Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst 

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. 

Job Summary 

Receive, store and distribute goods, materials and supplies.  Receive product, inspect and compare quantities and prices of product by using the FoodPro Software System.  May work in the freezer.  Assist in maintaining inventory.  Perform administrative duties requiring a degree of decisions for conformance with regulations, application of schedules and coordination of activities.  Maintain the First In First Out Program (FIFO), responsible for all records and assemble and package all food, supplies, materials and equipment for distribution. 

Essential Functions 

• Unpacks and examines incoming goods to verify quality, quantity and condition of goods for conformance to specifications, including counting, weighing and sorting the incoming articles. 
• Stores goods, supplies and equipment in appropriate storage areas. 
• Issues supplies, materials and equipment to uses in accordance with established procedures. 
• Maintains records of items received, issued and shipped in accordance with established procedures. 
• Takes physical inventory of supplies and equipment to determine actual amounts on hand, to reconcile stock records, to detect spoilage or variances in quantity. 
• Performs related duties such as loading and unloading items to and from trucks; maintaining general appearance of stockroom, storeroom or warehouse; weighing materials; operating mechanical or power driven equipment such as skid jacks and dollies to move material. 
• Maintain liaison with vendors and suppliers in order to exchange information and resolve problems. 
• Review storeroom records for accuracy of information, compliance with department procedures and to determine stock levels. 
• Review requisitions, invoices, orders and other records to determine resources required to meet needs, to determine availability of goods and to ensure accuracy and completeness of documents. 
• Provide on-the-job training for subordinate employees engaged in the receipt, storage and delivery of goods in the assigned area. 
• Oversee activities of subordinate storeroom workers in loading, unloading, storing and distributing materials and equipment to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. 

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License. 
• High school diploma or equivalent or two years of working experience in receiving, storing and issue functions. 
• Knowledge of preparation and packing of material for shipping. 
• Knowledge of storekeeping methods and practices (i.e., handling equipment used in storekeeping and skilled in operation of material handling equipment). 
• Knowledge of the terminology, coding, symbols and standard abbreviations used in storekeeping. 
• Knowledge of food temperature and preservation of foods. 
• Extensive knowledge of receiving methods and practices. 
• Ability to prepare statistical reports defining types and volume of shipments, peak workloads, etc., as required by immediate supervisor. 
• Ability to prepare written correspondence on overdue orders or identified discrepancies. 
• Physical ability to handle bulky or heavy stock items, equipment and supplies within established health and safety standards as defined by State and University regulations and defined in current collective bargaining agreements. 
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with other employees and the public. 
• Knowledge of vehicles, material handling equipment and minor preventative maintenance service. 
• Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, codes and/or symbols. 
• Familiarity with office machines (i.e., computer, FAX machine, word processing and calculating equipment). 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions 

• Ability to balance, carry, pull/push, stand, bend, drive, reach, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movement. 
• Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs repeatedly. Must be able to stand for hours at a time. Must be comfortable working in walk in freezer and/or refrigerator. 
• May be exposed to the harmful effects of chemicals, gases, fumes, radioactive and/or flammable materials and temperature extremes, may work varied shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.   

Additional Details

• This position is designated as essential. 
• Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e. ServSafe). 

Work Schedule

• 40 hours per week; varies based on department needs; may include nights, weekends, and holidays. 
• 35 week minimum. 

Salary Information 

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 11