Warehouse Associate

Under the direction of the Assistant Warehouse Manager, the CNP Program Associate is responsible for organizing and preparing food boxes and/or bags for distribution. This includes receiving incoming food from various sources, leading individual and group volunteers in sorting donations, building food boxes, data entry, and distributing to community members. The CNP Warehouse Associate will perform a variety of job duties as the need arises and is expected to work with the CNP team to implement department goals and objectives. The CNP Program Associate is expected to work independently, but under the guidance of the Assistant Warehouse Manager.

The ideal candidate is a reliable, safety-focused, and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. They have experience with inventory handling, basic computer skills, leading teams, and operating warehouse equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks. This candidate demonstrates strong work ethic, accuracy, and time management, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and correctly.

They are a team player with good communication skills, able to follow procedures while adapting to changing priorities. Physically capable of handling the demands of the role, they maintain a consistent focus on safety, productivity, and quality in daily operations

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without accommodation. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

1. Lead daily warehouse activities, including quality assurance, inventory control, space management, logistics, floor productivity, loading and unloading of trucks, and customer service; Weigh and accurately document incoming and outgoing donations, keep detailed records of Warehouse activities; oversees the weekly distribution layout planning process, including the creation of layout sheet and walk through sessions.

2. Ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting in the CNP bag weight tracker and distribution sheet logs; Manages the integrity and compliance of all related documentation.

3. Train volunteers and paid work experience participants, supporting community distributions, inventory, logistics, warehouse safety and customer service as needed.

4. Provide day-of support for scheduled volunteer activities, serving as a lead to community service groups/volunteers ensuring smooth coordination, a welcoming and productive experience.

5. Maintain a safe, hygienic and clean work environment by preparing compost and recycling materials for daily pickup; ensure strict area cleanliness and sanitation standards to minimize odors and deter pests. Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trolleys, and vehicles to move perishable and nonperishable goods to be stocked, stored, or staged, monitor inventory and alert supervisor of shortfalls.

6. Check condition of equipment; perform operations and safety check prior to using equipment; maintain tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of assigned equipment; fuel vehicles/equipment; inspect and perform safety checks on vehicles/equipment; clean vehicles/equipment; report the need for repairs.

7. Assist with pick-up and delivery of food donations according to scheduled routes, and donor requests in a timely and professional manner.

8. Support the maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and facilities, following regulations set by regulatory bodies such as the Health Dept., Fire Dept., OSHA, Industrial Wastewater, and all applicable monitoring agencies, implement the necessary procedures to assure compliance, and reporting potential issues to supervisor; Conduct safety training for volunteers and identify safety/warehouse training for staff as needed.

9. Provide oversight, as needed, in the absence of Assistant Warehouse Manager and CNP Program Manager

10. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Key Competencies Problem solving, Workplace safety Awareness, taking initiative, teamwork, Leadership, communication, inventory management, material handling, time management, adaptability, equipment operation.

Skills and Abilities

• Bi-Lingual; Spanish fluency required

• Data entry and basic computer skills, general proficiency in MS Office, Excel, and outlook required

• Ability to work independently, take direction and work well under pressure

• Volunteer engagement and supervision experience preferred

• Ability to manage and direct groups to provide client service and complete projects

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Excellent database and file management skills

Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• 1-year electric pallet jack experience

• 1 year of warehouse experience required

• Basic knowledge of the varieties of fruits, vegetables, and good nutrition

• At least one year driving experience including box truck or stake bed

Certificates & Licenses

• Serve Safe Certification preferred

• Forklift Certification required

• Current CA Driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Physical Demands Lift/Carry

Stand F

Walk F

Sit F

Handling / Fingering F

Reach Outward F

Reach Above Shoulder F

Climb N

Crawl N

Squat or Kneel O

Bend F

10 lbs or less F

11-20 lbs F

21-50 lbs F

51-100 lbs O

Over 100 lbs O

Push/Pull

12 lbs or less C

13-25 lbs C

26-40 lbs F

41-100 lbs F

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The ability to interact with staff and volunteers (at all levels) in a high-paced environment, sometimes under pressure and deadlines, in a setting that values urgency, safety, organization, and consistent follow-through.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong decision-making ability and attention to detail are equally important.

• Fast-paced, high-volume work environment

• Frequent lifting, carrying, and moving of materials (may exceed 25–50 lbs)

• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and reaching

• Operation of warehouse equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, carts)

• Exposure to varying temperatures (heat, cold, or refrigerated areas)

• Noisy environment with machinery and equipment in operation

• Strict adherence to safety protocols and PPE requirements

• Indoor and/or outdoor work depending on facility and tasks

• Team-oriented setting with close coordination between staff and programs

• Repetitive tasks requiring attention to detail and accuracy

• Time-sensitive deadlines

The above statements reflect the essential functions considered necessary to describe the principal content of the job. They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be inherent in the job. MEND is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. MEND fosters a culture that honors different perspectives, opinions, and backgrounds. All employees must provide documentation demonstrating right to work in the U.S. at the time of hire.