Production Assistant/backup Distribution Assistant

Introduction:

Real Pickles is a worker-owned co-operative in Greenfield, MA, producing organic fermented vegetables from Northeast-grown produce. Our mission is to promote human and ecological health by providing people with delicious, nourishing food and by working toward a regional, organic food system in the Northeast. As a co-operative, each worker has the opportunity to become an owner of the business and participate in shaping its future. We are committed to the work of racial justice and to creating good jobs that support the dignity of all workers.

We are seeking a well-qualified individual to join our production team as a Production Assistant/backup Distribution Assistant. We are looking for someone with an interest in organic food production, a connection toReal Pickles’ mission and a desire to explore worker-ownership in our co-op. This position is based at our facility in Greenfield, MA.

Job Duties:

The Production Assistant works as part of our production team to make safe, healthy and delicious fermented foods for sale to customers throughout the Northeast. The work is physically demanding and repetitive and requires standing for long periods of time. During the harvest season, the production team prepares fresh ingredients for fermentation in barrels. Tasks include, but are not limited to, washing, peeling and cutting vegetables by hand; operating food machinery; and using a pallet jack to transport large vegetable bins. Throughout the year, the production team packages finished product into jars and buckets for sale using a mix of manual and machine-oriented tasks. Duties also include facility and distribution tasks. The backup Distribution Assistant position involves regular shipping and receiving duties, as well as occasional fill in delivery routes. Production shifts run from 8am to 4:45pm, Monday-Friday.

Qualifications:

• Experience with commercial food production and/or farming is strongly preferred.
• Ability to do physically demanding and repetitive work (while standing) for a full 8-hour shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Collaborative and respectful team player with good verbal communication skills.
• Experience with shipping, receiving and inventory management.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Forklift experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starts at $19/hour, with 50¢ raises twice annually for 4 years followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments.
• Paid time off.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% company match.
• Employer-sponsored health insurance plan available for schedules of 36 hour per week.
• Eligibility after one year to become a worker-owner in our co-op.

To apply: Please email work experience or resume, a letter of interest and 2-3 references to . This position will remain open until it is filled.

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person