Warehouse and Surplus Specialist

Job Summary

Purdue University is seeking a Warehouse & Surplus Specialist to support and oversee the University's surplus property program. This position plays an important role in helping departments responsibly manage University assets through collection, redistribution, resale, recycling, and disposal activities while advancing sustainability goals and promoting effective stewardship of resources.

About the Role

The successful candidate will enjoy a balance of operational leadership, customer service, logistics coordination, and problem-solving in a dynamic environment. The department is continually seeking innovative ways to expand surplus operations, enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiencies, and generate opportunities for creativity, leadership, and professional growth.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily warehouse and surplus operations, ensuring efficient and safe workflows.
• Supervise, train, and support staff involved in receiving, inventorying, storing, and distributing surplus property.
• Cook up the collection, redistribution, resale, recycling, and disposal of University assets.
• Manage inventory records and oversee surplus sales activities to maximize asset recovery and revenue opportunities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for campus departments regarding surplus property disposition and related procedures.
• Promote sustainable practices through asset reuse, recycling initiatives, and responsible disposal methods.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and applicable regulations governing surplus property management.
• Maintain warehouse organization, operational efficiency, and customer service standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance program effectiveness.

Why Join Purdue?

This role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact across the University by helping departments maximize the value of their resources while supporting sustainability initiatives. You'll work with a diverse range of campus partners, lead meaningful operational efforts, and contribute to programs that create cost savings and environmental benefits for the University community.

About Us

Be a part of Administrative Operations—the organization that powers Purdue University by providing safe, reliable, and transformative services. We support the university’s day-to-day operations, as well as the strategic vision for the future. Administrative Operations delivers a wide range of essential services through various positions, including custodians, construction project managers, electricians, firefighters, groundskeepers, plumbers, and more.

What We're Looking For

• Education and Experience Required: High School Degree or High School Equivalency (HSE), Minimum of four (4) years supervisory experience, Must have experience in a warehouse, retail store, or surplus environment with receiving, warehousing, issuing, and accounting for property involved, A valid driver’s license is required and must be maintained.
• Preferred: Working knowledge of computers, scrapping operations, and surplus sales.
• Skills Required: Required to obtain forklift certification within 90 days of hire, Ability to: communicate effectively with the manager, co-workers, and customers is required, understand written and verbal instructions are required, work well in fast paced environment and adapt to interruptions, Basic computer skills are required, Excellent communication, time management, and organization skills needed, Must be able to: drive vans and box trucks, operate pallet jacks, lift truck, and fork lift, Preferred: Haz-Mat knowledge and experience is desired, Campus building location knowledge desired.

Additional Information

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
• A background check will be required for employment in this position.
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime).
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan.
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days.
• Career Stream: Administrative and Operational Support 4 Pay Band S045.
• Job Code: #20002469.
• Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/.