Job Listings

Healthy Roots Collaborative Coordinator

Northwest Regional Planning Commission

• Posted July 2, 2020 at 10:42am
• Deadline July 31st, 2020
• Location St. Albans, VT
• Type Part Time

 The Healthy Roots Collaborative is seeking a 25-30 hour per week Coordinator to specialize in Farm and Food Business programs and projects. The Coordinator will provide assistance to farm and food businesses to advance northwest VT’s regional food system and will strategize with local and state partners to increase local food and fruit and vegetable consumption. The Coordinator will partner with other HRC staff on local food access and gleaning programs and will collaborate with the HRC partners and advisory committee.

The ideal candidate has education, knowledge and skills in farming, farm business and food systems. Experience in farm to school, supply chain facilitation and value-added production is a plus. This position requires effective written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment and independently, and a strong customer service ethic. Regular meetings with farmers, buyers and producers and travel throughout Franklin and Grand Isle Counties is expected; a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

The Healthy Roots Collaborative is housed within the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC). NRPC offers an excellent benefit package and a flexible work environment with a dynamic and friendly staff. For more details see https://www.nrpcvt.com/employment. Send resume and three references to Catherine Dimitruk, Executive Director, Northwest Regional Planning Commission, 75 Fairfield Street, St. Albans, VT, 05478, or email cdimitruk@nrpcvt.com. Interviews will begin in mid-July. This position will remain open until filled. NRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Food Hub General Operations Coordinator

Food Connects

• Posted July 2, 2020 at 9:56am
• Deadline July 24th, 2020
• Location Brattleboro, VT
• Type Full Time

Food Hub General Operations Coordinator

June 22, 2020

About Food Connects

Food Connects is an entrepreneurial non-profit that delivers locally produced food as well as educational and consulting services aimed at transforming local food systems. The Food Hub aggregates and delivers from over 80 regional farms and food producers to over 150 buyers in southeast Vermont, southwest New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. Food Connects’ educational services focus on Farm to School programming. Acknowledged as a statewide leader, the program supports over 30 schools to increase local food purchasing, school meal participation, and food, farm, and nutrition education. Together these core programs contribute to a vibrant local economy by increasing local food purchases by schools and improving students’ nutrition and academic performance. Additionally, Food Connects is frequently hired to provide leadership and consulting services for efforts aimed at transforming local food systems in the New England region.

Position Overview

This position is based in Brattleboro, Vermont.

The Food Hub General Operations Coordinator (FHGOC) will split time between driving delivery routes and coordinating and implementing day to day operations to ensure the safe, timely, and undamaged pickup and delivery of Food Hub Products. To manage this, the FHGOC must be detail oriented with consistently exceptional systems thinking, problem solving, and record-keeping skills.

This is a hands-on position with the expectation that this individual will be flexible and able to jump in where needed to best optimize operations and support other team members. That could mean being out on the road driving, assisting in the warehouse with receiving and picking orders, and other tasks as needed.

The FHGOC will have some weekly driving routes and is expected to be able to cover all routes as needed. While driving, the FHGOC serves as a public face of a community-oriented food distribution network and provides courteous and respectful service to a wide variety of customers and food producers. It is a high-energy position that provides ample opportunities for those with interest in food systems to get to know local food producers and buyers in the Central New England area.

Schedule & Terms

Full-Time, 40 hr/week, non-exempt hourly position. ($18 per hour, paid semi-monthly). Must be generally available 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., although the schedule will vary according to daily fluctuations in the Food Hub distribution schedule. This position does require off-hour availability by phone if vehicles are on the road. Some evening and weekend availability may be required with advance notice.

Collaboration

• The FHGOC reports directly to the Food Hub Operations Manager (FHOM).
• The FHGOC will work very closely with the Food Hub Operations and Warehouse Coordinator (FHOWC), and the Food Hub Operations and Fleet Coordinator (FHOFC). 
• The FHGOC will manage the scheduling of the Food Hub Delivery Drivers according to operational needs.

