Warehouse Assistant

Position Summary: Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes (KLF) is seeking to hire an additional Warehouse Assistant to work with the already established warehouse team.
The Warehouse Assistant, under the direction of the Warehouse Manager, will carry out the following warehouse functions: receiving, storing, handling, shipping and preparing food and food product for delivery. This role also assists, engages, and facilitates the volunteers to help meet KLF mission, vision and values. In addition, the Warehouse Assistant will ensure food and staff safety throughout the warehouse.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares orders for shipment in a safe, efficient and accurate manner.
• Receives, inspects, repackages and records incoming food and food product.
• Organizes the systematic storage of food and food product.
• Conducts the smooth functions relating to requisition, receipt, stacking and dispatch of goods and supplies.
• Works closely with volunteers and volunteer groups in facilitating daily warehouse projects assuring that safety standards are consistently met.
• Performs daily warehouse tasks such as replenishing and moving product, accurately maintaining daily logs, aiding with inventory and assisting with other projects.
• Conducts food pick-ups and deliveries using KLF truck fleet, as needed.
• Ensures the work environment is maintained, clean and in an orderly fashion.
• Represents KLF to the community.
• Arrives at work on time each day.
• Frequently works in an environment that has extreme conditions.
• May perform additional duties, as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions

• Supports other KLF programs as required and necessary.
• May perform additional duties, as assigned.

Universal Competencies

• Mission, Service, and Urgency
• Integrity, Stewardship and Accountability
• Respect: Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Communication
• Organizational Improvement and Professional Development
• Dependability and Flexibility
• Must be able to be at work on-time each day

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required.
• Possesses the capability of following directions and completes tasks within the assigned timeframe; efficiently manages time and meets all deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a Chauffer’s License and successfully pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is required.
• Valid Driver’s License and insurability is required.
• Forklift experience is required; stand-up forklift experience is desirable.
• Warehouse experience is required.
• Strong internal and external customer service skills.
• Strong, clear communicator and excellent interpersonal skills; proven ability to communicate with internal and external customers effectively and positively.
• Ability to work some evening/weekend hours is required.
• Ability to work in walk-in coolers and freezers is required.
• Experience with inventory management software is helpful.

Preferred Requirements

• Ability to speak and understand languages in addition to English.
• Understanding of safe food handling procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate equipment and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lifts 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds, with assistance.
• Regularly required to lift, move, carry, pull and push files/objects up to 10 pounds while sitting, standing, climbing, or walking.
• Required to regularly speak clearly, hear and read, using the English language.
• Required to frequently stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required include ability to drive KLF vehicles and forklifts, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Can perform the essential job listed without assistances.

Work Contacts

• Regularly reads, writes, and speaks with vendors, volunteers, peers, and supervisor to gather and disseminate information.
• Regularly leads and trains volunteers, providing performance feedback.
• Regularly demonstrates excellent relationship building skills.
• Occasionally works to resolve difficult or tense situations, relying on conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.

Work Environment

• Regularly works in the warehouse environment where lighting is adequate, but temperatures can be extreme going from very warm outside temperatures to the cold of the cooler/freezer.
• Regularly drives a delivery vehicle, operating lifts and hand trucks, working in various weather conditions.
• Regularly works with spoiled food, including clean up and disposal of spoiled items.
• Occasionally exposed to stressful human conditions, including food insecurity, mental illness, substance abuse and dependency, and socio-economic instability, which can occasionally lead to a hazardous environment.
• Noise level is usually moderate.
• Exhaust and dust will be present in the warehouse.

Each Employee Will Adhere to the Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Non-Discrimination Policy:

No person shall be excluded from KLF services, employment or volunteer participation because of ethnicity, race, national origin, age, height, weight, genetic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, economic circumstance, veteran status, physical and/or mental abilities/characteristics, philosophy/religion, or any other status that is protected by State of Michigan or federal law or by local ordinance for those jurisdictions where KLF operates.

KLF is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

KLF is committed to fair employment practices, equal employment opportunity and to promoting diversity in its broadest definition. Equal employment opportunity means compliance with state and federal regulations as well as following those practices which promote diversity and fairness of employment opportunity. Fair employment practices mean that all employees shall have access to the various aspects of employment such as hiring, promotion, compensation, and training. It is the policy of KLF that all employees and applicants for employment share fairly in these aspects of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• warehouse: 2 years (Required)
• Volunteer management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Communication skills: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Chauffeur's Permit (Preferred)
• Forklift Certification (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Kalamazoo, MI 49001: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person