Warehouse Associate and Driver

About The Ark

The Ark is a vital resource in Chicago, providing a safety net for the Chicagoland Jewish community and anyone in need. Founded on the principles of dignity and compassion, The Ark offers free, comprehensive human services to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. With a deep commitment to restoring hope and self-reliance, The Ark integrates social services, medical care, and financial assistance in a welcoming, respectful environment.

About The Role

We’re looking for someone dependable behind the wheel and steady on their feet — a person who takes pride in keeping things moving so that clients never see a gap in service.

The Food Security Logistics Assistant keeps food, donations, and supplies flowing between The Ark’s warehouse, the Chicago Market, the Northbrook Pantry, and our community partners. This role is the connective tissue of our Food Security program: when shelves are stocked, deliveries arrive on time, and spaces stay organized, clients experience the dignified, reliable service that defines The Ark. You’ll report to the Food Security Inventory Specialist and work closely with the broader Client Services team.

What You’ll Do

Driving & Transport (the majority of your week)

• Transport food, medication, donations, and supplies between Ark locations and service sites.
• Pick up food purchases, donations, and special orders, including those for holidays and special events.
• Receive and unload inventory and donations, handling items safely and appropriately.
• Support internal inventory distribution across four locations.
• Deliver unusable donations to appropriate partner organizations.

Pantry Operations

• Support daily operations of the Chicago Market and Northwest Pantry.
• Stock shelves, rotate inventory, and keep spaces organized and functional.
• Cross-train to assist with order fulfillment and provide coverage during client distribution.

Team Support

• Pitch in on Food Security team operations as needed to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Schedule

Approximately 24 hours per week (subject to change):

• Monday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Tuesday: 7:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Wednesday or Thursday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

What You’ll Bring

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Certifications: Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required. Food Handler Certification required, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Experience: Experience driving cargo vans or trucks in all weather conditions required. Customer service experience is a plus.
• Physical requirements: Ability to regularly lift and move items weighing 25–50 lbs.
• Skills: Strong communication, reliability, and attention to detail.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive hourly pay ($19-21/hour)
• Paid sick leave, holiday pay, and cell phone stipend.
• A supportive, collaborative workplace rooted in compassion, integrity, and impact
• Work that directly keeps food on the table for neighbors in need

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This role involves lifting and moving items in the 25-50 lbs range, often repeatedly. It also requires long periods of sitting, along with bending, stooping, squatting and reaching. Can you perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations?
• This is a part-time role with about 24 hours a week: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and either Wednesday or Thursday with it generally starting at 7:30 am. Does that fit you availability?
• This role involves driving between four locations in all Chicago-area weather. Are there any concerns with this?

License/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (Preferred)

Location:

• Chicago, IL 60645 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60645 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21