Warehouse Associate

Job summary

The Warehouse Associate manages the efficient flow of perishable and non-perishable food by receiving, storing, picking, and staging orders. They also operate warehouse machinery, maintain inventory records, and support volunteers in daily warehouse operations.

Job details

Warehouse Associate Operations Kitchener, Ontario Department: Operations Employment Type: Full-time 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 * 2 years of relevant warehouse experience. * A valid Ontario G-class license and a clean driver’s abstract (a valid Ontario D-class license is considered an asset). * A forklift certification and/or experience including reach truck and counterbalance. * Familiarity with inventory management systems and RF Scanners is considered an asset. * A Food Safety Certification is considered an asset. * A First Aid Certification is considered an asset. * Experience in the non-profit sector and/or with issues related to food insecurity or community development is considered an asset. Required Work Capacities (Skills and Abilities) Physical Requirements * Approximately 80% of time spent standing or walking, and 20% sitting (operating equipment, etc.). * Bending, twisting, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items up to 50 lbs/23 kgs, including from/to floor. * Performing activities requiring near and far vision, depth perception, driving, speaking, and hearing. * Operating and handling of heavy machinery (i.e., Food Bank vehicles, forklifts, etc.). * Working primarily indoors in a warehouse environment with exposure to temperature changes (heat and cold), dust and dirt, noise, and fumes (exhaust). * Some exposure to minor chemicals (i.e., cleaning agents). * Local travel within Waterloo region (i.e., to attend internal events) may be required. Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Demands * Superior attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines efficiently. * Effective communication skills with the ability to confidently engage with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. * Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships. * Sound judgement, adaptability, and initiative with the ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively. * Continued alertness and focus for occasional driving and operation of heavy machinery. * Effective collaboration and teamwork, contributing to team goals and organizational culture while maintaining accountability for individual results. 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 $44,030-50,854 per annum, based on qualifications and experience. 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. Please note that preference will be given to those with a forklift certification and reach truck experience. 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.

What you’ll do

The Warehouse Associate manages the efficient flow of perishable and non-perishable food by receiving, storing, picking, and staging orders. They also operate warehouse machinery, maintain inventory records, and support volunteers in daily warehouse operations.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 2 years of relevant warehouse experience and a valid Ontario G-class driver's license. A forklift certification and experience with reach trucks or counterbalances are strongly preferred.

Listed skills

• Problem solving · Preferred
• Warehouse operations · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Safety Compliance · Preferred
• Food safety · Preferred
• Forklift operation · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred
• Inventory management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Warehouse operations
• Inventory management
• Forklift operation
• Reach truck operation
• Counterbalance operation
• RF scanners
• Food safety
• Order picking
• Order staging
• Data entry
• Volunteer coordination
• Inventory rotation
• Safety compliance
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Inventory Staging
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Food Safety Certification
• Accountability
• Organizational Skills
• Effective Communication
• First Aid Certification
• Forklift Certification
• Warehouse Operations
• Adaptability
• Community Development
• Heavy Equipment
• Warehousing
• Mobile Devices
• Innovation
• Inventory Management System
• Machinery
• Operations
• Relationship Building
• Sorting
• Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
• Loading And Unloading
• Balancing (Ledger/Billing)
• Teamwork
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Logistics
• Social Services
• Food & Beverage
• Manufacturing
• Trades
• Warehouse Associate
• Warehouse Worker
• Freight Handlers
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

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