Delivery Driver Extraordinaire!

Farm Connex

• Posted May 7, 2019 at 1:34pm
• Deadline May 31st, 2019
• Location Hardwick, Vermont
• Type Full Time

Are you looking for a way to make a serious impact on our local food system?

Do you want to join a growing company that is committed to both food access and the prosperity of Vermont's finest producers?

Join us!

Company background: Farm Connex is a producer-oriented, direct-store (DSD) transport service operating out of our warehouse, located in Hardwick, VT. While traditional distributors purchase goods from producers to resell at a markup, Farm Connex operates from a distinct vantage: providing simple, affordable freight & aggregation services to dozens of local farms, producer-partners and non-profit organizations throughout the state of Vermont.

Overview: we are currently seeking to hire a reliable and detail oriented individual to make daily deliveries to regional retailers and institutions from our location in Hardwick, VT. Duties to include (but not limited to): picking orders, loading trucks, making deliveries, coordinating product pickups, reliable and frequent communication with Farm Connex personnel, clients and accounts as necessary.

Number of positions available:  2 (1 x F/T, 1 x P/T)

Required skills:

• Candidate must be available for overnight/early morning shifts

• Ability to lift >50 lbs

• Clean VT Driver’s License

• Ability to operate non-CDL vehicles & equipment (pallet jack, liftgate, dollies, etc.)

• Superior spatial/organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to communicate effectively with Farm Connex team members, producers and retailers, as necessary

• Commitment to superior customer service

Preferred skills:

• Familiarity with VT/NH routes a plus

• Knowledge of basic food safety and handling guidelines (will train)

• Interest in local and sustainable food systems a plus

Average hours: 35-40 hours per week F/T (some flexibility)

15-20 hours per week P/T (some flexibility; weekend days available)

Vermont Agriculture Development Specialist III - Economic Development Program Manager

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

• Posted May 7, 2019 at 12:21pm
• Deadline May 20th, 2019
• Location Montpelier, VT
• Type Full Time

Job Title: Agriculture Development Specialist III

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets seeks an Agriculture Development Specialist III who will be responsible for leading intra-agency collaboration to support emerging business and industry needs across Vermont’s agricultural economy. This position will work closely with the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development to guide economic development initiatives, including dairy innovation, maple production growth and viability, support for value-added agricultural industries, and hemp industry outreach and education efforts.

The position will engage in policy, marketing, and promotion conversations around Vermont’s agricultural commodities and workforce development opportunities necessary to expand markets for critical and emerging agricultural products and businesses. The incumbent will be expected to develop new marketing programs, engage evolving consumer preferences in product development, understand applicable agricultural policies and regulations, and explore innovative economic development opportunities for Vermont.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in policy and marketing, with a program development and stakeholder engagement background, and interest in working collaboratively with a dynamic and diverse team. This position will be responsible for coordinating with partners to develop and implement specific economic development projects, engage in industry outreach and education efforts, analyze data to support local, domestic and international markets, and collaborate to overcome workforce development challenges in the agricultural economy.

This position will have ongoing engagement with agriculture and food-based businesses, industry stakeholders, nonprofit and public sector partners, policy makers, and consumers. As a member of the Agriculture Development Division, this position should enjoy team collaboration, diverse work assignments, and being a part of a dynamic group of committed public servants. The incumbent will also be engaged with in multi-agency, multi-disciplinary teams working to grow Vermont’s economy.

Who May Apply

This position, Agriculture Development Specialist III (Job Requisition #1192), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Abbey.Willard@vermont.gov

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

How to applyhttps://careers.vermont.gov/

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in a variety of settings, including open floorplan office, producer and market sites, and public events, project sites and potential hearing and legislative settings. Frequent in-state, regional, and out-of-state travel is involved for which private reliable means of transportation must be available. Frequent public communication and presentations, both verbally and in writing, is expected. An incumbent must coordinate activities with other departmental staff, the Secretary of the Agency and Deputy Secretary, and interact considerably with agricultural and land development business people, interest groups and the general public. Certain required activities will occur outside of normal office hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in the field of agriculture, land use planning, natural resources management, forestry, economics, marketing, public relations, economic development, or a closely related field AND four (4) years’ experience at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, environmental conservation, communications, land use planning or a relevant field.

