Dock Operations Associate - Mornings

Dock Operations Associate

Department: Warehouse Operations

Reports To: Warehouse Manager / Warehouse Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time - Mornings

Position Summary

The Dock Operations Associate is responsible for supporting both inbound and outbound warehouse operations by receiving incoming shipments, transporting inventory to designated refrigerated storage areas, assisting with the efficient loading of customer deliveries, and maintaining the continuous flow of products throughout the warehouse. This position plays a vital role in ensuring inventory is received, stored, staged, and moved safely while supporting operational efficiency across the warehouse. Dock Operations Associates work closely with Warehouse Loading Associates, Order Selectors, Forklift Operators, and Delivery Drivers to support daily warehouse operations and exceptional customer service.

Essential Functions

• Receive and unload inbound deliveries from farms, vendors, suppliers, and distribution partners using manual and/or electric pallet jacks.
• Inspect incoming shipments for accuracy, visible damage, quality concerns, and receiving discrepancies.
• Transport received products to designated refrigerated, freezer, or dry storage locations while following proper food safety and product handling procedures.
• Stage outbound pallets in designated dock areas for loading.
• Assist with loading customer delivery trucks safely and efficiently.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient receiving and shipping dock.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, OSHA, and company safety procedures.
• Report damaged products, equipment malfunctions, shipment discrepancies, and safety concerns to supervision.
• Work collaboratively with Warehouse Loading Associates, Order Selectors, Forklift Operators, Delivery Drivers, and supervisors to support daily dock operations.
• Perform other dock-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Work experience in warehouse, shipping, receiving, distribution, logistics, or material handling.
• Experience unloading trailers or delivery trucks in a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Experience operating manual and/or electric pallet jacks.
• Ability to safely lift, push, pull, and carry up to 75 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, twist, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout an entire shift.
• Ability to work in refrigerated, freezer, and warehouse environments for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced dock environment.
• Demonstrated reliability, strong work ethic, consistent attendance, and punctuality.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen in accordance with company policy.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship by Brothers Food Service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in foodservice distribution, grocery distribution, produce distribution, or refrigerated warehouse operations.
• Previous forklift operating experience or forklift certification preferred but not required.
• Experience working in refrigerated and freezer environments.
• Experience using RF scanners, warehouse management systems (WMS), or inventory management technology.
• Knowledge of food safety, cold chain handling, and safe material handling practices.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of warehouse receiving, shipping, and dock operations.
• Ability to safely unload, transport, stage, and load products using warehouse equipment.
• Strong understanding of safe material handling and food safety practices.
• Ability to work efficiently while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to identify and report damaged products, shipment discrepancies, and safety concerns.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds.
• Frequently stand and walk throughout the workday.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, twisting, climbing, and reaching.
• Ability to work in refrigerated, freezer, and warehouse environments for extended periods.
• Ability to safely work around forklifts, pallet jacks, moving trailers, and warehouse traffic.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical work throughout scheduled shifts.

Work Environment

This position works primarily on warehouse receiving and shipping docks, as well as refrigerated, freezer, and warehouse storage areas. Employees are routinely exposed to varying temperatures, warehouse traffic, moving equipment, loading and unloading activities, and moderate to high noise levels. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required based on operational needs.

Schedule Expectations

• Early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on business needs.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to successful job performance.

Benefits

Brothers Food Service offers a competitive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Growth and Development Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Brothers Food Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Brothers Food Service reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove job duties as business needs require. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.