Warehouse Associate

Foodbankcenc; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is seeking a Warehouse Associate to join our Wilmington team. You will be keys to accurate shipping, receiving, and order picking across dry, cooler, freezer, and produce areas, ensuring inventory integrity and efficient workflow.

This role requires teamwork, adherence to food safety, and the ability to operate pallet jacks or forklifts responsibly. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm with a 30‑minute lunch.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent experience; 2 years in warehouse operations or food distribution may be considered.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain upon hiring.

Responsibilities

• 75%: Ensure proper receipt, distribution, and order selection; follow FIFO/FEFO; inspect perishables; operate electric pallet jack or forklift; record orders clearly; participate in cycle counts.
• 25%: Maintain safety and teamwork; keep a safe workplace; report equipment issues; support shipping, receiving, and disbursement priorities; keep warehouse clean and organized.

Skills

Teamwork

Collaboration

Operational knowledge

Safety mindset

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift Certification

Job description

Description

Join Us in the Fight Against Hunger!

At the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, we believe in a future where no one goes hungry. Our mission is simple but powerful: Nourish people. Build solutions. Connect communities. We're looking for passionate, dedicated people to bring their talents to an organization where every role makes a real difference. Guided by our values - Integrity, Compassion, Dedication, Teamwork, and Fun - we work hard, support one another, and celebrate the impact we create together. If you're ready to put purpose at the center of your career, we'd love to have you on our team!

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Warehouse Associate works within a team environment to ensure that accurate shipping and receiving, order selecting, and accompanying paperwork processes are executed. The Warehouse Associate will perform hands‑on storage. distribution, hand selecting and palletizing duties in the dry warehouse, freezer, refrigerator, produce cooler, and receiving/storage areas. Additionally, the role is responsible for all warehouse technology tools and processes, including receiving, distribution, inventory control, filling orders and all other aspects of warehousing.

This position is scheduled to work Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm with a 30 minute lunch, in the Wilmington location.

Primary Responsibilities

(75%) Ensure proper implementation of procedures related to receipt of incoming products, distribution of outgoing products, and order selection.

• Adhere to all food safety regulations and Food Bank standard operating procedures.
• Adhere to all standard operating procedures and warehouse technology tools and processes.
• Effectively disburse products into appropriate locations within the warehouse.
• Implement FIFO/FEFO (First In-First Out, First Expired-First Out) rules regarding all products.
• Proactively inspect perishable products to ensure quality control and inform relevant staff of product integrity.
• Operate an electric pallet jack or forklift, hand selecting and palletizing products from the various warehouse environments (including dry, cooler, and freezer).
• Stack product on pallets in accordance with proper selection procedures (eg., no stacking heavy‑on‑light, non‑food separate from food, etc.).
• Ensure accurate selection and clearly legible recording of orders.
• Follow inventory cycle count procedures as prescribed by the Inventory Control Team and participate in cycle counting of products to maintain an accurate inventory at all times.

(25%) Be a team player and work to maintain a safe and collaborative environment.

• Maintain a safe and accident‑free workplace environment.
• Execute safe forklift and other warehouse equipment handling procedures, maintain warehouse equipment, and report any equipment issues to the appropriate supervisor immediately. Perform pre‑ and post‑trip inspections.
• Work collaboratively with other warehouse team members on priorities for shipping, receiving and disbursement of product.
• Help maintain the upkeep and appropriate appearance, cleanliness, and order of the warehouse.
• Perform other duties as directed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Requirements

Education

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent experience. A minimum of two years of meaningful experience in warehouse operations, food distribution, or other regulated environment may be considered if the education requirement is not met.

Certifications

• Forklift Certification or the ability to get certified upon hiring.

Experience

• 2 years of experience working in a warehouse, food distribution, food service, or other regulated environment.

Additional Requirements

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, stretching, bending, and turning.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds without difficulty.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and physically demanding environments.

Technical & Operational Requirements

• Ability to perform basic math calculations accurately to support inventory management, order processing, and product handling.
• Ability to successfully complete all required food safety training.

Competencies:

• Teamwork – Ability to work cooperatively with others toward a common goal.
• Collaboration – Ability to work effectively across teams, departments, and functions to achieve shared goals.
• Results‑Based Accountability – Ability to take full ownership of one's responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills – Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to support positive working relationships.
• Operational Knowledge – Understanding of warehouse operations, inventory processes, quality standards, and workplace safety practices.
• Adaptability & Reliability – Ability to work in fast‑paced environments, adjust to changing operational needs, and consistently follow through on responsibilities.
• Safety Mindset – Commitment to maintaining safe work practices and supporting operational compliance and food safety standards.
• Food Bank Mission Mindset & Impact – Ability to connect individual work to the Food Bank's mission, values, and commitment to the communities it serves.

Physical Demands

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• Talk, hear, and interact without deliberate impediment (e.g., wearing or listening to headphones, etc.).
• Sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• Lift and carry loads of up to 60 pounds for short distances (less than 50 feet) without difficulty.
• To reach for and/or lift upward with their arms and hands to heights of 6 feet or greater.
• To twist their body right or left, often repeatedly.

The employee is occasionally required to