OR

Bachelor's degree in the field of agriculture, land use planning, natural resources conservation, forestry, economics, marketing, public relations, economic development, or a closely related field AND five (5) years' experience at or above a technical level in agriculture, marketing, environmental conservation, communications, land use planning or a relevant field.

OR

At least two (2) years of experience as an Agriculture Development Specialist II in Vermont State service.

Preferred Qualifications

-  Completion of Lean White Belt, facilitation, and program management trainings
-  Policy development
-  Multi-agency, multi-disciplinary collaboration
-  Program outreach and implementation
-  Strong research, writing, and speaking skills
-  Knowledge of various agricultural commodities, including dairy, maple, and/or hemp
-  Attention to detail in a fast-paced work environment.

Special Requirements

Candidates must have experience being responsible for the annualized management of grant and program funding greater than $500,000.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

Field Staff, Peer Crew

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC)

• Posted May 7, 2019 at 10:52am
• Deadline May 17th, 2019
• Location Richmond, VT
• Type Full Time

Join us for our 2019 Field season

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps is a 501c3 service, conservation, and youth development organization. Our Food and Farm Program engages communities in food security agriculture projects.

The mission of the VYCC is to teach young people personal responsibility through meaningful work that connects us to the land, community, and one another. To instill these skills and values, VYCC enrolls young people in paid work opportunities. Our model is strong and simple: Youth Corps Members work together in small groups, guided by highly trained leaders, to complete high priority projects in conservation and agriculture.  

Headquartered on historic Vermont farmland in Richmond, Vermont, we apply this crew model to our Food and Farm program by employing youth, guided by leaders, in important hunger relief and sustainable agriculture projects. As such The Farm at VYCC engages its Youth Corps Members, leaders and community in the Health Care Share, a community-based public health project that connects Vermont families who are unable to afford or access fresh, nutritious food with a weekly share of locally grown produce.

Available positions include:

AmeriCorps Peer Crew, Start Date: May 20th

Members live in yurts or lean-tos with their crew evenings and weekends, and participate in the Health Care Share project. Crews are co-ed and consist of up to eight Corps Members who come together from all walks of life to build strong bonds with each other and the surrounding environment. They work together to learn and practice sustainable agriculture, food security projects, and complete nutrition and cooking courses.

Compensation: AmeriCorps members receive a weekly living allowance, room and board, farm fresh food, and earn a Segal Education Award at the completion of service. The position is a part of a residential program.

* We are looking for adult leaders who are ready for a challenge and enjoy working with young people as teachers, mentors, supervisors, and role models. Excellent leadership is the most crucial factor in determining a crew’s success.

VYCC fills positions on a rolling basis: With any additional questions contact Kyle at kyle.weatherhogg@vycc.org. 

Gleaning and Community Outreach Coordinator

Vermont Foodbank

• Posted May 2, 2019 at 11:43am
• Deadline May 24th, 2019
• Location Barre, VT
• Type Full Time

Based out of the Vermont Foodbank Brattleboro Distribution Center in Southern Vermont

Schedule: The schedule for this position will be 40 hours/week and daily schedule varies slightly throughout the year. It will require working approximately 1 Saturday (or Sunday) each month during the gleaning season (June thru October), traveling to Barre 1-2 times a month for meetings, occasional weekday evening work throughout the year, and frequent travel to Bennington and other parts of Southern Vermont occasional weekday to implement cooking demos at food shelves.

Position Purpose:

This position is primarily responsible for implementing Vermont Foodbank (VFB) programs and initiatives related to fresh food, including the Gleaning Program and Pick for Your Neighbor (PFYN) program, which increase the availability of local fresh produce by mobilizing volunteers toharvest produce from farms and orchards and VT Fresh which includes educating VFB network partners and food shelf visitor in improved utilization of fresh foods. Primary responsibilities involve ensuring a steady flow of fresh food donations through the Vermont Foodbank’s Gleaning and PFYN programs and conducting cooking demonstrations and nutrition education activities at partnering food shelves.  The Gleaning and Community Outreach Coordinator (G&COC) will develop new relationships and cultivate existing ones with local farms, Network Partners, volunteers, and other organizations that support the Vermont Foodbank’s Gleaning and VT Fresh work.  G&COC will coordinate gleans, including communicating with farmers, volunteers, and warehouse personnel around scheduling, and also manage the activities in the field.  Organization promotion and Network Partner outreach & visits will be a part of this position.  G&COC will assist with the integration of fresh produce within Vermont Foodbank facilities, specifically the Brattleboro Branch. G&COC will maintain proper tracking and reporting procedures as is specific to the Gleaning and PFYN Programs and VT Fresh program, Foodbank receiving and distribution, and volunteer involvement.  Position will require frequent instate travel and occasional weekends and evenings. This is a very physical position that involves frequent lifting, bending and driving a company pick-up truck, a forklift, and occasionally a small box truck.

