Operations Assistant

About

Boston Area Gleaners is a regional food systems organization working at the intersection of farming, food waste, and hunger relief. We focus on meeting the immediate needs of families who lack access to affordable, healthy food while also addressing the systemic causes of food insecurity. We also own and operate Stonefield Farm in Acton, Massachusetts.

The Operations Assistant works flexibly across operations. Responsibilities will vary day-to-day, but may include repacking, working with volunteers, harvesting on-site, and inventory upkeep. This posting conveys information essential to understanding the scope and nature of the work.

Mid-June – Mid-December:
Average schedule of 40‑45 hours per week (4 day work‑week)

Paid sick time, paid wellness days, paid holidays, cell phone stipend, gear reimbursement, retirement benefits, and seasonal produce. The pay range for this position is $21–$23 per hour and overtime (1.5× hourly rate) is paid for time worked over 40 hours per week.

• Strong verbal communication skills; must be able to receive and give verbal instructions effectively
• The ability (and desire) to repeatedly lift 50lbs and be on your feet all day
• Able to work in a variety of weather conditions from hot, humid summer days to cold, wet fall days
• A fun, energetic, team‑oriented attitude
• Ability to operate pump and power jacks (training is providing)

• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience working with volunteers
• Ability to follow instructions and to clearly express ideas in a concise and professional manner
• Knowledge of local fruit and vegetable varieties, produce quality, and proper storage conditions

• Assist on‑site volunteer trips; help directing volunteers with varying levels of experience to ensure the personal safety of volunteers
• Help instruct volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards during repacks and harvests
• Help with motivating groups of volunteers to achieve repack goals while maintaining a positive volunteer experience
• Assist in the set up and clean up for on‑site volunteer trips, in collaboration with Operations Management

• Communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service to all partners
• Ensure safe and proper product handling in accordance with the Gleaners’ food safety plan by following all policies and procedures as outlined
• Ensure accurate record‑keeping including obtaining all necessary signatures and adjusting order inaccuracies
• Practice injury prevention by using safe lifting techniques and communicating to the team anytime assistance is needed; likewise, support the team when someone may be facing an injury or need assistance
• Assist with inventory checks as needed

• Operate manual pump jacks and electric power jacks as needed to rotate inventory and unload/load trucks. (Training provided)
• Practice safe measures learned in the Gleaners’ vehicle & equipment trainings; stay alert to surroundings and communicate to people around you whenever operating vehicles and equipment
• Contribute to the Gleaners’ culture of safety, always acknowledge, and mitigate risk whenever possible