Gleaning Assistant

Willing Hands' Mission is to reduce food waste and expand equitable and reliable access to fresh food. Willing Hands grows, gleans, and recovers nourishing fresh food and distributes it for free to our neighbors in need through a network of approximately 80 human service organizations in the greater Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. Job Summary: The Gleaning Assistant will support Willing Hands' Gleaning Program in partnership with the Gleaning Coordinator, Operations Manager, and Director of Programs. This position entails driving to and from partner farms, time in the fields of our partner farms and orchards, harvesting food for the community with volunteer crews. Additional time will be spent in the office ensuring accurate program data reporting, top-notch volunteer communications, partner relations, and supporting outreach and communications. At times, the Gleaning Assistant will be asked to support the Garden Program and Operations Team. Job Schedule: Seasonal full-time temporary: 20 hrs/week starting May 1, 2026 and 40 hrs/wk June 1, 2026- October 31, 2026 Key Accountabilities (reason for being) (percentages as applicable): Supports the Gleaning Coordinator with executing the seasonal schedule of gleaning events. Coordinate, train, and manage volunteers in glean events at partner farms, private locations, and at the Willing Hands facility. Keep accurate records to ensure proper documentation of program data and help maintain inventory, proper upkeep of supplies, tools, and first aid materials needed for the gleaning program. Supervisory Responsibilities: (Volunteer groups) Duties/Responsibilities: Farm Relations: Support and maintain positive, professional relationships with existing partner farms by serving as a consistent and reliable presence during gleaning activities. Conduct regular check-ins with farm partners during the growing season to confirm gleaning plans, address questions or concerns, and ensure smooth operations. Communicate clearly and promptly with farm partners and Willing Hands staff to coordinate glean schedules and expectations. Support the Outreach & Development Coordinator by capturing photos and short videos during gleaning activities, following organizational consent and media guidelines, for use in social media, newsletters, and print materials that highlight partner farms and gleaning impact. Volunteer Support: Assist with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and engagement related to gleaning activities. Provide day-of support to volunteers during gleans by answering questions, demonstrating tasks as needed, and helping ensure volunteers understand safety and food-handling guidelines. Help create a welcoming and supportive environment for volunteers by offering guidance, encouragement, and clear information. Support volunteer safety by monitoring field conditions and flagging concerns to the Gleaning Coordinator or other staff. Harvest Techniques and Fresh Food Handling: Assist with overseeing harvesting activities to help ensure produce is harvested, handled, and packed according to food safety standards and organizational practices. Help ensure harvested produce is kept clean, properly sorted, and packed to minimize damage and waste. Work collaboratively with the Gleaning Coordinator, Warehouse Coordinator, and Operations Manager to help ensure gleaning supplies (bins, bags, tools, PPE) are stocked, stored, and ready for use. Communicate gleaning details (crop type, estimated quantities, timing) to warehouse and operations staff to support storage, washing, and distribution planning. Assist with post-glean tasks as needed, including produce washing, bin and crate cleaning, and preparing gleaned produce for storage or delivery. Administrative: Work with the Gleaning Coordinator to help maintain accurate records in Manifest (crop data) and POINT (glean scheduling and volunteer hours). Assist with tracking gleaned produce amounts, volunteer attendance, and farm partner site information to support internal and external reporting. Support outreach and communications efforts by helping create content for volunteer communications, recruitment materials, and special events. Perform other related duties as assigned to support gleaning program operations. Other related assignments as necessary. Skills/Abilities: Highly organized, efficient, and pragmatic. Outstanding communication, writing, phone and public relations skills with diverse groups of people: co-workers, farmers, volunteers, donors, Board members, etc. Excellent record-keeping, computer, and data entry skills. Positive attitude, patience, creativity and strong interpersonnel skills. Self-motivated, disciplined and committed to being part of a team. Ability to provide clear, calm direction to volunteers during gleaning activities to help ensure tasks are completed safely and effectively. Interest in agriculture, resource management and engaging community. Dependable, punctual, and reliable. Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team. Required and/or preferred Education and Experience: Knowledge of farming practices and produce handling is strongly preferred. Understanding of inventory management and the principles of food safety a plus. Physical Requirements and work environment: An applicant considering the Gleaning Assistant position with Willing Hands must be able to adapt to an ever-changing schedule based on the demands of the farms being served and the surplus crops available and weather considerations. There is no set schedule for this position during the peak field season, however, effort is made to set a typical weekly schedule that works for the employee and our partners. The position generally requires working (on site, and/or simply fielding calls or emails from co-workers, partners or volunteers as the job requires) at variable times including early mornings, evenings and weekends and may include work in adverse weather conditions. Must be able to lift 40 pounds, often repeatedly (primarily during gleaning season) Additional Requirements: (certifications or licenses) (specific to position) Valid driver's license and excellent driving record required. Willing to obtain First Aid-CPR training after hire. Willing to obtain Safe handling food training after hire General Expectations of all Staff: Understand and support the mission of Willing Hands as expressed by the Board Greet the public through all channels of communication with courtesy and respect Coordinate and integrate efforts with staff working on other Willing Hands programs Work in a safe manner and report any safety hazards to the Executive Director Maintain individual workstation and office in a clean manner Practice good work habits of flexibility, efficiency, punctuality, dependability, and confidentiality Strive to grow existing skills and learn new ones Employ good communication skills by sharing information, listening to others, and giving positive input Work as a team member by helping others and making suggestions for improvements Benefits and Work Environment: Paid time off and holidays This position is based in our Norwich location with regular travel to farms throughout the Upper Valley. Mileage reimbursement for all approved work travel with a personal vehicle. Opportunity to set professional development goals with supervisor Regular meetings of Willing Hands staff We care deeply about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment Note: Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Willing Hands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender or gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability with respect to employment, volunteer participation, and the provision of services.

Created: 2026-03-04