Warehouse Associate

Feeding-Southwest-Virginia; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Generous PTO

Job summary

Feeding Southwest Virginia is seeking a Warehouse Associate to support daily warehouse operations, including receiving, shipping, put-away, and inventory control. Forklift operation and adherence to safety standards are essential, with ServSafe and forklift certification expected within specified timelines.

The role emphasizes teamwork, attention to detail, and maintaining a clean, compliant facility while assisting with special events and community programs.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Forklift certification within six months of employment.
• ServSafe training within the first six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operate warehouse operations including receiving, shipping, put-away, and inventory control.
• Maintain safe storage and food handling practices.
• Complete forklift certification per Federal and State Regulations.
• Maintain logs of product damage and use inventory software for input and adjustments.
• Support team to ensure clean, organized warehouse and safe exits.

Skills

Forklift operation

Organizational skills

Lift 50 pounds

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Be a Warehouse Hero – Make a Difference Daily! Join our team and help Nourish Our Neighbors. Work is Monday - Friday, day shift. Forklift experience is a plus! Enjoy good benefits, generous PTO, and the satisfaction of giving back to your community!

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, put-a-way, order selecting, shipping, 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 operations.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform in a satisfactory manner the functions or responsibilities listed below.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITY (EXPECTED WORK)

1. As a Warehouse Associate, he/she will demonstrate a professional demeanor in interactions with all Feeding Southwest Virginia 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.

1. 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.

• Conduct random inspection of storage boxes in support of food safety goals.

• Maintain weekly product damage/loss log for input and adjustment to the Inventory Software.

• Maintain accessible passage to all fire exits.

• Maintain warehouse 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.

• Serve 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.

Operations: Shipping and Receiving

• Ensure accurate completion of all receipt information and required log data in accordance with standard operation procedures.

• Validate all outbound quantities to ensure inventory integrity.

• Substantiate outbound load characteristics to ensure zero in-transit load related product or equipment damage.

• Immediately report all product equipment safety risks and/or facility damage. Photo document as needed.

• Maintain accessible passage to all fire exits.

• Maintain shipping and receiving area cleanliness per AIB Audit best practices.

1. 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.

1. 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, Chief Operating Officer, and the President and CEO.

Interface:

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

Minimum Skills and Qualifications required to capably perform in the position

Training, Education and Experience:

Education:

• High School Graduate or equivalent.

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.

Allowable Substitutions: Combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge and skills for the position may be considered in lieu of education and/or experience at the company’s discretion.

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 effectively with all Board members and staff members.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to perform basic math functions.

Technical/Computer Skills:

• Proficiency required in the use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Software.

• Capable of learning and independently operating equipment required for the position including printer, multi-use copier, 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 regulations.

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.

Team Commitment:

Considers the benefits and consequences to the team when taking action, openly shares ideas and information with others, effectively completes work activities with and through others, helps others achieve goals and complete work to meet the needs of the team and the organization. Criticizes actions, when necessary, not people and effectively negotiates win-win outcomes.

Flexibility:

• Be willing to work overtime and mandatory days set foreward 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 accommodation 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.

MISSION STATEMENT

Nourish neighbors. Engage community partners. Develop solutions to address food insecurity.

Core Values:

• Trust:

  Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, ability, or strength of a person or organization. We seek to build and maintain trust in all relationships by practicing honesty, treating one another with dignity, and exhibiting professionalism.

• Effectiveness:

  Effectiveness is the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result. We achieve our mission by utilizing best practices, working efficiently, and consistently striving to achieve and exceed goals.

• Innovation:

  Innovation is the act of making changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. Every day we seek creative solutions, encourage curiosity, and learn from our mistakes to solve problems and better meet the evolving needs of our neighbors.

Feeding Southwest Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. Feeding Southwest Virginia prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (to include pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Virginia law.

Our goal is to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. This description provides information regarding the essential function of the designated job, and the general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties whose performance may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments the individual may be given. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.

Salary Range: The hiring pay range listed for this position represents the Company's good‑faith estimate of the compensation expected to be offered at the time of posting. Actual starting pay will be determined based on a variety of job‑related factors, including qualifications, credentials, education, relevant work experience, skills, and internal equity, consistent with applicable law.