Overview
The Operations Assistant works flexibly across operations. Responsibilities will vary day-to-day, but may include distribution and pick-ups, repacking, working with volunteers, harvesting on-site, and inventory upkeep.
Expected Schedule
May – December: Average schedule of 40-45 hours/ week (4-day work week)
Primary Responsibilities
Support Operations
- Build orders and load trucks to fulfill distribution orders, based on direction from Operations Managers
- Receive incoming inventory both physically and digitally
- Pick up product from local farms and unload into coolers or appropriate storage
- Follow delivery and pick up protocols for each food access partner, food hub customer, and farm
- Communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service to all partners
- Ensure safe and proper product handling in accordance with the Gleaners’ food safety plan by following all policies and procedures as outlined
- Ensure accurate record-keeping including obtaining all necessary signatures and adjusting order inaccuracies
- Practice injury prevention by using safe lifting techniques and communicating to the team anytime assistance is needed; Likewise, support the team when someone may be facing an injury or need assistance
- Assist with inventory checks as needed
Repacking & Volunteer Assistance
- Assist with volunteer repacks on-site at Stonefield Farm
- Instruct volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards during repacks
- Motivate groups of volunteers to achieve repack goals while maintaining a positive volunteer experience
- Assist in managing volunteers with varying levels of experience to ensure the personal safety of volunteers and that efficient labor is applied to the job at hand
Vehicle & Equipment Operation
- Drive box trucks and ensure stable load while driving in urban and rural areas
- Comply with our driver training, policies, and standards by always driving lawfully and carefully; observe legal load capacity of the vehicle, adjust vehicle speed, and modify routes as needed
- Operate manual pump jacks and electric power jacks as needed to rotate inventory and unload/load trucks.
- Practice safe measures learned in the Gleaners’ vehicle & equipment trainings; Stay alert to surroundings and communicate to people around you whenever operating vehicles and equipment
- Contribute to the Gleaners’ culture of safety, always acknowledge, and mitigate risk whenever possible
Additional Responsibilities
- Safely operate pump jacks
- Assemble packaging including banana boxes in preparation for upcoming packs
- Regular cleaning and sanitizing of tools, supplies, and facility spaces
- Assist our Operations and Farm Teams with a variety of needs
Skills
- Basic smart phone and computer competency
- First aid knowledge (training is provided)
- Basic mechanical competency (training is provided)
- Ability to operate pump and power jacks (training is providing)
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of local fruit and vegetable varieties, produce quality, and proper storage conditions
- Physical ability to lift 50 pounds repetitively and be on your feet for most of the day
- Experience working with volunteers
- Valid driver’s license and driver history approved by BAG’s auto-insurer
- Able to work in a variety of weather conditions from hot, humid summer days to cold, wet fall days
- Ability to follow instructions and to clearly express ideas in a concise and professional manner
- A fun, energetic, team-oriented attitude