Boston Food Hub Operations Assistant

The Boston Food Hub Operations Assistant works across operations, with a focus on the Boston Food Hub. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, distribution and pick-ups, repacking, implementing food safety protocols, and inventory upkeep.

Expected Schedule

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

Primary Responsibilities

Support Boston Food Hub Operations

• Build Boston Food Hub orders, and load trucks based on direction from Operations Managers
• Receive incoming Boston Food Hub inventory both physically and digitally
• Assist with Boston Food Hub inventory checks
• 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; Verify quality standards for all incoming products
• 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

Secondary Responsibilities

Support Food Access Operations

• Build food access orders and load trucks to fulfill distribution orders based on direction from Operations Managers
• Receive incoming food access inventory both physically and digitally
• Conduct regular inventory checks
• Pick up donated product from local farms 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 during 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

Operational Support

• Unload farm pick-ups into coolers or appropriate storage, based on direction from Operations Managers
• Assist with the implementation of the Gleaners’ food safety plan
• Ensure that paper verification of food safety from acquisition through warehousing is completed and filed appropriately

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
• Customer service experience
• 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