Operations Associate

Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) believes that food is a basic human right, that hunger is a solvable problem, and an issue of social justice. WCFB’s mission is to engage, educate, and lead Worcester County in creating a hunger-free community. To that end, WCFB collects donations of perishable and non-perishable food and distributes it through a network of Partner Agencies, including food pantries and community meal programs, trains Partner Agencies in food safety, and advocates for systemic and sustainable solutions to the problem of hunger. WCFB is deemed to provide essential services to the community in times of emergencies.

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations Department at Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) consists of two primary functional units: the Inventory Unit and the Driving Unit. The Inventory Unit (IU) Operations Associate is an integral member of the Inventory Unit, which includes Receiving, Distribution, and Inventory Control functions.

The Inventory Unit Operations Associate works collaboratively with team members across both the Inventory and Driving Units, as well as with the Operations Coordinator and the Warehouse and Facility Manager, to ensure that the Operations Department functions in an effective, efficient, and coordinated manner. Additionally, IU Associates may be asked to fill in for a member of the Driving Unit if staffing is an issue.

This position is a full-time, non-exempt role that reports directly to the Warehouse and Facility Manager.

This position is designated essential to WCFB’s operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following responsibilities will be performed in accordance with all WCFB policies and procedures, with a focus on personal safety and food safety.

Receiving

· Safely and efficiently load, unload, receive, sort, store, and move food product with proper warehouse equipment.

· Accurately count and verify inventory quantities and check food labeling dates.

· Enter food donation data accurately and timely into inventory system.

· Maintain organized files with product donation documentation.

· Ensure food donation deliveries are scheduled and entered accurately into the Warehouse Receiving Calendar.

Distribution

· Perform Partner Agency check-in and check-out process with high level of customer service and attention to detail.

· Work collaboratively with other Operations Associates and Operations Coordinator in the Inventory Unit to ensure the distribution areas of food (cooler, freezer, and distribution floor) are ready for Partner Agencies before 8 am every day.

· Monitor distribution areas of food during warehouse hours to make sure they are organized and clean, and that product is always available.

Inventory Control

· Oversee inventory of food product, including moving, storing, labeling, rotating, and counting; complete accurate inventory paperwork and other related tasks.

· Generate timely, complete, and accurate records of food received, distributed, and discarded.

· Perform bi-weekly cycle counts.

· Perform monthly inventory counts.

General Warehouse Operations

· Operate warehouse equipment, including forklift and pallet jack, and report any issues to the Warehouse and Facility Manager.

· Complete all WCFB provided trainings within first 90 days and maintain certifications. Trainings include:

o Forklift operations

o ServSafe Food Handlers Certification

o Any other trainings required for job performance.

· Serve as back-up driver for Driving Unit.

· Maintain a clean and safe working environment by managing trash, washing, vacuuming, sweeping, or other cleaning processes.

· Ensure food safety standards are followed and maintained.

· Participate in and support all food safety activities, trainings and operational efforts associated with American Institute of Baking AIB), Feeding America, MA Department of Public Health, and other regulatory compliance.

· Verify and document product & facility temperatures.

· Perform tasks associated with pest control, facility cleaning and basic facility maintenance.

· Assist in ensuring compliance with WCFB personal and food safety policies by Partner Agency representatives, volunteers, contractors, and other visitors while they are in the warehouse.

· Pull food orders for deliveries to Partner Agencies in collaboration with Operations Associates in the Driving Unit.

· Provide support for community food drives in cooperation with other WCFB staff.

· Perform other tasks as assigned by Warehouse and Facility Manager (Supervisor).

QUALIFICATIONS

· Commitment to WCFB’s mission.

· Minimum of 1-3 years of warehouse experience.

· Satisfactory background check.

· Meet and maintain MA Department of Transportation physical exam requirements, have a valid MA license, and maintain a safe driving record. Position does not require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

· Reliable transportation.

· Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift 50 pounds throughout the day.

· Effective interpersonal skills and communication skills – written, verbal and listening.

· Exemplary customer service skills, common sense, and strong attention to detail.

· Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities and meet deadlines.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

· Experience in Ceres Navision preferred.

Pay Scale: $23 - $25 per hour Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits include paid time off, health and dental insurance, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, health savings account, and 403(b) retirement savings plan with an employer match.

How to Apply:

1) Email cover letter and resume to [email protected] (subject line: Operations Associate Inventory”); or

2) Drop off or Mail cover letter and resume to Worcester County Food Bank, Attn: Lara Greene, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

WCFB is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status.

Westrongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ +*_ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience of food insecurity and poverty to apply. *_

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person