Distribution Assistant/Senior Distribution Assistant

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Distribution Assistant/Senior Distribution Assistant. Reporting to the appropriate Distribution Supervisor and under general direction, provides assistance and support to a broad range of Institution operations and services. Duties may be concentrated in a particular area and/or across multiple service functions, in response to staffing and workload needs. General areas of operation include Building Services, Food Services, Receiving & Mail Services, and Shipping & Warehouse Services. This is a full-time, non-exempt position and is eligible for benefits.

Building Services: Transports, delivers, moves and/or assembles furniture, laboratory supplies, telephone books, computer reports and equipment, etc. to and between Institution buildings and, as necessary, to warehouse facilities for storage and/or disposal; loads and unloads trucks, operates forklifts and other material handling equipment; drives Institution vehicles to deliver/pick up materials, on campus as well as long distance; installs/maintains Institution signs; maintains cleanliness in work area and removes refuse in areas bordering building entrances and walkways including snow shoveling; monitors Institution parking lots and docks to insure secure and validated parking operations; may transport visitors and personnel to special events; may assist in room set-ups and food/beverage deliveries for Institution meetings, conferences and functions.

Food Services: Prepares, serves and sells morning coffee-break snacks and light lunches for Institution personnel; occasionally shops for supplies; receives deliveries and stores supplies in proper location; washes dishes and utensils; keeps food service facility in order; works with food service equipment.

Receiving & Mail Services: Verifies incoming shipments, inspects containers for damage, reconciles items and purchase orders, and initiates receipt documentation through data entry process; routes capital items through Property Office for inventory tagging and coordinates with Purchasing Department or originator to resolve shipping related questions; sizes, weighs, packs and labels outbound materials for shipment, initiates shipping documentation for domestic and foreign needs according to appropriate shipping regulations and procedures.

Performs duties related to the processing, delivery and pick up of outgoing/incoming postal and interoffice mail and packages according to a prescribed schedule and appropriate government postal regulations and procedures; weighs, stamps, and /or makes proper arrangements for mail service; maintains logs of postage charges, receipt forms and other records as required.

Shipping & Warehouse Services: Performs daily warehouse operations. Assists regular work assignments in accordance with regulations and operations policies. Assists with flow of materials in and out of Quissett Warehouse and other storage areas and maintains inventory and location database of all stored items, including containers and portable vans. Attends to requests for deliveries, pick-up's and other warehouse labor services; works with Shipping Office to pick up items for outbound shipments; works with the Property Office in locating department properties. Enters computer records of requests. Generates records of unused items in storage for disposal or re-utilization. Operates equipment appropriate to function, needs and licensing (cranes, forklifts, hoists, flatbed trucks, etc.).

General: Follows prescribed safety procedures and regulations, keeps supervisor informed of unusual activities, circumstances, staffing needs and resources and materials needed to support operations;

Non-Essential Functions:

Performs related duties as required.

Distribution Assistant:

High School Graduate or GED preferred.

1-year of relevant experience preferred.

Valid Massachusetts driver’s license required.

Must be able to obtain a TWIC card.

Senior Distribution Assistant:

High School Graduate or GED preferred.

3-years of relevant experience required.

Valid Massachusetts driver’s license required

Must be able to obtain a TWIC card.

CDL preferred.

Applicants that do not currently hold a CDL-Class B license will be required to pass a DOT physical requirement upon attainment of the license as required by CFR 49.

Continued employment in the position requires successful completion of random drug tests and, every two years, a physical examination as required by CFR 49.

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status [vaccination plus booster] in order to begin your employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records, or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason. 

Physical requirements include but not limited to lifting to 30 lbs. and carrying 10 to 25 lbs. 10 times per day. Physical requirements also include frequent prolonged standing and walking, repetitive motion, kneeling, bending, stooping, twisting, climbing ladders/stools, use of hands for basic grasping/manipulation, use of hands for fine manipulation, and reaching above and below the shoulders. Occupational requirements include hearing, talking, understanding verbal instructions and safety warnings, working around others, working with others, and working alone. Must have manual dexterity to be able to work a cash register and use common kitchen tools (knives, slicer, etc.). Ability to read, write and speak English.