Job Description

I. Position Information:

Job Title:

Volunteer and Produce Reclamation Coordinator

Program/Dept.

The Food Group

Location:

New Hope

Non Exempt

X

Manager:

Volunteer Manager

Created:

2/2024

This is a non-exempt, part-time position scheduled for 24 hours a week. The weekly schedule is described below, including working Sundays during Farmer’s Market season. The hiring range for this position is $20-22 an hour, depending on experience.

Organization Overview

The Food Group (TFG) is a local nonprofit focused on advancing healthy food access. Established in 1976, we provide nutritious food and support services to over 240 hunger relief partners and food distribution locations, in addition to training immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and other historically underrepresented farmers in sustainable farming practices.

Our culture and environment can be described as high-trust, cooperative, collaborative, open, and fun.

We are a workplace that is full of people who genuinely appreciate each other, and work best when tackling big ideas as a team. We value individuals who bring their life experiences to their work, knowing that the ways that they have experienced racial, economic, or gender injustice drive their passion to create change. We are a team of passionate, dedicated people who work alongside each other.

Equity is fundamental to our mission to fight hunger and nourish our community. Where we live, how much money we make, or the color of our skin currently influences access to healthy and culturally-appropriate foods. We must address the roots of these inequities so everyone in our community has the opportunity to live their best life. We believe in working with our community and organizations to improve food access and make systemic changes in hunger relief. To do so, equity is a part of all aspects of our work. We invite individuals from different abilities, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to take part in and shape the work in the community.

II. Job Summary:

The Volunteer and Produce Reclamation Coordinator position is a key external facing representative to community supporters and will work directly with TFG’s diverse groups of volunteers. This position is responsible for leading volunteer projects at the warehouse as well as food reclamation projects at local farms and the Minneapolis Farmers’ market. This position will also work with the Volunteer Manager and Volunteer Specialist to conduct data tracking, stocking supplies and maintaining the cleanliness of volunteer area and van. The Volunteer and Produce Reclamation Coordinator may fill in as back-up for any volunteer roles and/or needs. This position reports to the Volunteer Manager and has no direct reports.

III. Core Job Functions:

• Present TFG’s mission and programs to all volunteers, providing a safe, positive, and meaningful volunteer experience for individuals and groups including leading volunteer orientation and wrap-up.
• Coordinate volunteer activities both on site (New Hope warehouse) and off site (farms and farmers market).

• Coordinate set-up and clean-up of volunteer projects, ensure food safety and post-harvest handling standards are maintained.
• Prepare pallets of food for distribution by using pallet jack, wrapping machine and compact cardboard boxes.
• Work closely with the warehouse and programs teams to ensure projects are packed according to specs and communicate any inconsistencies.
• Lead produce reclamation project at Minneapolis farmer’s market on Sundays and at area farms during the week from June thru October.
• Drive the produce rescue van to and from farmers’ market and area farms; load/unload supplies and reclaimed food.
• Support volunteer data and inventory tracking.
• Other duties as assigned.

IV. Position Requirements:

Minimum Education and Experience

• GED or high school education.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
• All employees must pass a pre-employment background screening; applicants must have a clean driving record.

• Experience and/or comfort working with groups from diverse backgrounds/abilities.
• Preferred: Experience working with volunteers.
• Preferred: at least one season working at a farmers’ market, farm, orchard.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Must be able to work effectively with partners who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.
• Must be able to work effectively in an organization that has recognized its own issues related to equity, and is seeking to be more representative of the community.

• Have an interest in food justice work focused on health, nutrition, and equity.

• Excellent verbal communications skills and clearly communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback.
• Comfortable speaking in public.
• Excellent relationship building skills.
• Ability to be creative and flexible in responding to changing priorities and emerging needs.
• Ability to be punctual and dependable.
• Ability to manage several activities simultaneously.

V. Working Conditions and Environment:

This position is located on farms, at the Minneapolis Farmers Market, in a warehouse setting and in a dog-friendly office setting. The building is accessible and smoke free. This position works both normal business hours and some evening and weekend hours, with a schedule that fluctuates seasonally – ideally we are looking for someone available the majority of the volunteer shifts as listed below, but we may be able to accommodate scheduling differences for the right candidate.

Regular volunteer shifts are as follows:

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Growing Season (June-October)

Farmers Market, all day (8hrs)

Gleaning at a local farm, all day (8hrs)

New Hope Warehouse/Office (8hrs)

Cold Season (November-May)

New Hope Warehouse/Office (8hrs)

New Hope Warehouse/Office (8hrs)

New Hope Warehouse/Office (8hrs)

Additional shifts will be added to the schedule as they come up and the position may have the opportunity to fit in work outside of shifts based on needs and availability.

Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds if needed. Must have ability to stand and be physically active for long periods of time. Must have the ability to work outdoors year-round as needed. Ability to train on warehouse equipment.

All employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.

People of Color and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. The Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.

VI. Hiring Process and Timeline

The position will be open for applications until filled.

Please include a current resume and cover letter. The resume will tell us your history and qualifications, please use your cover letter to tell us why you are interested in this position and what you personally will bring to the team.

The hiring process will include:

• • We will review and screen resume/cover letters
  • Initial interviews will be conducted over the phone
  • Top candidates will have in person interviews with selection committee
  • Possible second round interview with top candidates
  • Formal offer to follow for final candidate

Questions? Contact Nicole Ly nly@thefoodgroupmn.org

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