Food Pantry Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The Downtown Pet Pantry Assistant supports IndyHumane's Community Outreach programs by assisting with the daily operations of the Downtown Pet Pantry. This position helps receive, organize, and distribute donated pet food and supplies to animal shelters, rescue organizations, foster groups, and pet owners throughout Central Indiana. 

The Downtown Pet Pantry Assistant plays an important role in supporting underserved communities by ensuring pet owners have access to essential pet food and supplies while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient warehouse environment. This position requires strong teamwork, customer service, organization, and the ability to perform physically demanding work in a warehouse setting. 

Essential Job Functions 

Warehouse Operations 

• Receive, sort, organize, and stock donated pet food and supplies. 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized warehouse environment. 
• Prepare supplies for distribution to shelters, rescue groups, foster organizations, and community members. 
• Assist with inventory organization and stock rotation. 
• Maintain warehouse cleanliness and organization throughout the workday. 

Distribution & Community Support 

• Assist community members, rescue organizations, shelters, and foster groups with receiving pet food and supplies. 
• Provide courteous and professional customer service during all interactions. 
• Support IndyHumane's mission by helping improve access to pet resources within underserved communities. 

Equipment Operation 

• Operate forklifts and other warehouse equipment safely after successful completion of required training and certification. 
• Load and unload delivery trucks. Occasionally load pallet in client vehicles. 
• Move pallets safely throughout the warehouse. 
• Store and retrieve palletized inventory from warehouse shelving. 
• Report equipment or facility concerns to leadership promptly. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work collaboratively with Community Outreach staff, volunteers, and organizational partners. 
• Communicate professionally with coworkers, volunteers, donors, and community members. 
• Assist with special projects and outreach initiatives as assigned. 

Safety & Compliance 

• Follow all workplace safety procedures and warehouse operating protocols. 
• Utilize proper lifting techniques and equipment. 
• Maintain awareness of warehouse hazards and changing environmental conditions. 
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Assist with departmental projects and community outreach initiatives. 
• Support other IndyHumane departments as operational needs require. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• Previous warehouse, customer service, retail, or distribution experience preferred. 
• Previous experience working in a team environment is preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Excellent attendance record. 
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing daily needs. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Willingness to learn forklift operation and become forklift certified. 
• Commitment to IndyHumane's mission and values. 

Licenses & Certifications 

• Forklift certification not required upon hire but must be obtained through employer-provided training if assigned. 
• Drivers Licenses with insurable driving record required

Preferred Qualifications 

• Warehouse or inventory experience. 
• Forklift experience. 
• Experience working in nonprofit or community outreach environments. 
• Experience working with volunteers. 
• Customer service experience. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely. 
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. 
• Ability to bend, squat, reach, and perform repetitive lifting throughout the workday. 
• Ability to safely load and unload deliveries. 

Work Environment & Potential Exposures 

This position operates primarily in a warehouse environment with exposure to changing temperatures, dust, delivery vehicles, warehouse equipment, and frequent lifting. 

Potential exposures include: 

• Warehouse dust and varying temperatures. 
• Forklifts and warehouse equipment. 
• Repetitive lifting and material handling. 
• Indoor and outdoor loading areas. 
• Fast-paced distribution environment. 

Employees are expected to follow all workplace safety procedures and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. 

• Core Competencies 
• Customer Service 
• Teamwork & Collaboration 
• Organization 
• Time Management 
• Adaptability & Flexibility 
• Reliability 
• Safety Awareness 
• Communication Skills 
• Attention to Detail 
• Accountability 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

IndyHumane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement 

IndyHumane is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. 

At-Will Employment Disclaimer 

Employment with IndyHumane is at-will. Either the employee or IndyHumane may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause, subject to applicable law. 

Job Description Disclaimer 

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required. IndyHumane reserves the right to modify responsibilities and requirements based on organizational needs. 

Safety Statement 

Employees are expected to comply with all workplace safety standards, warehouse operating procedures, equipment safety requirements, organizational policies, and OSHA-related safety practices. 

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