JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Full-Time Positions
This is a part-time variable hour (24-40 hours weekly) position depending on interest and capacity.
Market Mobile Drivers help fulfill Farm Fresh RI’s nonprofit mission of growing the local food system by ensuring all products sold by local farmers and producers are safely and accurately delivered to restaurants, institutions, and home delivery customers across Rhode Island. In doing so, we are strengthening local farm viability by building a reliable sales outlet for Rhode Island grown and produced goods.
A high degree of accountability is required in order to provide excellent outcomes to our farmers, food producers, customers, and community partners. Our Drivers facilitate the flow of products from our local food warehouse to customers statewide. This position reports to and works closely with the Operations Manager to continuously improve operations. This position works closely with other Packhouse Associates, Driver Assistants, Drivers, and other Market Mobile staff in a team environment to achieve program goals.
Market Mobile Drivers support Market Mobile operations through the successful implementation of established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Daily tasks include customer deliveries in collaboration with Drivers Assistants, loading/unloading trucks, and completion of prescribed paperwork. Drivers may also provide support as needed with packhouse cleaning/sanitation, receiving, and packline.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Communicate effectively with delivery partners, customers, and Farm Fresh RI staff.
The driver is responsible for communicating with on-the-ground staff at delivery and pickup locations. The driver is expected to provide excellent customer service to these core customers and to be mindful of our impact on their operations. Effective, timely, and frequent communication with the Farm Fresh team and all stakeholders is key to the successful functioning of operations. Attendance at driver and full- team meetings as requested by the Operations Manager is required.
Assist in coordination, organization, and execution of distribution activities.
The Driver assists with organization and coordination under the direction of the operations management team as needed including bin labeling, pallet stacking, and product staging.
Carry out the delivery of products.
Load product into trucks and communicate effectively with customers as deliveries are made. Follow delivery protocol at each drop-off to provide an excellent experience and customer service. Communicate any challenges, concerns, or feedback to supervisor(s) promptly.
Ensure safe and proper product handling and packing.
Adhere to all policies and procedures laid out in the Farm Fresh food safety plan inside the Farm Fresh facility, while on the road, and during deliveries. Items are kept at the proper food safe temperature in the truck throughout the day in accordance with Food Safety SOPs.
Vehicle and supply maintenance.
Monitor and communicate problems with Farm Fresh vehicles, equipment, and supplies. Communicate when running low on truck supplies.
Driving performance.
Drive lawfully and carefully at all times, heeding legal load capacity of the vehicle; adjust speed and routes as needed while still delivering within time-contingencies. Driving instruction and training will be provided, which the Driver is expected to comply with.
Equipment operation.
Operate all equipment in a safe manner. Training will be provided for safe equipment operation.
Safety.
First aid training is provided, but our ultimate goal is preventing injury in the workplace. The Driver is expected to help establish a culture of safety and prevention.
Sanitation & cleaning.
Trucks are kept clean and well organized at all times. Truck cabins and beds are deep cleaned and restocked on Fridays following deliveries.
Teamwork.
The Driver is expected to take part in the cultivation of any full-team efforts with other Farm Fresh staff as requested. All Farm Fresh staff are responsible for ensuring that operations work is conducted safely and efficiently with other operations team members. Any and all conflicts with staff should be reported to the Operations Manager immediately.
Act as an ambassador of Farm Fresh Rhode Island.
Team members are required to interact with many different stakeholders as part of their daily activities. All team members are expected to act as ambassadors of Farm Fresh and treat all parties with dignity and respect to maintain a community of openness and inclusivity.
Other Duties as assigned.
Farm Fresh is a small nonprofit; at all times, a “pitch-in” spirit is expected. Assistance on special projects may be required in addition to normal duties.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
- Food handling experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience driving heavily loaded box trucks in urban and rural environments is strongly preferred.
- CDL- Class A license preferred but not required.
- Experience operating manual and electric pallet jacks is a plus (training is provided).
- Customer service or similar experience is preferred.
- Detail-oriented with excellent record keeping and planning skills.
- Good humor, an ability to think on your feet, and an easy but focused work style.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Neeed to Perform thsi Role
- Must be reliable, committed, and efficient at completing job requirements.
- Must be effective in communicating with other program staff and external organization stakeholders.
- Must be a responsible driver with minimum of 2 years of driving experience, valid US drivers license, and capable of passing DOT physical.
- Must have the ability and desire to relate to and work with various socio-economic and cultural groups and create a positive and safe work environment by making other coworkers and volunteers feel welcome in our space.
