Warehouse and Inventory Assistant

Description

Position Summary:  

The Warehouse and Inventory Assistant supports the Nourish program with pick-up or delivery of food and supplies, warehouse organization, and moving food around the building.  

Organizational Values: 

Kids’ Food Basket believes all children have a right to equitable, consistent access to the nutrition they need to grow. 

Since its inception in 2002, Kids’ Food Basket has grown from serving 125 students in Kent County to serving over 9,000 children daily across four counties (Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan) with healthy nourishing meals through our flagship Sack Supper program and other community-driven meal provision programming. 

In addition, over the past two decades, Kids’ Food Basket has also increased healthy food access for our communities through the growth and distribution of sustainably grown vegetables and fruits on our ten acres of chemical-free, sustainable farm. Nourishing healthier generations of children is at the core of Kids’ Food Basket’s mission and is what we strive for daily through our five commitments: 

• We Nourish our future by providing ready to eat healthy food on a daily basis to children in need, 
• We Grow by increasing healthy food access for our communities through the growth and distribution of sustainably grown vegetables and fruit, 
• Our community Learns through the use of our facilities and farmland as classrooms to foster learning and empowerment across economic barriers, 
• We Engage our diverse community to work for Good Food for all, 
• We Advocate for systems change by educating our community and legislators about our work, while supporting efforts that improve systems and empower families to break down the cycle of poverty and hunger. 

Job Responsibilities: 

1. Assists with food and supply pickups and deliveries on a regular basis. 
2. Assists with delivering Sack Suppers to schools or community partners. 
3. Handles general cleanliness and appearance of facility, including organizing the warehouse, sorting donations, and cleaning general food prep areas. 
4. Assists with setup and cleanup of volunteer shifts and prepares the facility for evening volunteers. 
5. Assists with moving and lifting containers to 50 pounds into vehicles on a daily basis. 
6. Assists with inventory and warehouse organization. Utilizes a forklift and/or pallet jack to load and unload products. 
7. Understands and monitors food safety protocols related to ServSafe regulations. 
8. Assists with intake of in-kind donations, including assistance unloading vehicles, weighing, and sorting donations. 
9. Other duties as assigned.  

Supervision Received: 

Specific Direction: Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions/conditions to the immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities:   

No supervision: No supervisory responsibilities. 

Education & Experience:  

Required 

GED, High school diploma, or equivalent.

1. Forklift license or ability to complete company-provided training. 
2. ServSafe certification or the ability to complete company-provided training. 
3. Valid driver’s license. 
4. Chauffeur’s license or willingness to complete certification. 

Preferred: 

1. One (1) or more years of relevant experience.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

1. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. 
2. Experience working with inventory software preferred. 
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
4. Experience driving a box truck, or the willingness to learn. 
5. A sense of optimism and an assets-based way of viewing people and situations. 
6. Ability to effectively interact with a diverse population from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
7. Have a desire to develop a basic understanding of hunger and poverty issues in West Michigan. 

Physical Requirements

Average Daily Physical Requirements:

• Work in stationary position: Less than 2 hours      
• Move about work area: More than 5 hours
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel: More than 5 hours
• Reach with hands and arms: More than 5 hours
• Ascend/Descend (stairs/ladder/etc): On Occasion 
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: Less than 2 hours 
• Communicate with various parties: More than 5 hours
• Detect flavors or smells: On Occasion
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds: More than 5 hours
• Visual acuity: More than 5 hours
• Read and understand written word: More than 5 hours
• Drive/Travel: 2–5 hours
• Operate computer and general office machines: Less than 2 hours 
• Operate machines: Warehouse equipment: 2–5 hours

Environmental Conditions 

Average Daily Environmental Conditions:

• Normal office environment: Less than 2 hours
• Warehouse environment: More than 5 hours
• Farm (exposure to weather, animals, insects, etc.): On Occasion 
• Travel (limited exposure to outside elements): 2 to 5 hours 

This job description does not list all duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties as needed. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and does not infringe upon the Company’s at-will employment status.