Job Summary
Warehouse & Surplus Specialist
Purdue University – Administrative Operations
Purdue University is seeking a Warehouse & Surplus Specialist to support and oversee the daily operations of 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. As a key member of the Surplus Operations team, you will supervise warehouse and surplus staff, coordinate inventory management and sales activities, and serve as a trusted resource for campus departments navigating surplus property processes. 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 generating opportunities for creativity, leadership, and professional growth. The successful candidate should be able to contribute new ideas, lead process improvements, and shape the future direction of the University's surplus program. The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional Saturday sales events, offering a consistent and predictable work routine with limited evening or weekend commitments.
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.
- Coordinate 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.
- Monitor 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.
If you enjoy leading teams, improving processes, and finding practical solutions that support both operational excellence and responsible resource management, we encourage you to apply.
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. We are looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals as we continue to grow strong, service-focused teams across campus. Team members work in collaborative environments where their contributions directly impact the success and daily experience of students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.
Our employees benefit from the stability of year-round work, competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth.
Apply now to begin your career with Administration Operations!
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/
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.