The primary objective is to regionally ensure Vermont’s surplus farm produce is rescued by mobilizing community members and overseeing distribution to Network Partner agencies through direct and statewide distribution.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Works cooperatively and be able to communicatewith staff and volunteers to support the mission of the Foodbank to meet and sustain Foodbank goals.

·         Positively contribute to an organizational culture of safe and secure food handling, warehousing and distribution.

·         The Foodbank relies on volunteers every day to fulfill our mission. All Foodbank employees must support our culture of philanthropy by treating every volunteer with appreciation and respect.

• In coordination with the program director, research, recruit and cultivate new fresh food donors/farms/orchards in applicable region of Vermont. 
• Organize volunteer gleaners and oversee gleaning regionally.
• Maintain relationships with agricultural food donors through periodic visits, phone calls, email and written communication.
• Coordinate, design and implement cooking demonstrations and taste tests at partnering food shelves.
• Work collaboratively with food shelf partners to implement VT Fresh goals around improving the food/nutrition environment of the food shelf through food displays, storage, point of decision promotions and signage. 
• Recruit volunteers, administer proper documentation, coordinate necessary orientation, track volunteer hours, and organize volunteer appreciation activities and events.
• Work closely with Operations Department to provide input and suggestions on the most efficient distribution of gleaned produce.
• Work closely with Network Partners, Network Relations Manager, and Chief Community Impact Officer assisting with outreach efforts and annual visits in counties in the southern region of the state.
• Work closely with the director of community health and fresh food initiatives, farmers, and Operations staff in Barre, Wolcott and Brattleboro to ensure steady flow of farm food donations to Vermont Foodbank’s Brattleboro Regional Distribution Center.
• Ensure proper recording, timely reporting and completion of evaluation of programs.
• Maintain regular contact with the program director and submit quarterly narrative reports and stats on activities related to food donor contacts, distribution, procurement efforts, and volunteer involvement.
• Prepare periodic progress summaries when requested by the program director.
• Stay current on food trends and safety issues affecting the movement and handling of food.
• Cultivate relationships with schools and organizations in Southern Vermont, which could be a source of volunteers, program support and partnership. 
• Engage in community events, as an opportunity for networking, volunteer recruiting, and promotion.
• Act as a representative of the Vermont Foodbank.  Be able to answer questions about the organization, promote and be an advocate for the work we are doing.
• Coordinate and manage a regular schedule of food rescue, both the gleaning/harvesting and pickup of produce on regional farms.  Communicate with the Operations Department around farm pick-ups.
• G&COC will work collaboratively with the VT Fresh Coordinator to help meet the fresh food needs of VT Fresh and so that program activities are being implemented as planned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Knowledge of farming practices and produce handling a must.
• Experience with food safety, cooking and nutrition education.
• Understanding of warehouse and inventory control systems and practices. 

·         Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience in communications, marketing, graphic design, social media or related field

·         Experience using social media professionally, with experience creating content

Other Skills and Abilities:   

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, work in partnership with other staff and juggle many projects while meeting deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal skills to successfully communicate with donors, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. 
• The individual must be self-motivated and committed to being part of a team and leading a team. 
• The individual must understand and agree with the vision and mission of the Vermont Foodbank and be committed to providing services to people facing situations of hunger and poverty.
• Some nights and weekends required.
• Must be able to lift 40-60 pounds.
• Ability to drive pickup trucks and/or small box trucks.
• During the gleaning season, 1 Saturdays or Sunday is required work days each month.

Language Skills:

• Excellent communication, marketing, writing, phone and public relations skills. 

Technical/Computer Skills:

• Excellent record-keeping, computer and data entry skills.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

• A valid Vermont Driver’s License.
• 3-year motor vehicle report (MVR) showing a clean driving record.
• ServSafe certification or willing to obtain.

