What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Produce Reclamation Assistant position at The Food Group?
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I. Position Information: | ||||
Job Title: | Seasonal Produce Reclamation Assistant | Exempt | ||
Program/Dept. | Volunteer Program | Non-Exempt | X | |
Location: | The Food Group, various farms, Minneapolis Farmers Market- Lyndale | Created: | April 2023 | |
Manager: | Volunteer Manager – Local Food Initiatives | Last Revised: | March 2024 | |
This is an hourly part time seasonal position with approximately 15 hours per week. The work schedule will begin from mid-June through October, every Thursday and Sunday. The hourly pay is $18.00 per hour.
Organization Overview
The Food Group (TFG) is a local nonprofit focused on advancing healthy food access. Established in 1976, we provide nutritious food and support services to over 240 hunger relief partners and food distribution locations, in addition to training immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and other historically underrepresented farmers in sustainable farming practices.
Our culture and environment can be described as high-trust, cooperative, collaborative, and open.
We are a workplace that is full of people who genuinely appreciate each other and work best when tackling big ideas as a team. We value individuals who bring their life experiences to their work, knowing that the ways that they have experienced racial, economic, or gender injustice drive their passion to create change. We are a team of passionate, dedicated people who work alongside each other.
Equity is fundamental to our mission to fight hunger and nourish our community. Where we live, how much money we make, or the color of our skin currently influences access to healthy and culturally appropriate foods. We must address the roots of these inequities so everyone in our community has the opportunity to live their best life. We believe in working with our community and organizations to improve food access and make systemic changes in hunger relief. To do so, equity is a part of all aspects of our work. We invite individuals from different abilities, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to take part in and shape the work in the community.
II. Job Summary |
The Seasonal Food Reclamation (Rescue) Assistant is a part-time seasonal position from mid-June through October 2026. The position is responsible for sorting local produce, working with groups of volunteers at the Minneapolis Farmers Markets to reclaim produce, and attending 4 on-farm gleans per month (location varies). The Seasonal Food Reclamation Assistant will work to motivate teams of volunteers to reclaim and supply fresh local produce for distribution to regional food shelves.
The position will assist with Farmer’s Market produce reclamation (rescue) (every Sunday), on-farm produce gleaning, and support of volunteer programming. Tasks and schedules will vary during the season, and this position will report directly to the Volunteer Manager.
III. Core Job Functions |
Farmers Market Reclamation
- Drive the produce reclamation van from The Food Group warehouse to the Minneapolis Farmers Market every Sunday
- Assist in leading groups of 10 volunteers in collection, sorting, and loading boxes of surplus produce from farmers at the Minneapolis Farmers Market
- Coordinate with the Market Manager on scheduling, logistics, etc.
- Represent The Food Group professionally when in public and leading volunteers
- Cultivate positive working relationships with vendors at the farmer’s market
Gleaning, Deliveries, and Receiving
- Collaboratively facilitate on-farm/orchard gleaning trips (4 per month) – location varies around greater Twin Cities region
- Assist in leading volunteers on farms, modeling good agricultural practices, food safety/sanitation and following host farm safety plans and rules
- Assist Volunteer Coordinator in gleaning event preparation, receiving, inspecting, and grading inbound deliveries of donated produce for delivery to agency partners
Support Volunteer Programming
- Collaborate with program coordinators to facilitate on-site packing of food for food shelves and affordable grocery programming as needed
- Assist with volunteer project planning and other duties as assigned
IV. Position Requirements |
Minimum Education and Experience
- Experience working on a farm, farmers market, or other experience with handling fresh produce
- Experience in non-profit work and working with volunteers a plus
- Experience or comfortable with driving a sprinter van helpful but not required
Physical Demands
- Ability to work extended hours outdoors in all weather, bending and lifting 50 pounds repeatedly
- Must have the ability to both sit and stand for long periods of time and utilize various farm and office equipment on a continual basis. Ability to train on warehouse equipment
Licenses and/or Certifications
- Valid MN driver’s license and proof of auto insurance. Dependable transportation is required
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Must be able to work effectively with partners who are significantly diverse with respect to age, race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion
- Must be able to work effectively in an organization that has recognized its own issues related to equity and is seeking to be more representative of the community
- Excellent interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication across various cultures
- Excellent organizational and planning skills
- Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities
- Interest in sustainable agriculture
- Basic understanding of post-harvest handling and food safety
- Comfort identifying and harvesting most in-season local produce
- Excellent volunteer leadership and coordination skills
- Adaptability to changing circumstances
- Ability to work well in a team setting
V. Working Conditions and Environment |
This position is based out of the New Hope office but is highly mobile. Flexibility is required, as this job takes place at a variety of locations during the week including the Minneapolis Farmers Market (on Sundays), on-site at regional farms (Thursdays) and at The Food Group warehouse. The majority of hours will be worked each Sunday and the hours may vary between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mileage is reimbursable when personal vehicles are used, although travel will primarily be by company vehicles.
All employees must be able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.
People of Color and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. The Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.
VI. Hiring Process and Timeline |
The position will be open for applications until filled
Please include a current resume and cover letter. Please use the cover letter to tell us why you are interested and what you personally will bring to our team.
The hiring process will include:
- We will review and screen resume/cover letters
- Initial interviews will be conducted over the phone
- 3-5 top candidates will have in-person interviews with selection committee
- Possible second round interview with top 2 candidates
- Formal offer to follow for final candidate
Salary : $18