Food Warehouse Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join Us in the Fight Against Hunger!
At the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, we believe in a future where no one goes hungry. Our mission is simple but powerful: Nourish people. Build solutions. Connect communities.
We're looking for passionate, dedicated people to bring their talents to an organization where every role makes a real difference. Guided by our values - Integrity, Compassion, Dedication, Teamwork , and Fun - we work hard, support one another, and celebrate the impact we create together.
If you're ready to put purpose at the center of your career, we'd love to have you on our team!
Position Summary
The Warehouse Associate works within a team environment to ensure that accurate shipping and receiving, order selecting, and accompanying paperwork processes are executed. The Warehouse Associate will perform hands-on storage. distribution, hand selecting and palletizing duties in the dry warehouse, freezer, refrigerator, produce cooler, and receiving/storage areas. Additionally, the role is responsible for all warehouse technology tools and processes, including receiving, distribution, inventory control, filling orders and all other aspects of warehousing.
This position is scheduled to work Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 4:00 pm in the Durham location.
Primary Responsibilities
(75%) Ensure proper implementation of procedures related to receipt of incoming products, distribution of outgoing products, and order selection.

• Adhere to all food safety regulations and Food Bank standard operating procedures.
• Adhere to all standard operating procedures and warehouse technology tools and processes.
• Effectively disburse products into appropriate locations within the warehouse.
• Implement FIFO/FEFO (First In-First Out, First Expired-First Out) rules regarding all products.
• Proactively inspect perishable products to ensure quality control and inform relevant staff of product integrity.
• Operate an electric pallet jack or forklift, hand selecting and palletizing products from the various warehouse environments (including dry, cooler, and freezer).
• Stack product on pallets in accordance with proper selection procedures (eg., no stacking heavy-on-light, non-food separate from food, etc.).
• Ensure accurate selection and clearly legible recording of orders.
• Follow inventory cycle count procedures as prescribed by the Inventory Control Team and participate in cycle counting of products to maintain an accurate inventory at all times.

(25%) Be a team player and work to maintain a safe and collaborative environment.

• Maintain a safe and accident-free workplace environment.
• Execute safe forklift and other warehouse equipment handling procedures, maintain warehouse equipment, and report any equipment issues to the appropriate supervisor immediately. Perform pre- and post-trip inspections.
• Work collaboratively with other warehouse team members on priorities for shipping, receiving and disbursement of product.
• Help maintain the upkeep and appropriate appearance, cleanliness, and order of the warehouse.
• Perform other duties as directed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Education

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent experience. An equivalent combination of education and directly related professional experience may substitute.

Certifications

• Forklift Certification or the ability to get certified.

Experience

• 2 years of experience working in a warehouse, food distribution, food service, or other regulated environment.

Skills & Abilities
Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, stretching, bending, and turning.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and physically demanding environments.

Technical & Operational Requirements

• Ability to perform basic math functions.
• Ability to successfully complete all required food safety training.

Competencies:

• Teamwork - Ability to work cooperatively with others toward a common goal.
• Collaboration - Ability to work effectively across teams, departments, and functions to achieve shared goals.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills - Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to support positive working relationships.
• Operational Knowledge - Understanding of warehouse operations, inventory processes, quality standards, and workplace safety practices.
• Adaptability & Reliability - Ability to work in fast-paced environments, adjust to changing operational needs, and consistently follow through on responsibilities.
• Safety Mindset - Commitment to maintaining safe work practices and supporting operational compliance and food safety standards.

Physical Demands
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• Talk, hear, and interact without deliberate impediment (e.g., wearing or listening to headphones, etc.);
• Sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• Lift and carry loads of up to 60 pounds for short distances (less than 50 feet)
• To reach for and/or lift upward with their arms and hands to heights of 6 feet or greater.
• To twist their body right or left, often repeatedly.

The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, and to stoop, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions described.
Work Environment
General warehouse environments, including refrigerator, produce cooler, and freezer with temperatures ranging from -10 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Some protective clothing will be provided and must be worn for this work.

• While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is required to work in a warehouse setting.
• The employee will be required to interact with Food Bank personnel in the warehouse(s).
• The employee will occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• Safety toe footwear with non-skid soles is required.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• The warehouse can be extremely cold at times and extremely hot during the summer months.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the job holder will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential functions and skills required of personnel so classified.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not regard race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or any protected class characteristic when seeking to hire. This practice, in addition to hiring, applies to our recruiting, training, transfers, promotions, job benefits, pay, dismissal practices, social and recreational activities, and any other term or condition of employment.
We care about our employees, our candidates, and our community. As such, please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits For You
We help YOU thrive. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to help deliver on our work to Nourish People, Build Solutions, and Connect Communities. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Health Spending Accounts + Employer Contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time off: including Holidays, Personal, Vacation, and Sick Time
• 403(b) with 5% Match after 90 days
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 100% Employer paid STD and LTD Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Group Life Insurance
• Voluntary benefits including Accident and Critical Illnes