Warehouse Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Open Gates Group, based near Kalona, IA, is a family of companies dedicated to the growth and manufacturing of local dairy products. What began as a single creamery has grown into 11 businesses that source, produce, and deliver high-quality Midwestern products to over 3,500 stores nationwide. Our organic milk is uniquely special- it comes from grass-fed cows on small family farms, pasteurized at the lowest legal temperature, non-homogenized, and verified regenerative through Land to Market- which means that our cows are grazed in a way that enhances the environment, rather than harming it. We’re seeking a Warehouse Associate to join Frytown Distribution, a member of the Open Gates Group family of companies.
SUMMARY The Warehouse Associate loads and unloads inventory, uses scanning technology to maintain accurate inventory records, assists with shipping and receiving, and supports product transfers between company facilities.   Schedule options:

• Monday–Friday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Four 10-hour shifts per week: Scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

• Pick orders for internal and external customers, including working in refrigerated and cold-storage environments.
• Load and unload trucks using forklifts, pallet jacks, and manual handling techniques.
• Receive inbound materials and verify shipments for accuracy, quality, and condition.
• Transport product internally between Open Gates Group facilities.
• Use handheld scanners and inventory systems to track product movement accurately.
• Participate in cycle counts and physical inventory processes.
• Maintain accurate shipping, receiving, and inventory documentation.
• Assist with internal product transfers between facilities in Kalona and Wellman.

Safety, Quality & Team Support

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse and loading dock environment.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and quality procedures when handling products.
• Communicate inventory discrepancies, safety concerns, or equipment issues promptly.
• Support cross-functional warehouse and logistics operations as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Clean driving record and willingness to obtain a Class A CDL.
• Experience operating forklifts and pallet jacks preferred.
• Ability to use inventory scanning systems and basic computer tools (Google Suite).
• Strong attention to detail with basic math and reasoning skills.
• Dependable, safety-focused, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• High integrity and alignment with our mission, vision, values & operating principles.

• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual material handling.
• Regular use of handheld scanners and mobile inventory devices.
• Ability to work in cold storage environments for multiple hours per shift.
• Exposure to loading docks, moving equipment, vehicle traffic, and warehouse noise.
• Frequent climbing in and out of trucks, securing loads, and maneuvering trailers.
• Primarily weekday schedule with occasional weekend work as operational needs require.

• Matching 401k, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, STD & LTD after 60 days of employment.
• Benefit Bonus/Stipend
• Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), & Birthday PTO
• Opportunity for advancement!
• Discounted employee purchases!
• Small company, entrepreneurial culture!