- Must have high attention to detail (produce quality and record-keeping).
- Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge (change tire, top-off fluids).
- Basic technology skills – computer and smartphone competency.
- Must be able to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of coworkers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values.
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental, Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Must be able to repeatedly lift 60+ pounds in various conditions. This position is physically demanding and requires an aptitude for manual labor.
Compensation
- This is a part-time variable hour (24-40 hours weekly) position depending on interest and capacity.
- Rate of pay starts at $20 per hour for driver hours. Drivers have the option of picking up additional hours in our packhouse at a rate of $16 per hour if interested.
- Sick and Safe leave benefits starting first day of employment.
- Shifts will be Monday through Friday
How to Apply
- Please fill out our online application here.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Part-Time Positions
Market Mobile Packhouse Associates help fulfill Farm Fresh RI’s nonprofit mission of growing the local food system by ensuring all products sold by local farmers and producers are safely and accurately received and packaged to be delivered to restaurants, institutions, and home delivery customers across Rhode Island. In doing so, we are strengthening local farm viability by building a reliable sales outlet for Rhode Island grown and produced goods.
A high degree of accountability is required in order to provide excellent outcomes to our farmers, food producers, customers, and community partners. Our Packhouse Associates facilitate the flow of products within our local food warehouse. This position works closely with other Packhouse Associates, Driver Assistants, Drivers, and other Market Mobile staff in a team environment to achieve program goals.
Market Mobile Packhouse Associates support Market Mobile operations through the successful implementation of established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Daily tasks include ensuring products are accurately received, picking product orders, upholding cleaning and sanitation standards, and completion of prescribed paperwork.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Receive product into the warehouse from farmers and producers in accordance with receiving procedures.
- Pack customer orders accurately and efficiently.
- Proactively communicate issues and challenges with Market Mobile managers.
- Support Market Mobile safe food handling practices.
- Clean Market Mobile packing facilities weekly.
- Maintain positive relations with Market Market vendors and customers.
- Work with Market Mobile volunteers and interns as necessary.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma preferred.
- Warehouse experience preferred.
- Food handling experience is strongly preferred.
- Picking and packing orders experience preferred.
- Experience operating manual and electric pallet jacks is a plus (training is provided).
- Customer service or similar experience is preferred.
- Good humor, an ability to think on your feet, and an easy but focused work style.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS ROLE
- Must be reliable, committed, and efficient at completing job requirements.
- Must be effective in communicating with other program staff and external organization stakeholders.
- Must have the ability and desire to relate to and work with various socio-economic and cultural groups and create a positive and safe work environment by making other coworkers and volunteers feel welcome in our space.
- Must be a team player and have a willingness to collaborate.
- Must have high attention to detail (produce quality and record-keeping).
- Must be able to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of coworkers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS (PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Must be able to repeatedly lift 60+ pounds in various conditions. This position is physically demanding and requires an aptitude for manual labor.
COMPENSATION & HOURS
- Part-time position: 25-30 hours a week. Hours change due to the seasonal nature of our programs. More hours in the summer.
- Employees can work all hours or a portion of hours available. Hours available:
- Tuesdays, 6am-12noon
- Wednesday 8am-4pm, 9am-5pm, 10am-6pm
- Thursdays 5am-1pm
- Fridays 9am-2pm
- Rate of pay starts at $16 per hour.
- Sick and Safe leave time accrued according to hours worked starting Day 1.
- Shifts will be Monday through Friday.
HOW TO APPLY
- Fill out our online application linked here.
- No phone calls or drop ins please.
- Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
This is a part-time hourly position, 32 hours/week — Saturday mornings required (7am-2pm).
Harvest Kitchen is a program of Farm Fresh Rhode Island. It is part of Farm Fresh RI's initiative to increase the variety of value-added local farm products available, and part of the organization's mission to create a community-based food system. Started in 2010, Harvest Kitchen covers multiple facets of programming, including a 20-week culinary and job-readiness training program for youth that are involved with the RI Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF); a sister production/training program that operates within the Rhode Island Training School; and a local food cafe attached to our commercial kitchen and training space that helps support our training program). All products created by Harvest Kitchen use ingredients sourced from local farms. The program focuses on empowering youth to understand how their activities connect to the local food system while gaining the necessary skills and experiences to be able to pursue their personal and professional goals.
Job Function/Purpose of Role
The Harvest Kitchen Markets Lead reports directly to the Harvest Kitchen (HK) Program Director to ensure that all market sales goals are met, inventory is reconciled monthly, and farmers markets are staffed effectively. Working closely with the HK Chef Educator, the Markets Lead prepares our trainees to participate in farmers markets by providing retail and customer service education. The Markets Lead should be willing and able to work in our Pawtucket location with HK students at least once a week to better familiarize themself with the program and what it is that we try to do.
