Warehouse Associate

Summary:

The Warehouse Associate supports daily operations at Foothill Unity Center’s warehouse, working under the direction of the Warehouse Supervisor to ensure the safe, organized, and efficient handling of food and in-kind donations. A significant portion of this role involves driving agency vehicles to pick up food from food recovery partners and donors, ensuring items are transported safely and efficiently. This position also helps maintain inventory, assists with distributions and deliveries, and upholds food safety and warehouse standards. It is ideal for someone with a strong work ethic, attention to detail, safe driving record, and interest in serving the community through hands-on logistics work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive agency vehicles regularly to pick up food and other donations from food recovery partners, donors, and community partners.
• Assist in receiving, inspecting, and documenting incoming food and in-kind donations.
• Support inventory tracking and rotation following FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Prepare and stage food items and goods for weekly distributions and special events.
• Assist with loading and unloading vehicles for donation pick-ups and client distributions.
• Ensure the warehouse is kept clean, organized, and compliant with food safety standards.
• Record temperature logs for cold storage and notify supervisor of any irregularities.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in assigned areas, including sweeping, organizing, and disposing of waste properly.
• Help monitor expiration dates and quality of perishable and nonperishable items.
• Support volunteers and trainees by demonstrating proper lifting and warehouse procedures.
• Ensure proper signage and labeling is in place, especially for USDA and TEFAP inventory.
• Use appropriate PPE and follow all OSHA safety practices during warehouse operations.
• Report equipment or safety issues to the Warehouse Supervisor immediately.
• Assist in coordinating and preparing food packages for homebound clients, including Dial-A-Ride pickups and other specialized food programs.
• Assist in preparing and organizing lunch packs and essential items for unhoused clients as part of the homeless outreach program.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall warehouse efficiency and client service.

Supervisory:

This position does not oversee staff.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

• High School graduate or equivalent experience.
• Experience coordinating and supervising volunteers/working with diverse people.
• Some food distribution experience preferred.
• Experience with leading justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Experience in advocating the organization’s vision and mission.
• Experience supporting community or public services programs, and nonprofit leadership preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to hire.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record (required).
• Forklift operation skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Office and basic math skills.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the San Gabriel Valley preferred.
• Outstanding communication, planning, and logistics skills.
• Knowledge of food safety including preparation and presentation.
• Ability to relate well with people and demonstrate compassion and empathy.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel between organization sites as needed.

Personal Characteristics

• Compassion for vulnerable people of all races; ethnicities, origins, abilities, religions, genders, and ages.
• Critical thinker and problem solver who is comfortable making tough decisions.
• High degree of emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, empathy, and humility.
• Comfort working in a multi-ethnic and diverse organization.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Driver's License
• Forklift Certification

Work Environment:

• The work is typically performed between an office, warehouse, and driving environment with a moderate to loud noise level.
• Environmental conditions may include exposure to temperature changes, sharp objects, slippery surfaces, crowded areas, or working near moving parts.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit, stand, and move as needed to complete job duties.
• Ability to clearly communicate in person and by phone.
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for some portions of workload.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate a forklift and agency vehicles safely.
• Ability to move in and out of refrigerators and freezers tolerating temperature changes.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements over long periods.