Job Responsibilities

Food Hub Coordination

• Act as primary point of contact for day-to-day order logistics and distribution, including weekly routing schedules and all distribution paperwork. 
• Manage daily operations, maintain daily communications with Food Hub Drivers, and troubleshoot challenges as needed. 
• Build optimized driving instructions and coordinate with the drivers over the course of every pick up and delivery day to assist them as needed in product aggregation and distribution..
• Maintain accurate mileage, driver hour records, and operational hour records.
• Prepare weekly order picking, pickup, and delivery paperwork, 
• Assist Food Hub team in keeping accurate financial records of food hub purchases; coordinating with the sales team to manage invoice adjustments and accounting in the online commerce site; manage records of distribution; track and report on distribution errors.  
• Build and maintain close working relationships with customers, producers, and other distribution partners. 
• Coordinate with FHOFC to coordinate regular vehicle maintenance & inspections into operations schedule.
• Coordinate with Food Hub sales team on product substitutions and order adjustments as needed.
• Prepare, analyze, and respond to weekly and monthly operational reports. 

Inventory/Warehouse Management 

• Coordinate with FHOWC and FHOFC to manage all stocked inventory including coordinating warehouse operations, stock management, product intake, order picking + preparation, and monthly inventory.
• Actively manage product inventory numbers both at physical storage space and within online commerce system.
• Manage purchase orders for maintaining inventory of stocked items. 
• Proactively communicate with producers regarding product availability and supply.
• Ensure all inventory is accounted for and stored safely to preserve product quality. Perishability is anticipated and mitigated.
• Assist FHOWC to ensure all orders contain the correct products, check products for quality, pack safely into delivery order, labeling and loading onto truck to ensure quality, food safety, and personal safety. 
• Coordinate with Food Hub staff to manage facility set up and warehouse maintenance programs in compliance with food safety regulations, including sanitation programs.

Driving & Delivery Coordination

• Inspects and verifies the complete contents and quality of all Food Hub products during picking and quickly communicates shortages or other issues.
• Modifies order slips at customer drops, as needed, and collects customer signatures and paperwork with each delivery.
• Coordinates directly with producers and customers as needed to communicate ETAs and order status.
• Keep detailed records of driving shifts, including product issues, mileage, hours worked, etc.
• Compile transportation costs into monthly logistics cost report for FHOM
• Assists with product receiving as needed. 
• Assists in training of new drivers as needed.

Business Development

• Coordinate with Food Hub Team to work towards third party food safety certification, ensuring food safety compliance and planning and supporting adherence to regulatory guidelines, while supporting smooth daily operations. This may include performing and monitoring regular food safety-related processes pertaining to inventory tracking and warehouse maintenance, and keeping required food safety records. 
• Assist FHGM & FHOM with implementation of new inventory management and customer ordering software.
• Assist FHOM with general system and SOP development and implementation.
• Assist FHOM to develop new routes and explore new operational technology to improve logistics, data management, and distribution systems. 
• Assist FHOM to identify ways to improve all aspects of the food hub and its distribution operations, and help put those strategies into action. 
• Assists Food Hub Management with meetings and events. 
• Represent Food Connects in opportunities for Food Hub education and outreach.

Qualifications 

Required Qualifications

• Proactive, self-starter with systems thinking and proven time and stress management skills with an eagerness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Bachelor’s degree in applicable subject or equivalent experience. Master’s degree encouraged.
• At least 1 year of operations experience or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to excellence and high level of accuracy, with an ability to manage multiple, competing priorities with flexibility when priorities change. 
• Ability to work well within a team environment as well as independently manage priorities and work plan.
• Ability to quickly assess a situation and make necessary decisions; skilled in creative problem-solving. Ability to remain calm under pressure and in the face of quickly changing demands.
• Comfortable with change; proactively developing and improving upon current systems to manage continued growth.
• Strong proficiency with general internet and computer use, spreadsheet development, databases, Google Drive and Microsoft Office suites. Comfort with learning new software platforms.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, both written and verbal: in person, over the phone, email, text.
• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills.
• A sense of humor, a positive can-do attitude, and the humility to regularly incorporate the feedback of others into work processes. 
• Strong organizational skills and natural proclivity for keeping detailed records.
• Cheerful, professional, mindful presence.
• General knowledge of veggies, fruits, and other locally-produced items.
• Reliable private vehicle for occasional regional travel.
• Personal smart phone with a data plan.
• Familiarity and alignment with Food Connects’ mission and organizational culture. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in warehouse and/or inventory management.
• Experience with food systems, food wholesale, food retail, and/or farming.
• Existing relationships with local food producers.
• Familiarity with the geographical area of our delivery services (Windham County, VT; Windsor County, VT; Cheshire County, NH).
• Experience driving box delivery trucks or other comparably-sized vehicles.
• Familiarity and comfort using equipment and tools necessary to address minor facility and automobile repairs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk and work in an office setting to execute job responsibilities.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and move product (cases up to 50lbs) throughout the workday.
• Ability to drive continuously for a full workday, which includes loading and unloading product for delivered and climbing in and out of delivery vehicles. 
• Ability to work and drive in adverse weather conditions.

