Warehouse Associate - 6 months contract
Operations
Kitchener, Ontario

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full-time Contract

Minimum Experience: Entry-intermediate level

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Warehouse Operations Manager, the Warehouse Associate plays a key role in the efficient flow of perishable and non-perishable food. The role involves maintaining a safe, clean, and organized warehouse environment while handling, sorting, and preparing food orders for distribution. Working closely with volunteers and the warehouse team, the Warehouse Associate supports the receiving, storing, picking, staging, and building of orders, accurately tracks inventory using handheld and computer systems, and operates warehouse machinery and vehicles safely.

Responsibilities and Duties

Overseeing perishable and non-perishable inventory coming into and out of the building:

• Receiving, unloading, and storing products in racking, cooler, and freezer areas, following food storage and safety guidelines.
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized warehouse environment while handling, sorting, and preparing perishable, frozen, and non-perishable food orders for distribution.
• Picking, staging, and building orders, including packing hampers and repackaging products as needed.
• Managing compost and waste in the warehouse.
• Entering inventory data using handheld devices (RF Scanners) or computers, maintaining accurate records and proper rotation.
• Checking inventory quality and expiration dates, troubleshooting discrepancies, and collaborating with the Inventory Operations Coordinator to maintain accuracy.

Operating warehouse machinery and vehicles to safely move products:

• Safely operating forklifts, reach trucks, and/or counterbalances to transport and stock products.
• Driving Food Bank trucks as needed for deliveries, pickups, or refueling.

Supporting volunteers and team operations to ensure effective collaboration:

• Coordinating, guiding, and supporting volunteers in warehouse tasks, including communicating volunteer needs to the Operations Trainers.

Assisting with other tasks as needed to support team and organizational goals:

• Assisting with special events and other warehouse operations, onsite and offsite.

Specific examples may vary from year to year as priorities of The Food Bank change.

Qualifications

Experience and Assets

• 2 years of relevant warehouse experience.
• Familiarity with warehouse processes and inventory management systems is an asset.

Education and Certifications

• At minimum, a valid Ontario G license. A valid Ontario D license an asset.
• A forklift certification and/or experience including reach truck and counterbalance.
• A clean driver’s abstract.
• Food Safety Certification an asset.
• First Aid Certification an asset.

Required Work Capacities (Skills and Abilities)

Physical Requirements

• Bending and twisting of back and neck.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling from/to floor and from/to shoulder of up to 50lbs (23kgs).
• Some sustained or awkward positioning.
• 80% of day spent standing or walking; 20% of day spent sitting (operating equipment, etc.).
• Physical environment: indoor warehouse environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise (warehouse equipment and volunteer groups), dust and dirt, and fumes (exhaust).
• Some exposure to minor chemicals (i.e., cleaning agents).

Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Demands

• Working closely with colleagues, management, and volunteers.
• Working independently with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• Sound judgement in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability, time management, initiative and problem solving.
• Continued alertness for occasional driving responsibilities and operation of heavy machinery.

Location and Hours

• The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is located at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener, Ontario.
• The role is required to be onsite for the work week.
• Hours of work are generally between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, for 40 hours per week (inclusive of 1 hour paid lunch each day). However, to meet the objectives of The Food Bank and commitments to our volunteers, members, and community, some irregular hours may be required. This would include no more than two evenings a week and/or two weekends a month.

Reporting Structure and Working Relationships

• The Warehouse Associate reports to the Warehouse Operations Manager.
• This role is an integral part of our Operations team.
• A significant amount of time in this role is spent working with other members of The Food Bank's Operations team and volunteers.

Why Work for Us?

• We have a passion to live our mission - obtaining and distributing essential food from our neighbours for our neighbours - and are committed to a Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger.
• Our employees and volunteers are invested in and passionate about the work they do and are inspired to drive thoughtful innovation and growth.
• We take the work seriously but try not to take ourselves too seriously; we understand the importance of the work we do and teamwork while balancing fun, excitement, and camaraderie in the workplace.

Compensation

• The expected hiring range for this role is $21.15-$22.36 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.
• The maximum compensation for this role is $26.18 per hour, which may be achieved through progression, performance, and tenure.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights our job applicants during the recruitment process. Should, at any point throughout the recruitment process, an applicant require accommodation or communication in an alternative format because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at 519-743-5576. We are committed to providing accommodation or alternate formats upon request within a reasonable time in a mutually agreed upon format.

No phone calls please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This posting is to fill an existing vacancy. At The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we use AI-enabled tools to assess applications, however, all recruitment decisions are reviewed by a human.

Please note that preference will be given to those with a forklift certification and reach truck experience.