Gleaning Assistant Community Harvest of Central Vermont
- Date Posted June 22, 2022
- Location Berlin, VT
- Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
- Job type Part-Time
Community Harvest of Central Vermont (CHCV) is a small non-profit organization which utilizes the generosity of local farmers and volunteers to address hunger and reduce food waste in our community. We bring our community together through gleaning to recover surplus food grown on area farms, and this produce is then delivered to sites – food shelves, senior meal sites, etc. – that serve individuals with limited access to fresh, local food. Through this process, the community has the opportunity to gain a greater awareness and appreciation of the local food system, healthy eating, and waste reduction.
Job description
Position Summary
This position will work closely with CHCV’s Executive Director and volunteers to recover surplus vegetables and fruit from Central Vermont farms and other food producers. Responsibilities of this position will include the regular pickup and occasional delivery of donated vegetables from local farms to recipient sites. This position will also be responsible for general upkeep and maintenance of CHCV’s facility, vehicle and supplies.
The Gleaning Assistant should be comfortable taking direction, thinking on their feet, and able to contribute in a fast-paced workplace.
Specific Responsibilities
Gleaning, Farm Pick-ups & Food Processing
- Support Executive Director with facilitation of gleaning and farm pick-ups by preparing supplies, communicating clearly with farmers and CHCV team, setting up for the tasks, truck organization, and record keeping.
- Instruct volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards.
- Motivate groups of volunteers to achieve harvest or packing goals.
- Pack and grade produce for distribution to recipient partners maintaining high food safety and quality standards.
Facility and Operational Tasks
- Oversee general upkeep, regular cleaning, and organization of CHCV’s facility, tools, supplies, and vehicle.
- Assist with compost practices, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- 2+ years of experience of vegetable production, either on a commercial farm, community garden, or similar setting required. Knowledge of local fruit and vegetable varieties, harvesting and/or food handling experience, preferred.
- Proven ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences in various settings both verbal and written. Experience in leading and motivating groups typically through 1+ years supervising groups and/or managing volunteers and/or teaching desired.
- Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow and internalize specific instructions and processes in a fast-paced environment.
- 2+ years of customer service experience in a fast-paced environment, desired
- Possesses an understanding and appreciation of the local food system, healthy eating, and waste reduction. Experience working or volunteering in non-profit(s) which address hunger relief, waste reduction, or agricultural issues desired.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and/or G suite software.
- Must be able to repeatedly lift 50+ pounds in various conditions. This position is physically demanding and requires an aptitude for manual labor.
- Valid US driver’s license and ability to drive both a pick-up truck and mid-size cargo van required. Use of your own vehicle will also be necessary and reimbursement for work-related miles provided. Because our work takes place at several locations in areas without access to reliable public transportation, we only recommend that applicants with access to a reliable vehicle apply.
Compensation is $16-18/hour based on experience.
All work will take place throughout Central Vermont, with the majority occurring in Berlin. Likely hours are 10-20 hours a week through mid-December, with potential for a year-round position for the right candidate.
Learn more about how you can help us help everyone eat local! See CommunityHarvestVT.org for program information.