Job Description

Warehouse Associate

Operations

Kitchener, Ontario

Department

: Operations

Employment Type

: Full-time, 9-month contract, in-person role

Minimum Experience

: Entry-intermediate level



Job Purpose


Reporting to the Warehouse Operations Manager, the Warehouse Associate will have a focus on both inbound and outbound food. The role will work closely with volunteers and the warehouse team providing operational support to ensure the timely preparation and staging of perishable and non-perishable food orders for distribution. This role is responsible for a variety of tasks within the warehouse including food handling, food sorting, record keeping, order picking and staging, compost, and waste management. The role is expected to cross-train and support all roles within the warehouse such as hamper packing, food sorting (frozen, non-perishable, fresh), order building (fresh, dry orders) or repackaging product in the Food Centre, filling in gaps to complete work when necessary.

The Warehouse Associate will also help manage perishable and non-perishable inventory coming into and out of the building. This will include rotating product in the warehouse using both a handheld device and computer to make entries into the inventory system. Providing exceptional customer service, you will support and direct volunteers in their tasks in the warehouse.

The short-term responsibilities of this role may change as priorities of The Food Bank change.

Responsibilities and Duties


EXAMPLES OF THE ROLE'S RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:



1. Managing perishable and non-perishable inventory coming into and out of the building:

Receiving, unloading, and putting away incoming products into racking and inventory system. Restocking product as needed, including in the cooler and freezer areas, following specific food storage guidelines. Preparing perishable, frozen, and non-perishable food orders. Entering data into the inventory system using a handheld device or computer, ensuring proper rotation of products. Checking inventory quality and dates based on Food Banks Canada Guidelines. Ensuring inventory system is up to date when receiving, moving, picking, or loading product.


2. Operating machinery and equipment in the warehouse to assist with inventory upkeep:

Safely operating a forklift, reach truck, and/or counterbalance daily for transporting pallets and stocking shelves in the warehouse as required. Operating company vehicle (trucks) when required for purposes of refueling or picking up/deliveries.


3. Maintaining a clean, organized, and accessible work area:

Performing daily sanitizing in both the warehouse and office areas, following established COVID cleaning protocols. Adhering to all health and safety standards and protocols including food safety requirements.


4. Supporting the various activities and tasks in the warehouse:

Assisting with special events both onsite and offsite. Coordinating tasks and helping to support volunteers, including providing feedback to the Operations Trainer regarding volunteer needs. Assisting with general warehouse operations as required. Working with the Inventory and Operations Coordinator to maintain inventory accuracy and troubleshoot inventory issues.


5. Performing other duties as required:

Participating in team and staff activities as requested.


Location and Hours

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is located at 50 Alpine Court in Kitchener, Ontario. The role is required to be onsite for the work week. Hours of work are generally between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, for 40 hours per week (inclusive of 1 hour paid lunch each day). However, to meet the objectives of The Food Bank and commitments to our volunteers, members, and community, some irregular hours may be required. This would include no more than two evenings a week and/or two weekends a month. Please note that this is a 9-month contract position with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2025, and an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026.

Reporting Structure and Working Relationships

The Warehouse Associate reports to the Warehouse Operations Manager. This role is an integral part of our Operations team. A significant amount of time in this role is spent working with other members of The Food Bank's Operations team and volunteers.

Qualifications

Experience and Assets

2 years of relevant warehouse experience. Familiarity with warehouse processes and inventory management systems is an asset.

Education and Certifications

At minimum, a valid Ontario G license. A valid Ontario D license an asset. A forklift certification and/or experience including reach truck and counterbalance. A clean driver's abstract. Food Safety Certification an asset. First Aid Certification an asset.

Required Work Capacities (Skills and Abilities)

Physical Requirements

Bending and twisting of back and neck. Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling from/to floor and from/to/above shoulder of up to 80lbs (30kgs) on a regular basis. Some sustained or awkward positioning. 80% of days spent standing or walking; 20% of day spent sitting (operating equipment, etc.). Physical environment: indoor warehouse environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise (warehouse equipment and volunteer groups), dust and dirt, and fumes (exhaust). Some exposure to minor chemicals (i.e., cleaning agents).

Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Demands

Working closely with colleagues, management, and volunteers. Working independently with minimal supervision. Attention to detail, organization, and accuracy. Sound judgement in a fast-paced environment. Adaptability, time management, initiative and problem solving. Continued alertness for occasional driving responsibilities and operation of heavy machinery.


Why Work for Us?

We have a passion to live our mission - obtaining and distributing essential food from our neighbours for our neighbours - and are committed to a Waterloo region where no one experiences hunger. Our employees and volunteers are invested in and passionate about the work they do and are inspired to drive thoughtful innovation and growth. We take the work seriously but try not to take ourselves too seriously; we understand the importance of the work we do and teamwork while balancing fun, excitement, and camaraderie in the workplace.


What benefits does The Food Bank offer?


Some benefits and perks provided by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region include*:

Competitive salaries/wages! We're a proud certified Living Wage Employer (Ontario Living Wage Network). We believe that all employees should be paid an hourly wage that allows them to meet their basic needs while also participating in community life. Dental, drug, and supplemental healthcare coverage for individuals, couples, or families. A mental health and well-being focus with short-term counselling and resources provided by our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), as well as a yearly benefit amount for counselling services. Vision care coverage. An RRSP matching program (4%). A Healthcare Spending Account to cover expenses once regular benefits have been exhausted, as well as a Lifestyle Spending Account to expand the services and benefits available to employees. A Bring Your Own Device allowance to cover work-related cell phone use. Professional dues and association fee coverage. A generous vacation package, paid sick and family responsibility days, paid floating days, and birthday off. Hybrid work environment (where applicable). Closing early on Fridays in the summer. some benefits may depend on employment status, such as full-time permanent employment.*

We are an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights our job applicants during the recruitment process. Should, at any point throughout the recruitment process, an applicant require accommodation or communication in an alternative format because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at 519-743-5576. We are committed to providing accommodation or alternate formats upon request within a reasonable time in a mutually agreed upon format. No phone calls please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that preference will be given to those with a forklift certification and reach truck experience.