Warehouse Associate

Warehouse Associate and Driver

This position primarily provides support at the warehouse, under the direction of the Director of Warehouse and Logistics in completing daily warehousing activities, including product receiving, order picking, shipping and inventory counting as well as keeping product and surroundings organized and clean. This position is also responsible for the safe pick-up and transport, of donated food from local partners and vendors. This is accomplished following policies, procedures and all food-safety guidelines.

The successful employee practices excellent customer services with all internal and external customers by ensuring a warm and welcoming environment through their interactions with clients, volunteers, staff, and community partners. This position demonstrates effective leadership and good public relations skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Warehouse

• Pick and accurately build/palletize orders for food banks following picking inventory guidelines as directed by the Director of Warehouse and Logistics.
• Assist in unloading of delivery trucks, count, inspect, and receive products into inventory. Review and verify Bills of Lading, ensuring that the drivers obtain appropriate paperwork.
• Participates in post-pick, quarterly, and annual inventories.
• Operates forklifts, manual and motorized pallet jacks according to safety guidelines and maintains a high level of attention to safety and food safety protocol and immediately reports any concerns to the Director of Warehouse and Logistics.
• Completes cleaning and upkeep of the warehouse, administrative space, restrooms, kitchen, and exterior of the facility daily.

Driving

• Pick-up and Deliver product or donations to a variety of retail locations and food banks as designated by the Director of Warehouse and Logistics.
• Sort, separate, weigh, and record recovered food to enable regular tracking reporting and tracking to grocery recovery partners.
• With supervision from the Director of Warehouse and Logistics, establish and professionalize relationships with donating partners & retail outlets to improve the consistency, reliability, and safety of Nourish's food donation & recovery efforts.
• Load, palletize, shrink-wrap and unload food.
• Complete required delivery documentation, obtain signatures on delivery receipts and return receipts to the Director of Warehouse and Logistics daily.
• Ability to work with volunteers in completing assignments related to the food rescue program including sorting, separating, weighing, and recording rescued food.
• Check all incoming food for as it relates to food safety issues (expiration dates and/or spoilage), weigh and dispose of any inedible food.
• Monitor and report vehicle maintenance needs.
• Keep vehicle(s) clean and in good working order.

Professional Development

• Participate in appropriate workshops, conferences, and community meetings related to food banks and administration, and maintain current required certifications.
• Works with Director of Warehouse and Logistics to identify areas of improvement for completing tasks accurately and in compliance with safety regulations.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Assist with the development or implementation of efforts to reduce food waste throughout Pierce County.
• Treats all staff, volunteers, clients and the public with respect and compassion.
• Assists Nourish staff, volunteers, clients, and partners with other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Must be able to drive box trucks up to 26,000 GVW.
• Must be able to perform basic math skills.
• Must be able to read and write in English.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license.
• Must have a clean Motor Vehicle Record
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and periodic drug screening.
• Must have previous experience in loading, unloading, stacking and palletizing techniques.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, sit and lift overhead.
• Some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Must have previous experience picking and inventory counting techniques.
• Ability to interact effectively with the community.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated computer and mobile phone literacy required, including text messaging; ability to make and receive telephone calls; ability to use the Internet to search and obtain information; sending and receiving email via browser or MS Outlook.
• Accurate collection, entry and management of operations and logistics data.
• Must be able to provide accurate and timely written or verbal information when requested by phone, over email, or as part of regular reporting requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad and diverse audience.
• Must be able to provide accurate information.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to sit or stand for four or five hours at a time.
• Must be able to communicate detailed information clearly in person, in writing, by phone, and by email.

Required Education, Skills and Experience

• Minimum of two years truck driving experience.
• Completion of high school or GED.
• Current food handler's permit or within 2 weeks of hire.
• A Washington State Patrol background check will be required.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and periodic drug screen.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Nourish Pierce County is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

COVID-19 considerations: All staff, volunteers and clients may be required to wear masks and be fully vaccinated and boosted as per CDC guidelines or Nourish Pierce County Policy. Nourish currently has no requirements for vaccination or masking, but this may change as environmental conditions change. Individuals accepting this position agree to abide by all Nourish Pierce County Policies and guidelines.