Warehouse Associate #1

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Warehouse Team Lead, the warehouse associate is responsible for efficiently, accurately, and safely receiving, warehousing, and shipping raw materials and finished goods in compliance with SQF policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process, package, inspect, and ship orders accurately and efficiently
• Inspect products for defects and damages
• Examine outgoing shipments for packaging integrity, accurate labeling, and shelf-life requirements.
• Pull and palletize orders, help load palletized product into trucks with the forklift or pallet jack.
• Check with drivers that their PO# matches the goods being shipped
• Check the conditions of the trailer as instructed on the BOL.
• Check and confirm the temperature of the trailer is between 32&degree; F – 40&degree; F.
• Ensure that drivers sign and date the bill of lading
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment, ensuring compliance with company safety protocols and sanitation standards.
• Receive, unload, inspect, and properly store incoming inventory materials.
• Follow all company policies and procedures related to food safety, occupational health and safety, and general workplace conduct.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement efforts by sharing ideas to optimize warehouse processes and procedures.
• Accurately pick and stage raw materials as required to fulfill production work orders.
• Return any unused raw materials to their designated inventory storage locations.
• Organize materials in accordance with FIFO (First In, First Out) principles to ensure proper inventory rotation and minimize waste.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of Cooler 5 and the adjacent loading dock area.
• Assist with the preparation and transfer of finished goods to designated cooler storage areas (Coolers 6 and 7).
• Support other warehouse operations including picking sales orders, conducting cycle counts, and organizing warehouse supplies as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall warehouse operations.

Shipping & Order Fulfillment:

• Process, package, inspect, and ship orders accurately and efficiently.
• Inspect products for defects and damages prior to shipment.
• Examine outgoing shipments for proper packaging, accurate labeling, and adherence to shelf-life requirements.
• Pull and palletize orders; assist in loading palletized product into trucks using forklifts or pallet jacks.

Receiving:

• Unload trucks and move materials to designated inventory locations.

• Label all incoming products to ensure FIFO inventory management and accurate lot traceability.
• Inspect incoming deliveries for accuracy against packing slips and for any visual damage to goods.
• Ensure all truck drivers sign the trucker log and that the receiving checklist is completed.

General Responsibilities

• Abide by all company policies regarding food safety, occupational safety, and workplace conduct.
• Report all injuries, accidents, or unsafe conditions immediately to a supervisor or manager.
• Contribute ideas for improving and optimizing warehousing procedures and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or management.

Qualifications/ Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age to comply with applicable safety, driving, and/or insurance requirements.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in warehouse operations, inventory control, or a similar role in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Valid California driver’s license and ability to meet company driving eligibility standards.
• Forklift certification with a minimum of 2 years of safe operation experience; must meet OSHA standards for industrial equipment use.
• Proficiency in inventory software systems, data entry, and basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Excel, inventory tracking tools).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve inventory or shipping discrepancies accurately.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English, required for reading safety instructions, documenting inventory, and interacting with drivers, vendors, and coworkers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical and mental requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout an 8–10 hour shift.
• Use hands to grip, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Reach with arms and hands above shoulder height and below the waist.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed to complete tasks or access inventory.
• Climb ladders or step stools to retrieve or store materials at varying heights.
• Communicate effectively, including speaking, hearing, reading, and writing in English.
• Regularly lift, move, or carry boxes and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Perform tasks that require manual dexterity and fine motor skills.

• Tolerate exposure to a moderate to high noise environment, with a time-weighted average of up to 85 dBA over an 8-hour shift.

• Work in varying temperatures, including refrigerated and dry storage areas.
• See clearly at close and long distances, perceive colors and depth, and adjust focus as needed (visual acuity requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception).
• Maintain attention to detail while multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Exercise sound judgment under pressure and respond to changing production and delivery schedules.
• Communicate effectively across departments and provide clear direction to team members.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and workflows.
• Follow established safety protocols and adapt quickly to new procedures or compliance requirements.

Work Environment

This position operates in a refrigerated warehouse and dairy manufacturing environment. The Warehouse Lead will be exposed to varying temperatures, including cold storage areas, and may occasionally work in warm or humid conditions near production equipment. The role requires regular exposure to:

• Moderate to high noise levels from machinery and equipment (hearing protection may be required).
• Strong dairy-related odors and cleaning chemicals used in sanitation processes.
• Wet or slippery floors due to routine cleaning and product handling.
• Frequent movement through production, shipping, and storage areas.

The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring close coordination with production and logistics teams. Employees must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safety protocols, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Compensation and Benefits

Bellwether Farms is committed to pay equity and transparency in alignment with California law. The anticipated hourly pay range for this position is $23.00 – $25.00. This range is provided as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligibility begins after 30 days of employment)

• 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Access to company products and employee discounts

Bellwether Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.