What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA Freezer Warehouse Specialist position at Food Bank of the Rockies?
Position Title: USDA Freezer Warehouse Specialist
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Operations Manager – Gov’t and Fulfillment
Location: Aurora
Compensation: $20.60 $.75 differential
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision, a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4.5% company match plus potential additional matching based on tenure, PTO, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid utility days
As the food bank with the largest service area in the contiguous United States, Food Bank of the Rockies is passionate about ensuring every community member has the resources they need to thrive. Supporting our Colorado and Wyoming communities begins with passionate, mission-driven individuals.
The USDA Freezer Warehouse Specialist is responsible for storing, staging, and packing food products within freezer environments while supporting United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program requirements. This role works closely with the USDA warehouse and distribution teams to pull, prepare, and distribute government food orders to partner agencies, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency in a cold storage setting.
The Food Bank’s team is dedicated to creating an efficient food distribution network to reduce and help end hunger across the state. Staff are committed to embodying the Food Bank’s organizational values and mission in all activities.
If you are looking for a mission-focused organization where innovation and teamwork are encouraged and new ideas are valued, then this is an ideal position for you.
The mission of Food Bank of the Rockies is to ignite the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. We provide food and necessities to people in need through signature programs and by teaming up with hundreds of Hunger Relief Partners to serve communities across Colorado and Wyoming. We believe that for a community to thrive, every person must have the resources they need to flourish, and we strive to provide proper nourishment for every neighbor.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Store, stage, and pack food products within freezer units (Main and Staging)
- Pull and prepare USDA orders accurately and in a timely manner based on priority
- Maintain full pick locations, including restacking and reorganizing product for maximum efficiency
- Verify all orders for accuracy and correct discrepancies as needed
- Restock product following USDA and food safety storage guidelines
- Load and unload inbound/outbound shipments safely; move product to appropriate freezer storage locations
- Operate material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jacks) to transport and store product
- Maintain accurate inventory through cycle counts, product tracking, and system updates (e.g., Ceres ERP)
- Research inventory discrepancies and assist with zero-count verification
- Rebuild or correct orders when selection errors occur
- Monitor and control access to picking areas, ensuring only authorized staff and volunteers are present
- Support training and direction of volunteers as needed
- Maintain freezer areas in a clean, organized, and audit-ready condition
- Ensure compliance with USDA, Feeding America (FA), American Institute of Baking (AIB), and organizational standards
- Replenish distribution bins and support overall warehouse flow between dry, cooler, and freezer areas
- Secure distribution and freezer areas at the end of each shift
- Follow all safety guidelines and regulations
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong commitment to organizational mission and ability to represent the organization professionally
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, temperature-controlled (freezer) environment
- Strong attention to detail, especially related to order accuracy and inventory integrity
- Effective problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines consistently
- Comfortable working both independently and within a team environment
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with staff and volunteers
- Basic computer skills and ability to learn warehouse management systems (Ceres ERP preferred)
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Extended periods working in freezer conditions (approximately -5°F)
- Standing and walking for long periods; intermittent sitting
- Frequent use of warehouse equipment including forklifts and pallet jacks
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.regularly
- Ability to push/pull pallets up to 2,000 lbs. using manual or powered equipment
- Exposure to varying warehouse temperatures (freezer, cooler, ambient)
- Requires visual accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
Required Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent required
- Prior warehouse or order fulfillment experience preferred
- Experience working in cold storage or freezer environments preferred
- Forklift certification preferred (or ability to obtain)
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and warehouse systems a plus
Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position working approximately 40 hours per week. Schedules may vary and include weekdays, evenings, and occasional Saturdays. Working from 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Compensation:
$20.60 $.75 differential
Benefits:
At Food Bank of the Rockies, we provide a fulfilling workplace along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Generous Paid Time Off: Flexible paid time off, including 10 paid holidays, sick leave, and opportunities for paid volunteer time.
- Robust Retirement Plan: A 401(k) retirement plan with a 4.5% employer match, plus additional matching based on tenure for a total potential match of up to 8.5%, to support your long-term financial security.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Competitive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans to support your meet your and your family’s needs.
- Medical and Parental Leave: Leave time is offered through the Colorado-funded FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) Program.
- Bilingual Incentive: A monthly incentive for certified bilingual staff, recognizing and rewarding your valuable language skills.
To Apply:
Apply online through www.foodbankrockies.org/careers. Applications will be accepted until April 23, 2026.
Thinking about applying?
True passion and excitement for making an impact are just as important as work experience.
We encourage you to apply even if you feel you don't check every box in this posting.
Food Bank of the Rockies is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), M/F/D/V/SO.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities in order to participate in the application or interview process.
If you require any accommodation, please contact us at hr@foodbankrockies.org or 303-371-9250.
Salary : $21