GleanSLO Driver/Harvest Leader

San Luis Obispo CA

Description

The SLO Food Bank and GleanSLO are looking to add another amazing member to their team! Be part of an organization that works with a network of community partners to alleviate hunger in San Luis Obispo County and build a healthier community. ***Please note: All interested candidates should respond to this posting, via email, with a copy of their resume and a few sentences on why they are interested in the position. Those that respond without a copy of their resume will not be contacted. Deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, August 6th.*** Reports to: Food Rescue Programs Manager Job Classification: Part-time (~20 hours per week), Non-exempt Job Overview: The GleanSLO Driver/Harvest Leader (GDHL) is responsible for leading volunteer groups in harvesting produce from commercial farms and backyards throughout SLO county, as well as transporting equipment and produce to and from the SLO Food Bank to harvest sites. The GDHL must ensure that gleaning activities are conducted safely and efficiently. Principle Duties & Responsibilities: -Communicate frequently with GleanSLO Program Coordinator in the planning of upcoming harvest events as well as reporting of previous harvest events. -Serve as a contact for day-of communication with produce growers and volunteers attending gleaning events. -Maintain positive working relationships with volunteers, farmers, landowners, and other program staff. -Coordinate and communicate with SLO Food Bank warehouse staff regarding equipment use, vehicle use, and receiving of rescued produce after harvest. -Educate volunteers in proper harvesting technique and the safe use of harvesting equipment. -Orient and supervise volunteers at gleans; articulate expectations, display model behavior, maintain open lines of communication and establish roles and relationships. Qualifications: -Must be at least 18 years old. -High school diploma or equivalent. -Passion for SLO Food Bank and GleanSLO Mission. -Gardening, agriculture or gleaning management preferred. -Experience working with volunteers of all ages from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. -High level of organization skills and attention to detail. -Ability to work both in a team setting and to work independently, take initiative, set priorities and to solve problems independently. -Excellent oral and written communication skills. -Knowledge of food safety issues, with eventual ServSafe certification. -Relevant field experience in social services and community organizing preferred but not required. -Strong cultural competence; ability to build positive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders including donors, volunteers for faith-based, grassroots organizations and residents seeking emergency food assistance. -Must possess a valid Driver’s License in your state of residence, clean driving record (more details provided upon application), and proof of insurance. -Must be willing to travel throughout San Luis Obispo County. -Forklift and powered jack experience not required, but preferred. -Experience operating box trucks or similar vehicles not required, but preferred. Work Conditions: The position is based out of the SLO Food Bank’s offices at 1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, and works alongside a dedicated group of staff and volunteers. This position includes working within a warehouse setting with heavy machinery and work in orchards and fields with varied weather conditions. Stooping, kneeling, bending, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements may be required. The ability to stand for extended periods of time; use harvest equipment such as orchard ladders and pole pickers safely; the ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer); to lift, carry, and load up to 50 pounds. Applicant is ideally available for periodic work on weekends, evenings and other after-hours occasions, as deemed necessary. Hours are flexible and schedule varies depending on season, crop availability, and operational capacity. Frequent travel within San Luis Obispo County, and occasional travel outside San Luis Obispo County will be required. SLO Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Equal Opportunity Employer: The Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County is an at-will, equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, genetic information, disability, sex, marital status, age, or any other protected status covered by federal or state law. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change.