Finance & Administrative Director

Salvation Farms

• Posted April 24, 2019 at 4:07pm
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Morrisville, VT
• Type Full Time

Position Title: Finance & Administrative Director

Supervisor: Executive Director

Employee Status: Full Time, Exempt

Salary: $45,000

Position Summary

The Finance & Administrative Director oversees all aspects of office management, accounting, and human resources at Salvation Farms. This position will work closely with the Executive Director and will supervise administrative staff. The Finance & Administrative Director will fill a critical role in the development of Salvation Farms’ organizational culture, financial stability, and overall strategic direction. Constituent management, communications, marketing, and development activities will be part of this staffers role.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

Financial Management

• Conduct all bookkeeping; debits, deposits, accounts receivable and payable
• Build cash-flow projections and analysis
• Lead annual budget building process
• Participate in Salvation Farms’ finance committee
• Aid grant tracking and reporting

Human Resources

• Support all hiring and separation processes, including terminations and exit transitions
• Lead on-boarding and orientation of new team members, maintain employee records
• Manage payroll and benefits package
• Maintain personnel policies
• Support employees through conflicts, performance issues, etc., documenting corrective action plans

Constituent Management

• Ensure all constituent management tools are clean, accurate, and current, including Little Green Light (CRM), QuickBooks, and other constituent workbooks
• Generate periodic lists and reports needed for communications, fundraising, and/or programmatic efforts

Office Management

• Manage all service, insurance, and other business-related accounts
• Collect postal mail, take phone messages
• Order office supplies, keep office tidy
• Support the Executive Director in preparing for Salvation Farms’ Board of Directors meetings

Communications

• Support annual communications plan implementation
• Maintain/produce electronic and print communication tools; website, blog, Facebook, Youtube channel, online giving platform, ads, and other promotional materials
• Draft, edit, and deliver press/media communication
• Maintain calendar of events and volunteer engagement opportunities
• Support the design, drafting, editing, and delivery of stakeholder communications, including solicitations, newsletters and annual report

Development

• Support development plan implementation; appeals, donor acknowledgements, grants management, etc.
• Participate in Salvation Farms’ fundraising committee
• Help coordinate and execute house parties, special events, cause related marketing, tabling and crowd-funding opportunities

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in strategic plan implementation and creation of organizational work plans
• Supervise administrative staff

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in financial management a must (QuickBooks), and with database management, i.e. excel
• Experience in human resources, office management, and communications
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, social media, graphic design tools
• Knowledge of non-profit management
• High attention to detail
• Highly organized and skilled in time management
• Excellent verbal, written, and speaking skills
• Effective problem solver
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and within a team while adhering to numerous deadlines
• Commitment to social justice, natural resource management, and Salvation Farms’ mission

Benefits & Work Environment

• The position is based in the Morrisville office; some travel will be required
• Some nights and weekends will be required
• DropBox is used to share files
• Mileage is reimbursed at $ .40/mile for all approved work travel
• Paid time off and holidays
• Health insurance available (Employer covers 75% of premium)
• Dental and Vision Insurance available 
• Access to training and professional development opportunities

Program Director

Salvation Farms

• Posted April 24, 2019 at 4:04pm
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Morrisville, VT
• Type Full Time

Position Title:Program Director

Supervisor: Executive Director

Employee Status: Full Time, Exempt

Rate of Pay: $40,000

Salvation Farms Programmatic Overview

Salvation Farms’ mission is to build increased resilience in Vermont’s food system through agricultural surplus management. Our programmatic work explores diverse opportunities to respond to Vermont’s farm surplus food, predominately produce, in an effort to build food system security and regional food resilience. We run a gleaning program, serve as backbone support to the Vermont Gleaning Collective, and operate a surplus crop food hub and workforce development program. Other aspects of our mission - integrated into and existing outside of the programs mentioned above – include technical assistance, creating resources for the gleaners and supply chain development, experiential education, community building, cross-sector colleague collaboration, research, dialogue facilitation, and state/regional/national engagement.

Position Summary

The Program Director is responsible for overseeing Salvation Farms’ programmatic work and the staff responsible for program implementation. This staffer, working closely with the Executive Director, will ensure the trajectory of Salvation Farms’ strategic programmatic vision, as it relates to meeting the organization’s mission. This position will maintain quality in our program operations, services, and products. The Program Director will be responsible for ensuring program metrics are tracked in a timely, accurate, and consistent way to help the organization communicate its impact.

Upon hire, the Program Director will fill a critical and temporary direct service role of implementing the Lamoille Valley Gleaning Program. In this role, the staffer will professionally coordinate gleaning services, engaging community members in hands-on learning and farm food rescue and coordinate the distribution of surplus crops, making our local food system more inclusive. Beyond this deep immersion into gleaning, the Program Director will become familiar with all of Salvation Farms programmatic work and supervise all program staff.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

Lamoille Valley Gleaning

In the 1^st 6 months of employment:

• Manage all operational elements: gleaning, farm pickups, distribution, and volunteer coordination and management, specifically:
• Farm Relations: calls, emails, visits, maintaining consistent season-long contact and providing professional level gleaning service
• Volunteer and Crew Management: organizing and oversight of gleaning crews and other volunteer tasks, orientation and training, maintaining safety
• Harvest Techniques and Fresh Food Handling: teaching, directing and correcting to ensure high quality safe product handling
• Storage and Distribution: guiding and overseeing the appropriate packing for specific crops, understanding storage needs and turnover timeframes, organizing distribution
• Community Agencies/Sites: calls, emails, visits, maintaining consistent contact, providing professional delivery of gleaned crops
• Data Tracking and Impact Measurements: recording volunteer involvement, farm and crop specific harvest/collection information, distribution of product

Lamoille Valley Gleaning

After the 1^st 6 months of employment:

• Hire, train, and supervise Lamoille Valley Gleaning Coordinator; ensure quality program delivery
• Explore, plan, and develop program enrichment opportunities, i.e. share distribution, workforce development, minimal processing, organizing taste tests, etc.

Vermont Gleaning Collective

• Supervise Gleaning Assistant
• Fulfill backbone obligations, including supporting co-chairs and year-end data aggregation
• Maintain Gleaner’s Interface (a Salvation Farms built web-based application); exploring and addressing user needs and potential platform adaptations

Vermont Commodity Program

• Supervise Vermont Commodity Program Manager and Workforce Development Coordinator
• Ensure industry-level standards, with clearly documented expectations for work, product flow, and facility upkeep, incorporating 5-S, LEAN Manufacturing, OSHA compliance, food safety practices
• Develop system for vetting donation, purchases, and brokering relationships and services to farms
• Explore and establish diverse distribution options and partners
• Ensure quality, dynamic, and equitable delivery of workforce development training
• Ensure the workforce development training program is fully documented, including recruitment process, program summaries/progression documents, curriculum, lesson plans, social service resources

Technical Assistance & Thought Leadership

• Engage in delivering technical assistance with the Executive Director and Gleaning Assistant
• Participate in regional/national gleaning and food loss mitigation conversations and/or research

Additional Tasks

• Organization-wide metrics management, yearend reporting, and stakeholder service evaluation
• Program promotion, including attending local meetings, tabling, creating promotional materials, etc.
• Building Salvation Farms’ professional network through colleague, partner, and community engagement: tabling, calls, emails, meetings, conferences, workshops, presentations
• Administrative responsibilities (include but not limited to):
• generating regular reports
• building and managing program budgets
• fundraising and grant support: writing, tracking, reporting
• regular communication with supervisors, co-workers
• contributions to communications and marketing

Desired Qualifications

• Agricultural experience; crop production and handling a must
• Supply chain and logistics experience strongly preferred
• Understanding of inventory management and the principles of food safety preferred
• Experience supervising staff and teams
• Excellent verbal, written, and speaking skills
• Highly organized, efficient, and pragmatic
• Excellent record-keeping, computer, and data entry skills
• High attention to detail
• Effective problem solver
• Self-starter and ability to work independently and within a team while adhering to numerous deadlines
• Commitment to social justice, natural resource management, and Salvation Farms’ mission
• Communicates effectively with diverse groups of people; co-workers, partners, volunteers, donors, etc.
• Valid Vermont driver’s license and excellent driving record required
• Must be able to lift 40-60 pounds
• Available to work early mornings, nights, and weekends as the job requires

Benefits & Work Environment

• The position is based in the Morrisville office; travel will be required
• Some nights and weekends will be required
• DropBox is used to share files
• Mileage is reimbursed at $ .40/mile for all approved work travel
• Paid time off and holidays
• Health insurance available (Employer covers 75% of premium)
• Dental and Vision Insurance available 
• Access to training and professional development opportunities

Health & Beauty Manager

Rutland Area Food Co-Op

• Posted April 24, 2019 at 11:59am
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Rutland, VT
• Type Full Time

The Rutland Co-op’s Health and Beauty (or HABA) Manager is responsible for the successful operation and profitability of our growing health, wellness, and herb/spice departments. The HABA Manager may also fulfill other management duties, including manager-on-duty, cross-training with other department managers, and serving as an alternate. Department managers are expected to be able to perform all the necessary functions of a cashier and/or stocker. The HABA Manager collaborates with other Co-op staff, Co-op members, and the community to address their wants and needs. He/she reports directly to the General Manager.

Responsibilities- include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Provide excellent customer service.
• Prompt follow-up to customers suggestions, requests, special orders or inquiries.
• Preform day to day functions of a retail grocery business.
• Select product in accordance with the Co-op’s product selection guidelines.
• Purchase, receive, stock, price, merchandise, and maintain the HABA and gift departments.
• Ensure maintenance, cleanliness, and organization of work areas, storage, and equipment.
• Manage and update advertisements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis for various outlets.
• Work within the confines of a limited budget to achieve results.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with multiple local and national producers.
• Communicate with local vendors to create opportunities for in-store demos/promotions to increase product awareness and sales.
• May serve as manager-on-duty or fulfill other management responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Effective communication skills and proficiency in MS Word, Excel and email.
• Highly organized with great attention to detail.
• Proficient math skills.
• At least one year of buying or merchandising in a retail or health food store.
• Knowledge of trends in the health and wellness industry and some expertise with tinctures, supplements, and homeopathic remedies.
• Some experience or knowledge of the cooperative business structure and values as well as local, organic, and sustainable foods.
• A basic understanding of financial statements and budgets
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• You must be punctual, dependable, and show the ability to apply judgement, interpret and follow directions, solve problems and seek guidance when appropriate.

Environmental Conditions

• Works in a fast-paced environment with a focus on customer service
• May work in environments of extreme cold and extreme heat for short periods of time
• May travel periodically for meetings or trainings

 Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, kneel and squat
• Must be able to push, pull, and maneuver heavy loads

Cooler Freezer Manager

Rutland Area Food Co-Op

• Posted April 24, 2019 at 11:58am
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Rutland, VT
• Type Full Time

The Rutland Area Food Co-op is seeking a Cooler and Freezer Department Manager to advance our growing co-op, while also helping to strengthen our relationships with our patrons. In addition to successfully running their department, the manager will fulfill various store duties, including serving as the manager-on-duty, cross training with other department managers, and serving as a cashier. This is a full-time, year-round position that will include nights, weekends, and some holidays.

Essential Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Production
  • Supervises and participates in the ordering, stocking and maintaining of the department
  • Ensures the proper handling of organic products, and is knowledgeable of the varieties of items and packaged goods that the department offers
  • Maintains high standards of quality control
• Operational Tasks
  • Orders and receives deliveries
  • Stocks and processes bulk cheeses and other cooler related items
  • Checks daily and weekly sales/movement reports, shrink reports and emails
  • Operates and manages shifts on the register
• Department Conditions
  • Maintains cleanliness, sanitation, and overall organization of the department including all fixtures, storage, work stations, and retail space.

Desired Qualifications

• At least one year of purchasing and merchandising in a retail food store.
• Knowledge of current trends in natural foods industry
• Some knowledge of dairy items, dairy alternatives, meats, meat alternatives, and beverages.
• Proficiency in ordering, pricing, margins, mark-ups, and inventory management
• Experience working with the public
• Strong organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills.
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation and proper storage/display of organic products
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and some holidays
• Proficient in Microsoft Office

Environmental Conditions

• Works in a fast-paced environment with a focus on customer service
• May work in environments of extreme cold and extreme heat for short periods of time
• May travel periodically for meetings

 Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to bend, reach, stoop, kneel and squat
• Must be able to push, pull, and maneuver heavy loads
• Must be able to stand and be on one’s feet the majority of the work day

Compensation and benefits to be further discussed upon interview. Please send your completed application (available on our website) and resume via email to management@rutlandcoop.com or drop off in store.