Warehouse Associate Salem, VA

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Satisfaction of giving back to the community

Job summary

Kaizen Lab Inc. is seeking a Warehouse Associate to support the mission of Feeding Southwest Virginia. This role involves various duties including shipping, receiving, and inventory control. The position requires a high school diploma, organizational skills, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly.

Employees will enjoy good benefits and the satisfaction of contributing to the community while working Monday to Friday on a day shift. Forklift certification is required within the first six months of employment.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation required.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the warehouse.
• Maintain warehouse cleanliness and safety procedures.
• Complete ServSafe training within the first six months.

Skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Basic math skills

Education

High School Graduate or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Be a Warehouse Hero – Make a Difference Daily!

The Warehouse Associate supports the mission of Feeding Southwest Virginia by providing direct support in the daily operation of the warehouse. Duties include shipping, receiving, put‑away, order selecting, warehouse maintenance, inventory control, food storage safety, and distribution to agencies. The position is Monday‑Friday, day shift. Forklift experience is a plus; forklift certification will be required within the first six months.

Benefits include good benefits, generous PTO, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate professional demeanor in interactions with staff, agencies, program representatives, and government officials.
• Stay informed and consistently practice the policies and procedures of Feeding Southwest Virginia, Feeding America national office, USDA, FDA, and government regulations regarding food handling, storage, sanitation, and disposal.
• Ensure 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.
• Report directly to the Director of Warehousing and support all warehouse operations.
• Ensure all safety and product‑handling rules are maintained for staff, volunteers, visitors, and agencies.
• Conduct random inspection of storage boxes to support food‑safety goals.
• Maintain weekly product damage/loss log for input into the inventory software.
• Maintain accessible passage to all fire exits.
• Maintain warehouse cleanliness per AIB Audit best practices.
• Maintain procedures for receiving and shipping product, including loading, unloading trucks, and storage per established procedures.
• Process agency orders: read orders, check accuracy, and pack orders.
• Accurately tag pallets with codes, cases, and weights.
• Assist in directing flow of product in the warehouse and monitor 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.
• Ensure accurate completion of all receipt information and required log data per standard operating procedures.
• Validate all outbound quantities to ensure inventory integrity.
• Substantiate outbound load characteristics to prevent in‑transit damage.
• Immediately report all product equipment safety risks and/or facility damage; photo‑document as needed.
• Maintain shipping and receiving area cleanliness per AIB Audit best practices.
• Document and record movement of product per established procedures.
• Assist in updating departmental SOPs.
• Interact professionally with visitors; handle them promptly.
• Deal effectively with diverse personalities and situations requiring tact, judgment, and resolution.
• Develop strong customer‑service skills and effective communication with co‑workers.
• Promote a cooperative spirit within the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Warehousing, Chief Operating Officer, President and CEO.

Qualifications & Skills

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Familiarity with food products, storage, and handling requirements (preferred).
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively; lifting beyond 50 pounds requires assistance.
• Strong teamwork, independence, and ability to handle multiple priorities under minimal supervision.
• Clear understanding of instructions and ability to demonstrate quality results.
• Willingness to learn and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for special events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with board members, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Basic math skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Capability to learn and operate equipment such as printer, copier, and phone system.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliability and dependability.
• Compliance with Food Bank directives, policies, and external regulations.
• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation required; forklift certification within six months.
• Maintain a safe driving record when driving company vehicles.

Physical Demands

The position requires working primarily in an internal warehouse environment, involving hot and cold temperatures, lifting up to 50 pounds repetitively, walking, standing, bending, climbing, stooping, twisting, pulling, and pushing. Occasionally, responding to organizational needs outside normal working hours may be required. Vision requirements include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Operating in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment is essential.

EEO Statement

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 (including 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.