Farm and Forest Community Coordinator - VHCB AmeriCorps

Montpelier Parks & Trees Department

• Posted June 26, 2020 at 8:20am
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Montpelier, Vermont
• Type Internship/Apprentice/Other

Help Montpelier become a more accessible, vibrant place to live with better access to healthy food and outdoor recreation! Spend a year leading volunteer groups to build trails, grow food for our local Senior Activity Center, and maintain our forested parks. You’ll learn about trail building, farming, forestry, and how we build community through service and volunteerism. No experience required in any of the above fields, only a willingness to learn and collaborate with others.

This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach to creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape.  VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land and energy conservation organizations around the state.

This position at Montpelier's Parks & Trees Department is geared toward leveraging volunteer hours to further our mission and complete a number of key projects in Montpelier. With staff supervision, focus will be on the following three areas:

   - Community Farm: This year we’ll partnering with the Recreation Department and Senior Activity Center to launch a pilot project to grow food for the Senior Center’s “FEAST” program that provides healthy meals to seniors. This “Community Farm” will not only provide healthy food, but also be a place to educate the community about sustainable agriculture, and expose young people to working the land. Members should expect to lead a variety of volunteer groups, day camps, and other groups on the farm to grow food, plant a riparian buffer, and educate the public about sustainable agriculture.

  - Trails & Conservation: Montpelier is undergoing a large expansion of our trail system with the goal of making our city into a destination for outdoor recreation. This year we will be building or upgrading a number of key trail sections to increase connectivity and provide a more multi-use experience. Members should expect to lead volunteer groups in trail building, trail upgrades, and removal of invasive species.

  - Urban Forest Management: Our department is tasked not only with maintaining our parks, but also our urban forest and riparian areas. In addition to the normal challenges of maintain these areas, we are now dealing with the added challenge of handling the presence of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer in our community. Members should expect to lead volunteer groups in planting riparian areas, urban tree planting projects to replace Ash trees, removal of invasive species, and to serve alongside staff to maintain our urban forest. 
 

Strategy & Advocacy Coordinator

Salvation Farms

• Posted June 25, 2020 at 1:43pm
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Morrisville, VT
• Type Full Time

 Organization Summary

Salvation Farms’ mission is to build increased resilience in Vermont’s food system through agricultural surplus management. Our work explores diverse opportunities to respond to Vermont’s farm surplus food 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 have operated a surplus crop food hub and workforce development program. Other aspects of our work include technical assistance, creating resources for gleaners, supply chain development, experiential education, community building, cross-sector colleague collaboration, research, dialogue facilitation, and state, regional, and national engagement. 

Position Summary

The Strategy & Advocacy Coordinator is responsible for organizing and supporting the research, advocacy, and thought leadership components of Salvation Farms’ work. Responsibilities include project management, outreach, and stakeholder engagement necessary to advance Salvation Farms’ mission and vision within Vermont, regionally, and nationally. In partnership with the Leadership Team, this position will help develop Salvation Farms’ technical assistance services as well as our legislative approach. The Strategy & Advocacy Coordinator will support staff in constituent management and communications, as well as outward-facing development efforts like special events and gatherings.

This position will also further the impact of Salvation Farms by improving data management and analysis, providing backbone support to the Vermont Gleaning Collective, and bringing research and thought leadership findings to the ongoing exploration of program innovations and new partnerships. As the organization’s priorities evolve and mature, this position will carry out additional responsibilities as needed to deepen the impact of Salvation Farms’ mission.

This position will require an individual with high attention to detail, humility, and charisma.

