Warehouse Associate

Open Gates Group is a family of companies located near Kalona, IA. We care about our employees and take pride in our community. To help our community's farmers, we built a creamery and then 10 other food industry-related businesses. Today, we help source, produce, sell & transport Midwestern products to 3,500+ stores nationwide. Our dairy products are minimally processed and come straight from Midwest family farms surrounding our creameries. We are seeking a Warehouse Associate to join Frytown Distribution, a member of the Open Gates Group family of companies.

The Warehouse Associate is responsible for performing physical tasks in the materials management function, including picking orders, shipping/receiving, and inventory control. Typical daytime shift hours are Monday-Friday, beginning at 8:30 am. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations & Inventory Control

• Pick orders for internal and external customers, including work in refrigerated and cold-storage environments.
• Load and unload trucks using forklifts, pallet jacks, and manual handling techniques.
• Receive inbound materials and verify shipments for accuracy, quality, and condition.
• Use handheld scanners and inventory systems to track product movement accurately.
• Participate in cycle counts and physical inventory processes.
• Maintain accurate shipping, receiving, and inventory documentation.

Safety, Quality & Team Support

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse and loading dock environment.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and quality procedures when handling products.
• Communicate inventory discrepancies, safety concerns, or equipment issues promptly.
• Support cross-functional warehouse and logistics operations as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating forklifts and pallet jacks preferred.
• Ability to use inventory scanning systems and basic computer tools (Google Suite).
• Strong attention to detail with basic math and reasoning skills.
• Dependable, safety-focused, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• High integrity and alignment with our mission, vision, values & operating principles.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Frequent climbing in and out of trucks, securing loads, and maneuvering trailers.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual material handling.
• Regular use of handheld scanners and mobile inventory devices.
• Ability to work in cold storage environments for multiple hours per shift.
• Exposure to loading docks, moving equipment, vehicle traffic, and warehouse noise.

Our Benefits:

• Matching 401k, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, STD & LTD after 60 days of employment.
• Benefit Bonus/Stipend
• Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), & Birthday PTO
• Opportunity for advancement!
• Discounted employee purchases!
• Small company, entrepreneurial culture!