Farmers Market Responsibilities
- Pack and stage product and materials to be sold at all Farm Fresh RI/HK retail sales outlets.
- Transport market sales equipment and product from our Providence office to market sites and off-site events.
- Ensure marketing materials accurately reflect pricing, mission, and seasonality.
- Record sales transactions and balance market sales sheets at the end of each market.
- Manage and supervise Harvest Kitchen seasonal market staff.
- Purchase and maintain inventory on market supplies.
- Maintain updated inventory-level tracking documents and submit monthly inventory reports.
- Educate trainees on retail sales and customer service.
- Supervise and mentor trainees at the markets.
Harvest Kitchen Cafe Responsibilities
- Perform administrative tasks: documents, organizing, and updating.
- Mentor trainees in the cafe.
- Assist in management of volunteers at the cafe.
- Assist in production of the high-quality jarred products within the HK product line.
Job Requirements
- Outgoing and able to connect with a range of audiences
- Multilingual, Spanish speaking preferred
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Interest in nutrition, public health, and environmental issues preferred
- Experience in retail sales preferred
- Ability to multitask and respond to changing priorities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong computer skills and data interpretation
- Valid drivers license and reliable transportation
- Available to work Saturdays 7:00am-2:30pm year-round
- Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
Compensation
- $17 an hour
- Mileage reimbursement
To Apply
- Email [email protected] with the subject line “HK Farmers Market Lead.”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- No phone calls or walk-ins please.
The Rental Events Associate plays a key role in the Farm Fresh RI team by overseeing the use of the Farm Fresh RI building (10 Sims Ave, Providence) by the general public. The Associate’s role is to be the point of contact during events held in the building while ensuring smooth operations for the renter and their guests and reinforcing Farm Fresh RI’s commitment to DEI initiatives. Ongoing communications with the internal and external stakeholders, exceptional customer service, timeliness, and flexibility are central to the functions of this role.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Acts as a liaison and maintains positive relationships with renters, fostering relationships with individuals from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds.
- Ensures a clean and organized space for renters and their guests upon arrival.
- Uses active listening and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot problems that may occur during the course of event(s).
- Ensures rented spaces are clean and the building is secure post event with no damage to the property.
- Escalates concerns or potential problems that may arise to the Rental Events Manager and/or Property Manager.
- Provides ongoing support to encourage a collaborative teamwork environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform this Role
- High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with a proven ability to effectively establish and nurture strong working relationships.
- Spanish speaking or other language skills preferred.
- Detail and customer service oriented, with demonstrated commitment to success of team members and Farm Fresh RI's mission and values.
- Strong and evolving commitment to participating in Farm Fresh RI’s DEI goals.
- Proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite.
- Must be able to type 50+ wpm.
- Must be flexible and reliable in time management, and willing to work evenings and/or weekends in support of customer needs.
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental, and Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings, crowded spaces and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employee must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on occasion.
Compensation
- This is a part-time, hourly position.
- Rate of pay is $16 per hour, time-and-a-half on Sundays.
- This role requires variable hours, nights and weekends.
To Apply
- Email Leigh Vincola with an introduction, [email protected].
- No calls or walk-ins please.
Full-Year AmeriCorps Opportunities
Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks an outgoing and energetic Development and Community Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA member with strong communication and organization skills to build capacity of Farm Fresh RI’s fundraising and community engagement systems. An integral part of Farm Fresh RI’s team, this new position will support local agriculture and food access initiatives by communicating program impacts to new audiences and organizing systems to track and evaluate fundraising efforts and volunteer impact. This position offers a unique opportunity to work across programs and create deep, lasting connections with community partners and donors.
This position requires a one-year commitment to begin in July/August, 2022. Application deadline is June 20, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Primary Responsibilities
- Research national best practices in fundraising and communications strategy.
- Develop systems to better connect Farm Fresh RI board members and staff about fundraising and outreach efforts.
- Support Communications and Development team with creating and executing communications with donors.
- Under supervision of the Development Team and Communications Director, help plan and execute Farm Fresh RI fundraising and outreach events.
- Act as a representative of Farm Fresh RI at community and partner events.
- Collect and organize program impact data into content for donor reporting and outreach campaigns.
- Review and revise existing Farm Fresh RI development strategies for donors and volunteers.