To read full position description, visit: https://www.salvationfarms.org/get-involved/#jobs

Desired Qualifications

• High attention to detail

• Interest in and experience with data management and analysis

• General IT experience

• Effective problem solver

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills

• Highly organized and skilled in time management

• 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

• Agricultural and/or food system experience and interest

Salvation Farms is an at will, equal opportunity employer.

CDL A/B Drivers

Grow Compost of Vermont

• Posted June 4, 2020 at 9:15am
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Moretown, Vermont
• Type Full Time

Grow Compost is looking for CDL drivers who are passionate about reducing waste to join our team. The positions will divert food scraps by operating our fleet of box, tank, hook-lift, and roll-off trucks picking up organic wastes from Vermont and New Hampshire, and delivering it to farms, compost facilities and anaerobic digesters across the region. Class A/B CDL experience is required along with a DOT medical card.

Essential Functions:

• Safe and efficient operation of CDL and non-CDL trucks
• Conduct daily pre and post trip inspections
• Operate box, tank, hook-lift and roll-off trucks
• Pick up materials from customer locations, and deliver to appropriate facility
• Make note of and remove contaminants in food scrap materials
• Record pertinent information using electronic devices
• Communicate respectfully with customers and the public
• Consistently service our customers with a smile!

We are looking for candidates who:

• Possess Class A/B CDL
• Are at least 21 years old
• Have a clean driving record
• Have at least 1 year of experience in CDL A/B vehicles
• Possess or can obtain a DOT medical card
• Are able to move 48 gallon wheeled compost totes weighing in excess of 200 pounds
• Must pass routine drug tests

Compensation and Benefits:

• We offer a competitive pay rate, with automatic raises after 4 weeks and 3 months
• We offer a Paid Time Off Program as well as paid holidays
• Other benefits offered after 90 day trial period
• We offer a Soil Benefit to all employees

VISTA positions at VT Foodbank

Vermont Foodbank

• Posted June 1, 2020 at 4:19pm
• Deadline July 31st, 2020
• Location Barre, VT
• Type Full Time

The Vermont Foodbank is seeking two AmeriCorps VISTA members: SNAP Outreach Systems Specialist and Network Capacity Specialist.

Want to make a lasting difference through work that matters? Come join a dedicated team working to ensure that everyone in Vermont has enough healthy food to eat, every day. The Vermont Foodbank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Vermont, providing 12 million pounds of food to 153,000 Vermonters each year through partnerships and innovative programs.

SNAP Outreach Systems Specialist: We are seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA member to join our SNAP outreach team, focusing on initiatives to help people facing hunger access SNAP benefits, especially in the southern region of the state. Opportunities will include partnership building, program evaluation, promotion of our automated text screening tool, targeted outreach to unique groups like college students and older adults, and gathering client stories to help reduce the stigma around hunger.

Network Capacity Specialist: We are also seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA member to help to build the capacity of the Foodbank’s network of 215 food shelves and meal sites. This position will focus on initiatives to better understand the charitable food network and system in Vermont. Opportunities will include conducting a community needs assessment, developing evaluation tools, data analysis, and partnership building.

The best way to apply is directly through the AmeriCorps portal. Find links here:

https://www.vtfoodbank.org/employment/current-openings

Applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis and will be accepted until the deadline of July 31^st. Both positions are based in Brattleboro, VT. The anticipated start date is August 17-31, 2020.

Join the Cabot Creamery Cooperative Team in Middlebury, Montpelier, and Cabot PT & FT

Cabot Creamery Cooperative

• Posted March 27, 2020 at 3:22pm
• Deadline Open until filled
• Location Waitsfield, VT
• Type Full Time

Have you been displaced from work or had your hours reduced during this challenging time? If so, Cabot Creamery could use your help keeping the food supply strong. Consider joining our Vermont teams in Middlebury, Montpelier, and Cabot, working in a highly sanitized environment helping to produce or deliver dairy products to the marketplace. We are looking for hard-working individuals for a variety of tasks in temporary and full-time positions. The work could include manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, quality control, and long-haul driver opportunities. We have multiple shifts and can accommodate limited availability. We will do our best to put you to work during our times of need. We encourage you to respond to jobs@cabotcheese.com. You can provide a resume or your contact information and we will contact you directly.

Visit https://www.cabotcheese.coop/careers for a full listing of open positions.