safe and efficient workflow, including signage.
• Works with authorized staff to process returns and resolve inventory.
• Supports the training and onboarding of other team members as assigned or needed.
• Share in the responsibility to ensure building checklist is completed for the warehouse. 
• Competent and productive, functions independently and as part of a team. 
• Participates willingly and effectively on team assignments and projects.
• Identify issues or sales opportunities during delivery and report back to the Customer Service team and/or Logistics Manager.

LEAN

• Basic understanding of Continuous Improvement Philosophy and LEAN tools.  
• Monitor time throughout the day and week to ensure completion of assigned tasks. 
• Proactively communicate within the department about the need for training or support to complete tasks and resolve workflow challenges.
• Additional duties as assigned. 

Additional Functions – All Levels

• Contribute to the pursuit of Hummingbird Wholesale’s sustainability objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement.
• Deliver orders locally via truck and /or bike as assigned.
• Complete special projects and other duties as needed.

Job Requirements and Qualifications – All levels

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Training Requirements (licenses, programs, or certificates):

• OSHA Fork Lift Certification (must be obtained through Hummingbird Wholesale’s in-house training).
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record, is required.

Skill Requirements:

• Forklift operation (including barrel grabber) and basic mechanical knowledge (diagnosing issues, performing inspections).
• Ability to maintain focus, stay calm, and adapt under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including effective interpersonal communication.
• Excellent customer service, with the ability to anticipate customer needs and communicate effectively.
• Good time management and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work well both individually and in teams.
• Basic math, computer/technology, and GPS skills, including map reading and route planning.
• Proficient, safe driver with a clean record and ability to maintain a consistent schedule.

Experience:

• 1 years warehouse and driving skills preferred.
• Customer service experience.
• Natural Foods experience, whether personal or professional, with the natural foods industry is a plus.

Physical, Mental, and Visual Requirements:

• Must be able to work in, on, around, over and under fixed equipment and machinery; to work from lifts ladders to manipulate product. Must be able to lift and carry 60 lbs. repeatedly. The ability to stand, squat, crouch, kneel, lift, or carry for prolonged periods is required.
• In support of some essential job functions, the position requires the Warehouse Associate & Backup Driver to work in commercial food production and warehouse environments. While in these environments, the coworker must be able to safely comply with all company and regulatory rules and guidelines.
• The position requires frequent and repeated exposure to major food allergens, including but not limited to, wheat, tree nuts, dairy, and soybeans.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this Warehouse Associate & Backup Driver position. 

Other Information

Special Information (travel required, workplace environment, etc.):

• The Warehouse Associate and Backup Driver may work in a shared space with frequent interruptions.
• Travel to visit potential or current vendors, customers, or attend trade shows, educational conferences, or industry events will be necessary throughout the year.

Conclusion

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Warehouse Associate & Backup Driver’s position but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

Salary : $17 - $19