- Evaluate fundraising and engagement strategies, and assist with facilitation if applicable.
- Support donor appreciation and retention efforts.
Skills Required
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- Great attention to detail
- Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
- Excellent time-management skills
- Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Docs
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Spanish fluency and other language skills a plus
- Willingness to work hands-on in various environments (outdoors at markets, inside at office)
- Able to bend and lift loads up to 30 pounds
- Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation. (Mileage reimbursement will be provided for personal vehicle use.)
About AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.
AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits
- Bi-weekly living allowance of $575.40
- $6,345 Segal Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans
- $400 monthly rent credit
- Monthly bus pass
- Student loan deferment
- Mileage reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- CNCS health benefit & childcare assistance
To Apply
This is a full-year position starting July 5, 2022. Application deadline is June 1, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- To apply, please go to: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp and review the AmeriCorps VISTA information on that site.
- Then go to https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and click “Search Listings.” For the search, select the “Rhode Island” and “AmeriCorps VISTA” options.
- Scroll until you find this position. Click on it and choose “Apply Now.”
- Submit your application including two references.
- No calls or walk-ins please.
Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps VISTA site. Farm Fresh Rhode Island cannot accept applications directly.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks an outgoing and energetic Education Innovations AmeriCorps VISTA with demonstrated initiative and clear organizational and communication skills to increase Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Community Education program capacity. The Education Innovation (EI) AmeriCorps VISTA member will enhance and expand the educational opportunities that Farm Fresh RI provides to school and university communities. This position will create a standardized student internship track that will support the development of young emerging leaders in the food system. Additionally, this member will craft Farm to School (F2S) and Community Education (CE) program activities with external partners that leverage the recruited interns to strengthen the long-term impact of our initiatives across Rhode Island. This will allow Farm Fresh to simultaneously maximize internal organizational capacity to manage volunteers and interns, and maximize alignment and sustainability of our programming. This position requires a one-year commitment to begin July 5, 2022. Application deadline is May 30, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct a needs assessment and asset map of Farm Fresh, college, and high school internship opportunities relating to food systems and health fields of study.
- Partner with schools and community sites to identify community needs and brainstorm activities and programs.
- Enhance and expand current knowledge of best practices and models for capacity building for F2S.
- Develop new activities and programs identified for internship, including afterschool and summer programs.
- Create internship model proposal including activities, budget, and timelines and implement and pilot programming where applicable.
- Assist CE staff with program implementation for youth, families, and seniors.
- Participate in program performance measurement process and evaluation of internship.
Skills Required
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- Great attention to detail
- Project planning skills
- Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
- Excellent time-management skills
- Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Spanish or other language skills a plus
- Nutrition/Health/General education experience preferred
- Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
- Reliable access to a car required
About AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.
AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits
- Bi-weekly living allowance of $575.40
- $400 monthly rent stipend
- Monthly bus pass
- Student loan deferment
- Mileage reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- CNCS health benefit and childcare assistance
- $6,345 Segal Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans
To Apply
Members must be able to commit to a full year of service, from July 5, 2022, to July 4, 2023. Deadline to apply is May 30, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Please go to: https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-vista and review the AmeriCorps VISTA information on that site.
- Then go to https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and click “Search Listings.” For the search, select the “Rhode Island” and “AmeriCorps VISTA” options. Scroll until you find this position. Click on it and choose “Apply Now.” Submit your application including two references.
- Applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps VISTA site. Farm Fresh Rhode Island cannot accept applications directly.
- No calls or walk-ins please.
Farm Fresh RI Foundational & Organizational Outcomes
As an organization, we feel it is important that all employees in all programs of Farm Fresh Rhode Island are expected to uphold the following outcomes in addition to their specific job responsibilities:
- Diversity, Inclusion, & Respect: All staff and volunteers are committed to equality in the workplace, demonstrate respect for each other and those we serve, and work to create a more equitable food system.
- Food Safety: Certifications are maintained and standard operating procedures are followed to ensure safe food handling at all times.
- Health & Safety: Staff, volunteers, and visitors are safe in our office, café, and at all program sites. Staff and volunteers feel safe and supported in the workplace.
- Food Systems Knowledge: All workers can speak about local, sustainable, and equitable food system development and understand how Farm Fresh RI programs address different aspects of these topics.
- Service Orientation: Staff and volunteers are helpful and respectful in all interactions with each other and with all constituents of all Farm Fresh RI programs.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees. We encourage enquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our organization. Farm Fresh RI does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment or programming. Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an AmeriCorps grantee and receives funds as part of their State and National program, and to operate our VISTA program.