Willing Hands

Willing Hands Food Recovery Driver

Willing Hands' mission is to reduce food waste and expand equitable and reliable access to fresh foods. Willing Hands grows, gleans, and recovers nourishing fresh food and distributes it for free to our neighbors in need through a network of nearly 80 human service organizations in the greater Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Job Summary: This position will support the pick-up, handling, sorting, tracking, and delivery of free, fresh produce to our network of 85 food access partners. Drivers serve an important public relations role with key partners- such as food access organizations and food donors. Must be able to pass a DOT physical and drive a 14-20 foot box truck. We are seeking a very organized, positive, proactive person with the ability to multitask strategically, think creatively, and who is excited about supporting our mission of reducing food waste and increasing equitable access to fresh produce in our region. This position requires repeatedly lifting 40 pounds throughout an 8-hour shift, with attention to safety.

Key Accountabilities

• With the support of the Warehouse Coordinator, load and arrange food in the truck for delivery to recipient partners.
• Unload and weigh donated food upon return to the warehouse.
• Drive the delivery route, picking up and dropping off donated food according to a documented schedule.
• Keep records and enter data of all pick-ups and deliveries.
• Maintain general cleanliness and function of the truck and warehouse, reporting any maintenance concerns.
• Provide support in the warehouse by organizing and moving food as needed. Foster positive professional relationships with our recipient and donor partners during deliveries.

Duties/Responsibilities

Driving: Serves as a driver on a weekly schedule. Support the Logistics Coordinator and Warehouse Coordinator in managing food inventory, loading and unloading trucks, and making extra pickups and deliveries on an as-needed basis. Carefully and accurately weigh and record all incoming and outgoing food. Conduct frequent temperature checks of food in refrigerated vehicles. Conduct daily vehicle inspections in Verizon Connect before driving; promptly report all vehicle maintenance needs to the Director of Operations. Make route and delivery route suggestions for efficiency and the best possible recipient experience. Follow all federal and state motor vehicle laws and safety regulations. Abide by Willing Hands' warehouse and driving safety protocols.

Vehicle Maintenance: The Driver is responsible for keeping the truck clean, refueling, and monitoring the truck to detect or anticipate needed maintenance or repairs, including daily refrigeration temperature checks.

Communication: Drivers will report any pertinent changes/information to their supervisor immediately if anything out of the ordinary occurs, including physical injury, trouble, or suspected trouble with the truck, difficult personal relations with food donors or recipients, special requests, schedule changes, closings, large changes in food volume, etc.

Professional Relationships: Drivers are expected to foster courteous, positive, professional relations with all people associated with Willing Hands, including food donors and food access partners. Drivers may be asked to have other Willing Hands staff, board members, or specially invited guests ride along in the truck. All such dates will be pre-determined and of limited time.

Data Entry and Administrative: Support the collection and recording of program data, such as manifests and temperature logs. Attend weekly staff meetings and operations team meetings.

Skills/Abilities: Highly organized, efficient, and pragmatic. Excellent communication and public relations skills. Excellent record-keeping and data entry skills. Communicates effectively and professionally with diverse groups, including co-workers, partners, volunteers, and donors. Positive attitude, patience, and flexibility Self-motivated, disciplined, and committed to being part of a team. Dedicated to making an impact in one's community. Interest in equitable access to healthy food and engaging community.

Required and/or preferred Education and Experience: Knowledge of produce handling is preferred. Understanding of inventory management and the principles of food safety a plus.

Physical Requirements and work environment: Will spend extended periods driving large vehicles, moving in and out of the truck, and working in varying temperatures (cold to hot), both inside the truck and outdoors. Must be able to comfortably bend, twist, and lift 40 pounds. May require occasional early mornings, nights, or weekends, with advance notice.

Additional Requirements: A current DOT Medical card is required for this position (can be obtained post-hire) ServeSafe Training and First Aid/CPR certification upon hire Drivers must have a valid driver's license, an excellent driving record, and must be at least twenty-one years of age.

General Expectations of all Staff Understand and support the mission of Willing Hands as expressed by the Board. Greet the public and Willing Hands' partners across all communication channels with courtesy and respect. Coordinate and integrate efforts with staff working on other Willing Hands programs. Work safely and report any safety hazards to the Director of Operations or Executive Director. Practice good work habits of flexibility, efficiency, punctuality, dependability, and confidentiality. Strive to grow existing skills and learn new ones. Employ good communication skills by sharing information, listening to others, and offering constructive feedback. Work as a team member by helping others and making suggestions for improvement.

Benefits and Work Environment Paid time off and holidays Generous health, dental, and vision insurance 403(b) retirement match Mileage is reimbursed at the current federal reimbursement rate for all approved work travel with a personal vehicle. Opportunity to set professional development goals with supervisor Regular meetings of Willing Hands staff We care deeply about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment

Note: Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Willing Hands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender or gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability with respect to employment, volunteer participation, and the provision of services.