IOC Produce Clerk at Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

POSITION: IOC Produce Clerk

SUPERVISOR: Inventory Control Manager

STATUS: Hourly/Non-Exempt

PAY RANGE: $19.00-$22.00 Hourly 

The base pay offered will consider internal equity and may vary based on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other factors.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

The mission of the Food Bank is to mobilize resources to fight hunger in our community.  To fulfill our mission, we source and acquire nutritious food and other products and distribute them to people experiencing nutrition insecurity through our partner agency network and directly through programs; energize the community to get involved and support hunger relief; and conduct hunger and nutrition education and awareness campaigns and advocate for public policies that benefit the people we serve.  Food Bank employees are hired because of their unique skills, diverse perspective, and their commitment to our mission. This means that each of us, working together, will do all that we can to fulfill our vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County. Our core values include: Respect, Stewardship & Accountability, Collaboration, Urgency, Service, Integrity and Diversity. Our organization is committed to maintaining a positive and engaging workplace for all employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The IOC Produce Clerk is responsible for ensuring the highest quality and freshness of all produce delivered to the Food Bank. This role involves inspecting all incoming produce deliveries and donations meticulously to minimize damage and spoilage. The clerk serves as the resident subject matter expert on produce. They will follow established protocols for receiving, code dating, storing, and ensuring accuracy in product rotation and protection. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Inventory and Order Management: Remove any damaged or expired items to maintain the highest level of quality. Serves as customer service liaison with all registered agencies for placement of orders. Enters orders received (data entry) and/or prepares invoices based on agency orders using Navision. Handles all duties relative to customer service by handling phone calls, providing agency or general Food Bank information with regard to products available, delivery or pick-up date scheduling, and providing service to agency representatives at IOC desk/window. Maintains current stock information of all commodities within WMS (Navision). Handles special program (CSFP, CACFP, MFM, etc.) invoicing and related reporting. Establishes and maintains master files for products. Assists IOC managers, supervisors, and leads with training, cross-training efforts, and physical inventory preparation and counts. Verify product is wholesome /nutritional for consumption. Verify code dates are within Food Bank guidelines. Ensure the product is received and put away within an expected amount of time. Verify product is being entered into the Warehouse Management System correctly. Verify receiving documents are correct and accounted for.  Ensure that Receiving Processes and Procedures are being followed.

Produce Quality Control: Inspect all produce deliveries and donations. Ensure freshness and quality of all produce, minimizing damage and spoilage. Serve as resident subject matter expert on produce. Examines the rotation of all produce. Ensuring first in, first out procedures (FIFO). Follow approved procedures for receiving, code dating, storing, and accuracy and product rotation and protection. Remove any damaged or expired items to maintain the highest level of quality

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or completion of vocational college courses is preferred.

• Previous experience as a produce clerk and/or quality control clerk within a warehouse or distribution setting, or equivalent training.

• A minimum of 2 years experience in food retail and perishables (Meat Seafood, Dairy, and Produce).

• Maintain and update California Food Handlers Permit as needed.

• Be knowledgeable in and able to differentiate between various types of produce and related merchandise including seasonality, and differences between varieties of similar classes of products (i.e. different types of apples, potatoes, etc.).

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• Proficient in data entry and skilled with computer applications.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite; experience with ERP systems is a plus.

• Comfortable using general office equipment.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to work in a Freezer, Cooler, and Dry environment for extended periods of time.

• Detail-oriented with strong mathematical aptitude.

• Passion for the Food Bank’s mission and commitment to the values of the organization: inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, respect, stewardship & accountability, collaboration, urgency, service, integrity, and diversity.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical: Employee HMO coverage as little as $10 per bi-weekly paycheck and access to Nonstop Health funds

• Dental: Employee HMO coverage available at no cost

• Vision: Comprehensive vision insurance with generous allowances for examinations and material costs 

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability

• Optional Long-Term Care Insurance

• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with expanded Mental Health 

• Employee recognition programs

• Growth & career development support for professional certifications and additional training resources

• Vacation: Two weeks annually for the first three years

• Holiday: Nine paid holidays; eligible upon date of hire

• Sick Leave Time available

As a part of the Food Bank’s pre-employment screening process, all potential employees are subject to a Criminal Background Check.

In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is proud to be an “Equal Opportunity Employer.” Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Food Bank fosters an organizational culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, and serve in a rapidly changing world. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.