Company description

Boston Area Gleaners is committed to increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables across our communities while supporting our region’s family farms and reducing systemic food waste.  We focus on meeting the immediate needs of families who lack access to affordable, healthy food while also addressing the systemic causes of food insecurity. We also own and operate Stonefield Farm in Acton, Massachusetts.

Job description

About

The Volunteer Leader works with the Operations Managers to coordinate and run on-site volunteer activities, including repacking gleaned produce, packing Stonefield produce, and harvesting produce on-site. The Volunteer Leader should repack and harvest the greatest quantity of the highest quality produce possible, maximize efficiency of the onsite repacking process, and strengthen Boston Area Gleaners’s network of volunteers.

Expected Schedule

May – December: Average schedule of 40-45 hours/ week (4-day work week)

Benefits & Pay

Paid sick time, paid wellness days, paid holidays, cell phone stipend, gear reimbursement, retirement benefits, & seasonal produce. The pay range for this position is $21 - $24/ hour and overtime (1.5x hourly rate) is paid for time worked over 40 hours/ week.

Primary Responsibilities

Coordination 

• In collaboration with Operations Managers, develop a weekly trip schedule that fits within the overall operational schedule and inventory needs
• Work with the Operations Team to help prioritize volunteer activities and other operational needs
• Publish volunteer opportunities and communicate with the volunteer base
• Accommodate day-of adjustments to the schedule or packing plan 
• Effectively communicate schedule and changes with the Operations Team

Volunteer Management

• Instruct volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards during repacks and harvests
• Motivate groups of volunteers to achieve goals while maintaining a positive volunteer experience
• Manage and direct volunteers with varying levels of experience to ensure the protection of private property, the personal safety of volunteers, and that efficient labor is applied to the job at hand

Product Quality Standards 

• Ensure safe and proper product handling in accordance with the Gleaners’ food safety plan by following all policies and procedures as outlined; Verify quality standards for all incoming products
• Inform Glean Team on food access product quality standards and changes that occur over the course of the season
• Clearly communicate product quality standards to volunteers
• Clearly communicate product quality and packing characteristics to Operations Managers

Operational Support

• Assist with inventory management including product flow, storage, rotation, and movement across multiple storage locations
• In collaboration with the Operations Team, address bottlenecks and pinch points within operational activities
• Advance operations by continuously improving systems, process flows, and food safety standards
• Contribute to a culture of learning across the organization

Equipment Operation

• Operate manual pump jacks and electric power jacks as needed 
• Practice safe measures learned during the Gleaners’ equipment trainings; Stay alert to surroundings and communicate to people around you whenever operating equipment
• Contribute to the Gleaners’ culture of safety, always acknowledge, and mitigate risk whenever possible

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with Stonefield packing (including harvesting, sorting, washing and packing) with or without an associated volunteer trip

Skills

• Basic Smart Phone 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 with volunteers
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Extensive knowledge of local fruit and vegetable varieties, produce quality, and proper storage conditions
• Experience leading others and motivating them towards a common goal
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds repetitively and be on your feet for most of the day
• 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
• fun, energetic, team-oriented attitude

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $21.00 - $24.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline