What are the responsibilities and job description for the WAREHOUSE & UTILITIES ASSISTANT position at MEALS ON WHEELS PEOPLE INC?
Meals on Wheels People is an organization founded in and by the community! Over the past 50 years, our non-profit has helped thousands of older adults in the Portland Metro area keep their independence through weekly meal delivery and social connections. Our culture reflects our five values: integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and TEAMWORK. With over 20 meal delivery centers throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties, our staff and thousands of volunteers ensure that no adult over 60 goes hungry or experiences social isolation.
Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your well-being. Enjoy the benefits of a four-day workweek, ample quality time off, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k)-retirement plan, pet insurance, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, an Employee Assistance Program, and mileage reimbursement.
We are seeking a Warehouse & Distribution Associate who is responsible for the safe and timely distribution of prepared and unprepared food products, beverages, and center supplies from the Central Kitchen to Meals on Wheels People dining sites using a 24-foot delivery truck. This role supports warehouse operations by receiving, organizing, and preparing products for delivery, ensuring accuracy, proper labeling, and compliance with food safety standards. Additional responsibilities include maintaining inventory records, assisting with food production, and packaging as needed, and upholding strict sanitation and safety protocols in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Driving & Delivery
- Load daily meals, beverages, produce and supplies onto the delivery truck.
- Deliver food, supplies, inter-office mail, and equipment to designated dining centers, ensuring proper placement.
- Verify accuracy of distributed products and maintain secure, organized carriers.
- Complete daily delivery logs and perform routine truck maintenance checks.
- Ensure compliance with all State and Federal driver safety regulations.
Warehouse Operations
- Receive and inspect vendor deliveries; record temperatures and properly date to all incoming products.
- Maintain accurate inventory records and complete monthly and quarterly inventory counts.
- Monitor and log temperatures for walk-in coolers and freezers.
- Safely wrap and store pallets for future transport.
- Organize and pack frozen food in walk-in coolers; report stock levels and ensure accurate counts for shipments.
- Prepare carriers for distribution, ensuring correct quantities, labeling, sealing, and completion of carrier tags.
- Ensure accurate carrier loading and adapt shelving to operational needs.
- Verify product quality and portioning compliance prior to shipment.
- Coordinate and complete weekly shipments to dining centers and contract locations.
- Maintain warehouse security and monitor incoming/outgoing products and personnel.
- Perform routine maintenance on carts and shelving units.
- Assist with food preparation and packaging for all programs as needed.
- Maintain cleanliness of equipment, carriers, coolers, and loading zones daily.
- Uphold strict adherence to sanitation standards and food safety regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education & Knowledge
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Working knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures.
- Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certificate or ability to obtain within two weeks of hire.
- Familiarity with inventory management systems and food service software.
- Understanding of basic warehouse operations and food distribution processes.
Skills, Abilities & Experience
- Excellent driving record; must be insurable under Meals on Wheels People’s insurance policy.
- Minimum one year of experience operating delivery trucks (24 ft. or larger); two years preferred.
- Strong knowledge of safe driving practices and compliance with State and Federal regulations.
- Ability to operate electric pallet jacks, hand trucks, and lift gates safely.
- Experience handling high-volume food and non-food supplies while maintaining accurate inventory.
- Basic math, reading, and computer skills for inventory tracking and invoice reconciliation.
- Ability to process and reconcile invoices using food service software (e.g., Galley).
- Competence in maintaining temperature logs and adhering to food safety standards.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, collaborative environment.
- Effective communication skills for coordinating deliveries and warehouse operations.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Previous experience in warehouse operations and inventory control.
Any satisfactory combination of experience, training, and/or education that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties may substitute for the listed qualifications.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
- Frequent exposure to cold environments (walk-in coolers and freezers).
- Regular delivery trucks, lift gates, pallet jacks, hand trucks, computers, and mobile devices.
- Extended periods of sitting while driving and standing during loading/unloading.
- High frequency of repetitive movements, including bending, reaching, and stooping.
- Ability to lift to 35 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Ability to stand for up to seven (7) hours per day.
- Must successfully pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and criminal background check.
Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an “at will” employment relationship.
Salary : $18 - $24