Company description

The Center for an Agricultural Economy is a catalyst for change based in Hardwick, Vermont. We support rural communities and working landscapes by building a more interconnected local food system. We work together with our neighbors and partners to cultivate interdependence and investigate how to create the conditions for socially, economically, and ecologically thriving communities. Together, the components of our organization help ensure our rural food system is supported, our farms are thriving, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a full-time, year-round position that is crucial to our day-to-day operations for Farm Connex, CAE’s dynamic and expansive distribution program. CAE Farm Connex provides cold-chain freight service for farmers and food producers. CAE Farm Connex Food Hub is based in Hardwick, operating seven days per week. The Warehouse Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Warehouse Coordinator in setting Farm Connex delivery drivers up for success. Duties include ensuring inventory/product is properly loaded for deliveries, vehicles have been inspected for any issues, and any updates have been communicated to the operations team. The Warehouse Assistant role includes picking up products at local farms or aggregation centers. Occasionally, the Warehouse Assistant may also be required to fill in for a CAE Farm Connex Delivery Driver to complete deliveries on one of the 21+ routes completed weekly. CAE Farm Connex provides services to farms, value added food businesses, retail stores, public and private schools, institutions, distribution centers, and other food hubs, keeping the literal wheels turning for our local food system and economy!

JOB DETAILS

Position: Farm Connex Warehouse Assistant

Reports to: Food Hub Operations Manager

Schedule: 32-40 hours per week, evening hours required

Compensation: Hourly rate starting at $22.00 ; Non Exempt/regular position

Benefits: Health Insurance and Health Savings Account, SIMPLE IRA, Employee assistance program, Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance, quarterly phone stipend, paid time off, professional development compensation

Minimum Qualifications:

Skilled in organization and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team under changing circumstances
Knowledge related to perishables warehouse and distribution
As dictated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as required to fulfill duties specific to this role, the minimum requirements include: being age 21+ at the time of application, possessing a valid driver’s license, a clean motor vehicle record, the critical faculties required to safely operate a commercial vehicle, and ability to pass a DOT medical exam. Be able to interpret signage, converse, take instructions, and record information in written and/or spoken English.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Warehouse (75%)

Maintaining clear, respectful, and responsive inter-shift communication
Daily unloading and inventory of aggregated product
Maintaining and communicating records for PM/AM receiving, product inventory, etc.
Staging of warehouse and loading products onto vehicles for current day-delivery according to established route plans and other work orders
Updating daily route paperwork for shortages, overages, and other changes
Cleaning warehouse and bathroom, emptying trash and recycling.
Help with cleaning and sanitizing trucks per SOP standards
Executing other work orders as communicated by Operations Manager and Warehouse Coordinator, as necessary
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment
Maintain a proactive approach to problem-solving
Aggregation and Distribution (15%)

Operate medium-duty refrigerated vehicles safely when picking up products at local farms or fulfilling a delivery route on a requested basis
Pick up orders & delivery of perishable products in a safe & appropriate manner
Maintain accurate and organized daily delivery records
Coordinate product pickups with Farm Connex team members
Maintain reliable, frequent communication with managers on duty
Responsible for communicating around vehicle status reports & daily vehicle with drivers, Operation Manager and Warehouse Coordinator
Ability to independently perform job responsibilities in a variety of weather conditions
Ability to proficiently handle fragile food products such as eggs and glass bottles
Knowledge of basic food safety and handling guidelines
Customer service engagement (5%)

Maintain the highest level of customer service with producers and receivers
Communicate regularly with all the members of the Farm Connex team to report any potential issues or needs of producers
Respond to direct operational needs (5%)

Adhere to all safety protocols (ex: OSHA, VT Dept of Health, CAE safety protocols)
Adhere to all state and federal laws
Collaborate with staff when unexpected requests or issues arise to resolve them in a collaborative and timely manner
Pitch-in as needed (warehouse operations troubleshooting, product aggregation, order picking, truck loading, pickup/delivery, paperwork filing, etc.)

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Proficiency and comfort with standard office equipment and software systems (i.e. Microsoft Office and Google Suite)
Attend staff meetings, regularly check work email and respond to phone calls
Physical Demands/lifting requirements:

Moderate-vigorous physical labor (lifting/pushing/pulling up to 75 lbs with some equipment assistance)
Manually moving product with a hand truck up and down a ramp
Operating a pallet jack, electrical walkie, forklift
High level of safety and detail orientation
Work in cooler, freezer, warehouse, and outdoor settings
Operating a non-CDL refrigerated truck safely on routes that are 4-12 hours long

Mental demands:

High level of organization and attention to detail
Ability to prioritize and manage complex and developing systems & competing demands
Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus
Ability to make timely decisions in the context of a workflow and on the road.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline