Warehouse Associate Salem, VA

Be a Warehouse Hero – Make a Difference Daily!

The Warehouse Associate supports the mission of Feeding Southwest Virginia by providing direct support in the daily operation of the warehouse. Duties include shipping, receiving, put‑away, order selecting, warehouse maintenance, inventory control, food storage safety, and distribution to agencies. The position is Monday‑Friday, day shift. Forklift experience is a plus; forklift certification will be required within the first six months.

Benefits include good benefits, generous PTO, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community.

• Demonstrate professional demeanor in interactions with staff, agencies, program representatives, and government officials.
• Stay informed and consistently practice the policies and procedures of Feeding Southwest Virginia, Feeding America national office, USDA, FDA, and government regulations regarding food handling, storage, sanitation, and disposal.
• Ensure maintenance of the warehouse, equipment, grounds, vehicles, sanitation, pest control, fire prevention, and safety procedures are followed.
• Possess knowledge of Feeding Southwest Virginia and all programs.
• Complete Serv Safe training within the first six months of employment and keep current.
• Complete forklift certification per Federal and State Regulations.
• Report directly to the Director of Warehousing and support all warehouse operations.
• Ensure all safety and product‑handling rules are maintained for staff, volunteers, visitors, and agencies.
• Conduct random inspection of storage boxes to support food‑safety goals.
• Maintain weekly product damage/loss log for input into the inventory software.
• Maintain accessible passage to all fire exits.
• Maintain warehouse cleanliness per AIB Audit best practices.
• Maintain procedures for receiving and shipping product, including loading, unloading trucks, and storage per established procedures.
• Process agency orders: read orders, check accuracy, and pack orders.
• Accurately tag pallets with codes, cases, and weights.
• Assist in directing flow of product in the warehouse and monitor first‑in‑first‑out system on date‑coded products.
• Serve as backup in other areas as required.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Department with product handling and storage.
• Assist with local food drives and special events related to area of responsibility.
• Ensure accurate completion of all receipt information and required log data per standard operating procedures.
• Validate all outbound quantities to ensure inventory integrity.
• Substantiate outbound load characteristics to prevent in‑transit damage.
• Immediately report all product equipment safety risks and/or facility damage; photo‑document as needed.
• Maintain shipping and receiving area cleanliness per AIB Audit best practices.
• Document and record movement of product per established procedures.
• Assist in updating departmental SOPs.
• Interact professionally with visitors; handle them promptly.
• Deal effectively with diverse personalities and situations requiring tact, judgment, and resolution.
• Develop strong customer‑service skills and effective communication with co‑workers.
• Promote a cooperative spirit within the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Warehousing, Chief Operating Officer, President and CEO.

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Familiarity with food products, storage, and handling requirements (preferred).
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively; lifting beyond 50 pounds requires assistance.
• Strong teamwork, independence, and ability to handle multiple priorities under minimal supervision.
• Clear understanding of instructions and ability to demonstrate quality results.
• Willingness to learn and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for special events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with board members, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Basic math skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Capability to learn and operate equipment such as printer,…