Stores Specialist - Distribution & Warehousing

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 3,192,000 - 4,149,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota’s U Market and Printing Services seeks a Stores Specialist to manage inventory, receive and distribute materials, and support campus operations. The role emphasizes accuracy, accountability, and customer service in a labor‑represented environment.

Work is performed in a warehouse setting with inside and outside conditions; schedule is Monday–Friday, 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., with a strong focus on safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to operate desktop and mobile computers, utilizing multiple systems.
• Six months of warehousing/inventory experience.
• Valid Class D driver's license.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for periods.

Responsibilities

• Fills customer orders for supplies, equipment, and materials (50%).
• Picks up, delivers, or coordinates internal deliveries.
• Maintains inventory using electronic systems and reports shortages.
• Unloads, inspects, and records shortages or damages in shipments.
• Resolves shipping/storing questions and participates in process improvements.
• Uses computer systems to access order/vendor information and maintain locations.

Skills

Reading and writing

Arithmetic computations

Desktop and mobile computers

Warehouse experience

License: Class D

Forklifts/pallet jacks

Safety awareness

English communication

Inventory procedures

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Inventory management systems

Mobile computing devices

Job description

About the Job

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 9/10/2026 and ends on 9/17/2026.

About the Job: The Stores Specialist is a labor-represented position reporting to a U Market Services Supervisor. The role involves storing, receiving, issuing, distributing, and ordering materials, equipment, and supplies. Employees must provide reliable inventory maintenance and safely operate all necessary materials-handling equipment and vehicles. A high level of accuracy and dedication to customer service is required.

Location and Work Environment: Work includes both inside and outside environments. Inside work primarily occurs in a warehouse or other campus facility, but may include offices, classrooms, laboratories, and custodial closets. Outside work involves exposure to varied weather conditions.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Primary Responsibilities:

Order Filling and Distribution (50%)

• Fills customer orders for supplies, equipment, and materials
• Picks up, delivers, or coordinates primarily inside delivery of materials, tools, mail, and packages via docks, distribution hubs or mailrooms

Inventory Maintenance (20%)

• Maintains inventory using electronic systems as items are issued and replenished
• May determine needs for stock replenishment and orders supplies for warehouse or designated locations
• Reports breakage, loss, and back orders

Shipping and Receiving (15%)

• Unloads, unpacks, and inspects incoming shipments against delivery receipts
• Records shortages, overages, or quality deficiencies and rejects damaged materials
• Coordinates outgoing shipments for the department and its customers

Participation in Problem Solving (5%)

• Resolves questions regarding shipping/storing
• Actively participates in the department's process improvement efforts

Information Systems Usage (5%)

• Accesses order and vendor info via computer/software/tracking devices and may prepare reports
• Maintenance of Inventory Locations (5%)
• Arranges storage space, shelves goods, and maintains a clean, orderly environment

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to read, write, and make arithmetic computations
• Ability to operate desktop and mobile computers, utilizing multiple systems
• Six months of experience in warehousing, storekeeping, or inventory management
• Valid Class D driver's license
• Physical ability to walk/stand, bend, climb, and lift/carry up to 50 lbs
• Must be able to stand up for 4 hours at a time
• Ability to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and delivery carts
• Knowledge of vehicle safety rules and efficient warehouse methods
• High level of accuracy and efficiency in clerical and inventory procedures
• Reads, writes, understands and communicates in English
• Knowledge of stockroom and control items, methods and procedures, inventory procedures, inventory record maintenance, common clerical procedures, standard abbreviations used in shipping and designating weights and measures as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Proficiency in operating inventory systems, package tracking systems, and mobile computers
• A commitment to safety and advancing a safe work culture

About the Department

U Market and Printing Services supports the University of Minnesota's teaching, research, and outreach mission by delivering logistics, materials management, e-commerce/procurement, printing, addressing and mailing, creative design, and communications services across the Twin Cities and system campuses. We provide collaborative problem solving and campus service to support the University's mission, vision, and goals. U Market and Printing Services are units within Auxiliary Services, a division of University Services at the University of Minnesota.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.17 - $30.12 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.