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 who may be “too small” or “too rural” to access other distribution channels. CAE Farm Connex headquarters is physically based in Hardwick, where its operation spans 6 days per week, and up to 20 hours each day. The Warehouse Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Warehouse Coordinator in setting Farm Connex delivery drivers up for success each day, including ensuring inventory/product is properly loaded for deliveries, vehicles have been inspected for any issues and cleaned and sanitized, and any updates have been communicated to 1st shift operations management. The Warehouse Assistant role includes picking up products at local farms or aggregation centers (within half hour of warehouse). 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
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
EOE STATEMENT
Building community leadership, investing in relationships, and listening to the needs of the community are core principles CAE applies to all our work. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive staff culture where learning and growth are supported. CAE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, disability, or veteran status.
BACKGROUND ON CAE
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.
HIRING PROCESS
This position is open until October 6. Applicants will have an initial phone interview, which may be followed by an in-person interview and review of our facility. Candidates will be asked to provide references. The job offer is contingent upon a clean motor vehicle record and the ability to pass a CDL medical exam. CAE is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will provide support in any way to ensure everyone's best experience in the hiring process. CAE will take the steps necessary to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the interview process and, if hired, subsequent employment. For accommodation inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]
TO APPLY
Email [email protected] with your resume, cover letter, or letter of interest, and include “Farm Connex Warehouse Assistant” in your email subject line. We’re interested to hear your thoughts on any life or work experience as it relates to this position. Let us know if you have any questions!