West Warehouse Worker

Based in Portland, OR

Equal Exchange is a fair trade worker cooperative and coffee roaster headquartered in West Bridgewater, MA. Founded in 1986, our mission is to create more fair trade relationships between farmers and consumers. We bypass the conventional marketing system by cutting out middlemen and buying directly from farmer cooperatives. This position will work in the Portland, Oregon facility.

Job Description

  • Regular, non-exempt (hourly) position on worker-owner track

  • Hours: 40 hours per week, M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm

  • Pay: $19/hour

  • Reports to: Sales-Operations Manager, West

  • Responsible for: General Warehouse Operations

  • Location: Portland, OR

  • Benefits: Health/dental/vision insurance coverage, vacations, holidays, sick days, clothing and footwear allowance, eligibility for worker ownership

Qualifications

  • An interest in the mission of Equal Exchange.

  • Ability to communicate and problem-solve effectively with customers and team members.

  • Ability to manage time and responsibilities, be flexible & manage several tasks at once.

  • A desire to learn and contribute to the success of the organization.

  • Enjoy working as part of a team, while still performing tasks independently.

  • Good computer skills.

  • Previous experience in warehouse work is desirable but not mandatory.

  • Ability to work on your feet and to do extensive lifting is required, including boxes ranging from 5lbs - 50lbs.

  • Ability to pay attention to detail and work accurately.

  • Willingness to do other tasks as needed to support the team as requested by the supervisor.

  • Forklift experience preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

  • Order-Picking: Pick orders effectively and accurately using pick sheets and handheld devices. Address any inventory discrepancies discovered while picking.

  • Shipping/Receiving: Prepare orders for UPS and freight shipments in time for daily deadlines. Fill out all paperwork necessary for each outbound and inbound shipment. Unload deliveries; quality control of packages; ensure product rotation.

  • Stocking & Clean up: Restock daily, following systems set up to ensure product rotation. Keep the warehouse clean and organized. Remove/repack damaged products from picking locations. Regularly inspect the exterior of the building for graffiti (paint over as needed) and keep the exterior free of debris such as litter and leaves.

  • Other: Support team members as needed or directed with miscellaneous tasks.

To Apply

Please submit resumes and answers to the following questions to pdxhiring@equalexchange.coop

  1. How does this position in distribution help Equal Exchange fulfill its commitment to small farmers?

  2. You’ve been hired as an EE West worker-owner track employee. You’ve discovered there are days when you’re not as busy as others in normal work activity. There are no packages to pack, the phones are quiet and your supervisor is absent. What comes to mind?

  3. This position involves repetitive physical labor: fulfilling orders, unloading deliveries, working in extreme temperatures and communicating with customer service when needed. Please share some relevant past work experience that shows your qualifications for thriving in these conditions.