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.

Internship description

Apprentices learn about and contribute to all Boston Area Gleaners’ programs and some partner organizations’ work through a wide variety of hands-on activities as part of our Operations Team. They play an essential role in the success of the gleaning program, where their responsibilities include but are not limited to volunteer management and gleaning on regional vegetable farms and orchards throughout the season.

Preferred Skills

• Basic smart phone and computer competency
• First aid knowledge (training is provided)
• Ability to operate pump jacks (training is provided)
• Ability to drive a box truck (training is provided)

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

Primary Responsibilities

Gleaning & Repacking

• Assist with gleaning and repack trips by preparing supplies, communicating clearly with farmers, setting up for the trip, truck organization, and record keeping
• Harvest and pack produce on local farms with the assistance of volunteers
• Ensure handling, packing, and quality standards comply with the Gleaners’ food safety plan
• Post trip tasks include unloading product, organizing, and sorting supplies/ tools, and sweeping out the truck box

Volunteer Management

• Assist Trip Leader with Instructing volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards during harvests
• Motivate groups of volunteers to achieve harvest goals while maintaining a positive volunteer experience
• Manage and direct volunteers with varying levels of experience to safeguard the personal safety of all, encourage efficient work, and ensure the protection of private property

Education

• Contribute to discussions and be eager to learn in a variety of environments including on-farm and at partner agencies
• Design and present an end-of-season gleaning project as a reflection of your apprentice experience
• Volunteer for farmers and agencies, assisting with a variety of tasks

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 and 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

• Assemble packaging including banana boxes in preparation for upcoming packs
• Ensure regular cleaning and sanitizing of tools, supplies, and facility spaces
• Assist our Operations and Farm Teams with a variety of needs

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline