Job description
Northwest Harvest is an anti-racist, anti-oppression organization committed to transforming an unjust food system into one that is more responsive and accountable to the communities most impacted by discrimination. In addition to distributing food throughout Washington, Northwest Harvest aims to shift public opinion, as well as impact institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in our state.
Learn more at http://www.northwestharvest.org
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Yakima Volunteer Lead position contributes to Northwest Harvests mission by supporting the volunteer experience in the packaging of dry grains, fresh produce, frozen foods and food drive products.
This position is vital to engaging with surrounding communities throughout the Yakima Valley and ensuring alignment with the Volunteer Program’s mission; to provide the community with opportunities to engage in the work of hunger response and food justice through volunteer tasks that directly support food distribution operations, advance advocacy work, inspire financial giving, and equity programs.
By providing and continuing education to our volunteer constituents, we ensure that the volunteers understand the importance of Northwest Harvests mission and the impact they make.
In addition, the Yakima Volunteer Lead engages in cutting hunger rates in half by 2028 by cultivating a safe, inclusive environment that includes a high-quality customer service delivery of the Volunteer team based on the values inherent in Northwest Harvests mission, the principles of cultural proficiency, and effectively adhering to the Volunteer department challenges and needs, all while fostering a collaborative environment that works cross functionally to empower the employees of NWH as well as enhance the lives of the population we serve and bring a lens of diversity equity and inclusion to continually be an equitable workplace culture.
Work Schedule: This position may be required to work outside of regular business hours or different shifts on occasion i.e., evenings and weekend events.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaboration:
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Plan and align the Distribution Center needs with volunteer opportunities in coordination with the Yakima Inbound and Outbound Manager(s) and Procurement/Allocation Teams
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Prepare processing rooms prior to and following volunteer shift using Washington State department of Agriculture (WSDA) standards for a sanitary environment
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Plan appropriate level of activities for volunteers with diverse skills and needs -
Set up and break down of work areas with all necessary equipment, tools, supplies and product for an efficient assembly line process -
Picks product and put away by using the radio frequency device (RFD) to ensure accurate inventory movement -
Coordinate groups and individuals, observing maximum numbers and minimum ages, for optimum volunteer experience in the warehouse -
Coordinate storage space with the Operations Team for bulk and reworked products
Volunteer Experience & Safety :
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Acknowledges volunteers as they come in and leave each shift
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Orients and trains new volunteers regarding personal safety and food safety prior to volunteer shifts -
Anticipate the progress of work so volunteers keep working within safety guidelines. Support and guide volunteers as they package food and complete other projects -
Ensure all safety standards are met for the volunteers in the processing room. Address any unsafe conditions immediately, involve supervisor/manager if necessary
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Document all safety incidents concisely, filing report with the Yakima Inbound or Outbound Operations Manager promptly -
Provide clear communication to organize and support volunteer groups in food processing work -
Provide continuous support, direction and personal attention to the food repack support to ensure efficient repacking process and exceptional volunteer experience -
Monitors compliance and stays current on all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) guidelines as well as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington State department of Agriculture (WSDA) regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment -
Maintain a clean and safe working environment per the Department of Agriculture
Volunteer Program and Database System s
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Maintains data integrity by effectively entering data into the organizations database system
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Enter rework product into the warehouse management system for inventory purposes -
Fill in as a remote support for other Distribution Sites to enter rework when needed -
Review volunteer shifts and schedules in Volunteer Database system
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Serve as a supporting role for other site Volunteer Program Leads with scheduling in Salesforce as needed
General Distribution Center Duties
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Labels and wraps pallet loads and put away for inventory accuracy
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Assist with general housekeeping, this includes, but is not limited to; cleaning and upkeep of areas throughout the Distribution Center -
Keep an accurate inventory to submit purchase order request of supplies/items needed in the volunteer program area
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Performs other Distribution Center duties as assigned
Community Engagement Event Support
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Assist with compiling event supplies when requested for community events
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Support in offsite set up and tear town of events as needed -
Assist with Volunteer Social Events as needed
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Able to lift 50lbs. repeatedly with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical Demands
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.
This job operates in a conscientious office environment and occasionally on the warehouse floor. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and other office-related devices as well as standard warehouse equipment such as forklifts, & pallet jacks
While performing the duties of this position:
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Regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear
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Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, standard keyboards of office equipment or controls, and reach with hands and arms -
Frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds -
Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds -
Specific vision abilities required by this position include close and distant vision and the ability to adjust focus
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Frequent proper and safe operation of Distribution Center equipment on occasion
EQUITY AND INCLUSION:
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Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact
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Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency
RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal
: Frequent in person contact with site Volunteer Coordinators, Distribution Center Leads/Supervisors and management and remote communication with the statewide Volunteer Program Manager.
Communicate with other departments, ask questions, receive, and provide information relevant to the production process.
External: Engage in conversation with volunteers, share Northwest Harvest current events and updates of organization goals to reduce hunger. Speak knowledgeably about Northwest Harvest’s role in Food Justice and the drive to increase equitable access to food for all in Washington state.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed
below which
provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.
Successful completion of
a
Background check is
required
.
Knowledge of :
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Familiarity with Warehouse operations i.e., receiving, put away, storage, picking, packing and shipping
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Familiarity with Safety practices and procedures i.e., safety regulations, observation skills, proper use of tools and machinery, workplace hazards, clean workspace, wear necessary safety gear
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General knowledge of the volunteer experience i.e., program coordination/administration, customer service, and or providing training to volunteer staff
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Proficient in the use of an Inventory Database system a plus
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Critical thinking by identifying, analyzing, and solving problems with team members in an inclusive manner
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General knowledge or the willingness to learn new systems with Microsoft Office applications; particularly Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook, Teams, and Zoom and ability to work efficiently and effectively with other organizational platforms such as ADP, SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics NAV systems
Ability to :
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Understand individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurity.
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Demonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ populations and people living with disabilities.
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Create and maintain a positive culture of hospitality, generosity, empathy, and graciousness, and model these NWH values for other staff, volunteers, guests, donors, and vendors.
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Join Northwest Harvest in its mission to serve this population with dignity.
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Communicate both verbally and in writing with proper grammar and punctuation.
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Demonstrated experience in a warehouse setting, to include but is not limited to the operation of forklifts and pallet jacks
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Ability to work with diverse populations and multitask in demanding situations and tight deadlines
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Ability to anticipate problems and create solutions in advance
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Attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects, strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to listen effectively to build collaborative, cross-functional relationships.
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Excellent communication skills, ability to speak in front of small or large groups of people
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Ability to work independently within written standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and guidelines
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Exceptional organizational and time management skills, ability to prioritize, and strong attention to detail.
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Strong customer service orientation, relationship building, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and collaboration skills
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and leadership to ensure a high degree of mutual accountability.
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Make decisions and learn from mistakes.
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Strong written and interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt, listen and interact effectively at all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, peers, residents, community partners, and the general public.
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Ask questions to understand the merits of different approaches and shift strategies in response to demands of a situation.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
High school diploma, GED certification and/or an combination of education and experience with a personal orientation as a life-long learner.
EXPERIENCE:
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Minimum of (2) + years’ experience that include clerical tasks i.e., data entry, preparing documents, responding to emails, human services, warehouse environment or a food bank environment. (1) year experience in a volunteer program setting
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Food industry experience desired but not required
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Experience in a nonprofit organization is desired but not required.
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Ability to speak a second language or ability to speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Cantonese is desired but not required
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Knowledge of Warehouse Inventory Management Software is desired but not required
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Salesforce or Client Management Software is desired but not required
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS
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Forklift/electric pallet jack certification is desired or can be completed within 30 days after date of hire
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Valid Washington State Drivers License
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can and will change in alignment with greater efficiencies and mission metrics.
BENEFITS AND OTHER COMPENSATION:
Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package this includes but is not limited to; medical/dental/ vision/ insurance, long term disability insurance, Life/AD&D insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) retirement plan, Vacation and Sick leave, 8 paid holidays; New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, Floating holidays for you to use should you observe a holiday not outlined in Northwest Harvests current observed holidays or at your discretion, and birthday holiday. Employees are eligible to participate in payroll deducted supplemental benefits i.e., Flexible Spending account-HRA and DCE, various AFLAC and New York Life plans.
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