Each year since 1946, MCC has sent out a mobile meat canner, which MCC workers and volunteers use to preserve hundreds of thousands of cans of meat for communities in need across the globe. Canner operators travel with the meat canner to over 30 different Mennonite and Amish communities across the US and Canada, canning beef, turkey, chicken, and pork. Canners are responsible for all aspects of the project including: operating steam and pressure vessels, coordinating volunteers, maintaining and communicating USDA regulations, and the maintenance of all machinery in the canning process. Lifelong relationships are forged, opening new doors for life after canning. MCC prefers to place 2 Canners per year. The Canning Team is comprised of four individuals, typically 2 in their first year and 2 in their second year of service. Due to the travel demands for Canner Operators and the conservative contexts of many canning sites, MCC prefers that Canners be single and male. The four men who comprise the canning team typically stay together in lodging provided by the host committees and serve as leaders at the canning sites. Due to CDL requirements for driving in multiple states, MCC prefers that Canner Operators be at least 21 years old. Canner operators work 8-12 hour days from October through April including Saturdays. The extra hours are compensated by time off over Christmas and other breaks in the canning schedule. Summers are spent in Akron with regular working hours. This may include working for the maintenance department or as drivers, materials handlers, etc. at warehouse facilities. (Exceptions regarding the summer work requirement may be requested and will be taken into consideration.) MCC will arrange for each canner to attend a U.S.D.A. approved canning course and to obtain, if the canner operator is interested, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The four members of the Canning Crew represent a mutually supportive community. The Canner Operators are expected to cultivate community through such activities as eating together, informal discussions, Bible studies, and recreation. In addition, MCC provides each Canner Operator with the opportunity to visit another country or locations where MCC meat has been programmed one time during their two-year term.

This is a full-time, Service Worker position with a set term length. Service Workers are MCC personnel who are financially supported through a monthly stipend, coverage of living expense and a comprehensive benefits package.

Organizational values and culture: All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.
Essential:
1. Commitment to Christ and the work of the church.
2. Ability to work alongside others in a collaborative team environment.
3. Adaptable to new places and people.
4. Capable of repeatedly lifting 75 pounds.
5. Ability to relate to volunteer groups and appreciate the various diversities. Canner Operators will use skills of discretion, judgment and creative ability to communicate with all MCC volunteers.
6. Good mechanical aptitude
7. Ability to work with U.S.D.A. inspectors
Employment eligibility: Legally eligible to work in the U.S. MCC offers of employment are subject to a successful criminal background check(s).
Preferred:
1. Single Male and at least 21 years old preferred.
2. Class 3 or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) OR eligibility and willingness to apply for CDL during first year of service preferred. All CDL drivers are required to submit to drug and alcohol testing.
Anti-oppression commitment: MCC expects all staff to actively participate in an organization culture that focuses on dismantling any barriers based on race, economic inequality or gender-based oppression. This includes an expectation to assess and address any barriers within themselves, within their team(s), and within MCC.
Safeguarding commitment: All MCC Staff are expected to work collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations).
This job description is designed to be a thorough list of the employee’s responsibilities. It may not be an exhaustive list of duties, particularly for short-term duties that may arise. This Job Description will be reviewed and updated at least annually to ensure recurring and routine duties are included in this job description

Specific Tasks and Duties: 1. Drive to, set up and operate canner at over 30 locations in 13 states. 2. Operate canning equipment a. Steam boiler b. Steam cookers c. Steam-jacketed kettles d. Sealer 3. Supervise and coordinate volunteers working on-site during canning operations 4. Relate with the canning committees and local volunteers promoting MCC. 5. Maintain and service canner to be ready for the next canning season. 6. Other duties during summer include working for maintenance department, warehouse work in the Material Resources Center, and trips to airports. And, if interested, take CDL training and receive a CDL license. 7. Interact with and speak to MCC supporters. 8. Move frequently to new locations, along with mobile canner, as scheduled each canning season. 9. Work well with many different people. 10. Appreciate and honor hospitality; practice good manners. 11. Other duties as assigned on a temporary basis. Supervision: This position does not supervise any MCC employees but does support in directing volunteers at canning sites. Travel expectations: Travel to stay and work at various sites during the majority of the canning season from October-April. Physical Activity/Demands: • Regularly ascending or descending stairs/ladders or the like. • Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time. • Constantly moving about to accomplish tasks or move from one worksite to another. • Constantly medium work that includes moving objects up to 75 pounds. • Constantly repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. • Constantly operating machinery and/or power tools. • Constantly operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. • Constantly assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned. Environment Conditions – exposed to: • Regularly low or high temperatures. • Occasionally outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind. • Occasionally noisy environments. • Occasionally hazardous conditions. • Occasionally poor ventilation

Occasional long days;Physically demanding work

02 Sep, 2024 - Yes, dependent on candidate's availability.

2 years

. monthly stipend, food/household allowance, and vacation and resettlement allowances.

Benefits include medical coverage, life insurance, and educational loan assistance, if eligible. All work-related transportation is covered by MCC.

From October to April, the canning season, canners live with host families near canning sites. During the summer, May to September, canners are based in Akron, PA (pop. 3,500). Akron is a small town in Lancaster County, Pa., about 10 miles from Lancaster City (pop. 55,000). Much of the Canner Operator activity from May to September takes place at the MCC Material Resources Center located in Ephrata about 4 miles from the MCC office in Akron.