Position Title: Food Hub Fleet & Facilities Specialist

Supervisor: General Operations Manager

Employee Status: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

We are an equal-opportunity workplace and will not discriminate based on disability or other legally protected categories. If an employee has a disability that makes it difficult to perform their job duties, they are encouraged to notify us to discuss reasonable accommodations. 

About Food Connects

Food Connects is a nonprofit organization based in Brattleboro, VT. We distribute regional foods through our Food Hub, provide educational and consulting services to bring producers to market, and inspire kids to love local foods through our Farm to School Program. We partner with producers and customers across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Western Massachusetts to support a vibrant local food system. 

Position Summary

The Food Hub Fleet & Facilities Specialist assists with fleet & facility maintenance to ensure the safe and optimal use of the Food Hub’s infrastructure. While most equipment repairs are handled by third parties, we are seeking someone with good mechanical and  problem-solving skills to support maintenance. They should be adept at diagnosing repairs for a fleet of diesel trucks. This position often works in food handling zones, requiring food safety knowledge while operating in those areas. This position will also be trained to operate all Food Hub fleet vehicles.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Fleet & Facilities Coordination

• Prepare vehicles each morning for the day’s routes

• Ensure the fleet and facilities in the Food Hub are maintained and in good working order

• Complete maintenance, cleaning, and repair logs

• Coordinate weekly purchase of needed supplies and resources for the fleet and facility 

• Maintain spreadsheets with fleet and facility information and service providers.

• Research alternative service providers to increase resilience and cost-effectiveness

• Maintain organized inventory of fleet and facility supplies.

• Update list of needed tools for our facility to prioritize possible purchases 

• Assist in improving the safety, usability, and reliability of fleet vehicles

Fleet & Facilities Compliance & Sanitation

• Ensure weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual preventative maintenance services are completed as scheduled.

• Coordinate appointments for scheduled service and coordinate within operations

• Wash vehicles on a monthly basis

Food Hub Deliveries

• Cover driving routes as needed to ensure continuity of operations

• Ensure the safe, timely, and undamaged pickup and delivery of all Food Hub products.

• Inspect and verify the contents and quality of all Food Hub products during pickup and communicate any shortages or quality issues promptly

• Track and record mileage, hours, and other pertinent route information

Additional Responsibilities

• Occasional paid off-hours meetings and events (with plenty of advance notice)

• Other duties as needed to assist Food Connects in fulfilling its mission.

Schedule:

This is a full time, 32-40 hours per week role within the following schedule. Shifts may vary between 4-8 hours. Morning availability is prioritized. 

• Monday: 7AM-5PM

• Tues: 8AM-5PM

• Weds: 7AM-5PM 

• Thurs: 7AM-5PM

• Fri: 7AM-5PM

Work Conditions: 

• The position is based in the Food Connects Food Hub facility in Brattleboro, VT.

• The duties for this position involve working in a warehouse environment, delivery vehicles, and an office/desk workstation.

• Some federal holidays may require at least part-time work. Adequate advanced notice will be provided.

• This role requires onsite work with minimal remote work opportunities.

Physical Demands - Required: 

• Ability to repeatedly lift and move products (up to 50 lbs) as needed.

• Ability to operate pallet jacks and lift trucks in the warehouse, as needed.

• Ability and willingness to drive delivery vans and trucks, as needed.

• Ability to drive continuously for a full workday.

• Ability to work and drive in variant weather/temperature conditions.

• This position entails some use of a desktop or laptop computer, sitting or standing at a desk workstation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications 

• At least 1 year of experience in one or more of the following types of roles: 

• Vehicle repair and Maintenance

• Facility repairs and maintenance

• Farming/Manufacturing 

• Other applicable experience

• Must be at least 21 years old (legal requirement for operating DOT-registered vehicles). 

• Must have a driving record free of serious infractions in the last three years.

• Ability to obtain DOT Medical Card and drive diesel trucks up to 26 feet box size (CDL NOT required)

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Strong organizational skills and proclivity for keeping detailed records. 

• Reliable transportation for getting to headquarters in Brattleboro, VT.

• Reliable cell phone with a data plan.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience driving box delivery trucks / straight trucks or other comparably-sized vehicles. Note that our trucks DO NOT require a CDL. 

• Experience in logistics and/or food distribution. 

• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Google Docs and Sheets), Slack, Asana and Upkeep (Or similar maintenance and scheduling software)

• Knowledge of basic food safety regulations.

• ServSafe Certified.

• Experience operating pallet jacks and forklifts. 

• General knowledge of veggies, fruits, or other locally-produced items.

• Familiarity with the geographical area of delivery services.

Compensation

• This is an hourly, non-exempt position.

• Beginning at $22.00 hourly. Negotiable depending on experience.

• Competitive benefits, including up to 27 days accrued PTO, a Health Stipend and Retirement contributions.