Careers

Description:

Northwest Harvest is Washington’s leading hunger relief agency – supporting a statewide network of 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Focused on improving equity in our food system, Northwest Harvest believes everyone in Washington should have consistent access to nutritious food that feeds the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to making sure those who suffer from hunger are being fed, 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:

This position plays a significant role in helping Northwest Harvest (NWH) achieve its goal of cutting hunger rates in half in Washington State by 2028. The position does this by ensuring that all guests at the SODO Community Market (SCM) have equitable access to nutritious and culturally-appropriate food. This position supports the daily operations of the SCM by welcoming guests, volunteers, donors, and other visitors to the Market, and closely following food safety protocols during the receiving, repackaging, storage, and distribution processes. The ideal candidate will: have the ability to work in a fast-paced, highly-relational environment; be conversationally fluent in one or more of the four non-English languages most spoken by our Market guests (Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or Spanish); be open to learning and using compassionate, trauma-informed approaches to customer service; and have a strong focus on collaboration, teamwork, and serving the organization’s mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Market Guest and Volunteer Responsibilities – 40% 

• Center the human dignity of Market guests, volunteers, and visitors
• Provide excellent customer service to our Market guests, volunteers, donors, vendors, and visitors, assisting with access to NWH services, and accommodating special needs and requests as appropriate
• Ensure a safe and friendly Market environment, and maintain an orderly and timely flow through the Market space
• Practice de-escalation techniques when interacting with guests in volatile situations (NWH offers its SCM employees access to professional training in de-escalation and conflict resolution)
• Assist guests in identifying and connecting with appropriate community resources in the area, including organizations using the Northwest Harvest Community Resource Room
• Assist the SCM Manager in providing support, direction, and appreciation to volunteers as they distribute, re-package and sort food, or other assigned tasks
• Assist with leading volunteer orientations, team huddles, and information dissemination
• Support the functions of the SCM Sandwich Brigade, including set up and volunteer guidance
• Set up and break down the Market work areas before and after projects 

Warehousing and Operational Responsibilities – 40%

• Coordinate food receipts and distribution, ensuring proper temperature control, sanitary conditions, FIFO rotation, documentation, and appropriate handling
• Ensure all inventory protocols are tracked and observed (weights, receipts, inventory counts, data entry, etc.) 
• Work with the SCM Manager to ensure proper maintenance of facility and equipment
• Assist with loading and unloading delivery vehicles from NWH’s Kent Warehouse, as well as the vehicles of vendors and individual donors
• Operate NWH forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment in accordance with OSHA standards (NWH provides SCM employees forklift certification classes, so certification can be earned after hire)
• Adhere to OSHA and WISHA safety requirements to ensure a safe working environment 
• Set up food displays in the Market, and move food from storage to displays

General Responsibilities – 20% 

• Work collaboratively as a SCM team member to ensure Market standards are met or exceeded in supplying food to the public by following a systematic routine schedule
• Create and maintain a positive culture of hospitality, generosity, empathy, and graciousness, and model these NWH values when interacting with other NWH staff, volunteers, guests, donors, and visitors
• Attend team, department, and all-staff meetings, and participate in ad hoc committees as appropriate (Safety, Equity, SCM Cross-Functional Team, etc.) 
• Participate in equity, strategy, and visioning initiatives
• Maintain a valid food worker card 

Equity and Inclusion

• Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact.
• Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency

RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal:  Frequent contact with staff of the NWH Market, Kent Warehouse, Learning & Impact Department, and Executive Staff.

External: Frequent contact with Market guests, volunteers, vendors, donors, visitors, community members, and other NWH stakeholders.

COMPENSATION:
Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and generous benefits which include but are not limited to paid time off, health/vision/dental insurance, and 401(k) retirement plan.

Starting hourly wage for this position is $21.60/hour

A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Non-profit organizations and issues related to hunger, poverty, and food justice
• Food pantry or grocery store operations
• Conversational fluency in one or more of the four main non-English languages spoken by our Market guests: Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese or Spanish
• Microsoft Office Suite and inventory management databases (eg, Microsoft Dynamics NAV)

Ability to:

• Understand individuals who experience poverty or food insecurity
• Integrate equity principles and practices into all functions
• Communicate and listen effectively, and successfully de-escalate potentially volatile situations
• Flex communication style to multiple cultural environments
• Work directly with diverse populations that include members of historically marginalized groups, such as (but not limited to): racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ populations, people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses (including substance use), people experiencing homelessness, and people who do not speak English as their primary language
• Provide compassionate, trauma-informed customer service in demanding or potentially difficult situations
• Quickly organize, prioritize, and lead multiple tasks
• Anticipate problems and create solutions in advance
• Lift 50 pounds consistently and repeatedly, with reasonable accommodation when needed
• Be nimble and curious

EXPERIENCE: 

2 years of progressively responsible experience in customer service. Experience in a nonprofit organization is desired.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

High School Diploma/GED or equivalent is preferred, or equal combination of experience and education.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Certification in (or ability to obtain):

• WA State Food Worker Card (New SCM employees have 14 days after start date to obtain a food worker card; information can be found: https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/  Cost of food worker card will be reimbursed by NWH)
• Forklift/electric pallet jack certification (NWH provides SCM employees forklift classes, so certification can be earned after hire)

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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION:

Northwest Harvest (NWH) is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.  NWH does not discriminate with regards to hiring, assignment, promotion or other conditions of staff employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other status protected under local, state or federal law. 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions

Apply via Northwest Harvest website.