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 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)

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 - $23/ hour and overtime (1.5x hourly rate) is paid for time worked over 40 hours/ 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

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $21.00 - $23.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline