POSITION SUMMARY

The Veggie Van makes daily stops in urban neighborhoods throughout Grand Rapids, making fruits and vegetables available to people who otherwise have limited access to fresh produce. We sell locally grown, top-quality fruits and vegetables at reduced prices. Additionally, we accept SNAP, WIC, and Senior Project Fresh/Market FRESH benefits.

The Lead Agricultural Specialist manages the sales and daily operations of the YMCA Veggie Van. This includes driving the Veggie Van, maintaining inventory, placing orders, setting up displays, and promotion within the community. This position may involve some early morning and evening responsibilities and is a grant funded role.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Drive Veggie Van to sites 
• Maintain and balance a cash drawer 
• Take inventory and place orders with local farmers and grocers to ensure fresh and local produce availability
• Pick up produce from local suppliers as needed or assign staff
• Set up produce displays efficiently and attractively
• Offer exceptional customer service to a diverse group of clients
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of produce on the van and in cooler
• Communicate in a positive demeanor with host sites to ensure proper implementation of the Veggie Van 
• Conduct daily vehicle safety inspections

Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure the success of the YMCA and its mission-driven work.

COMPENSATION

$17.09 - $21.36 ; Full-Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
• 20% Childcare Discount – Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network.
• Dental and Vision Insurance – low-cost coverage options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Beginning with 3 weeks of PTO per year, plus 9 paid holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave - Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child.
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
• Paid Disability Leave – short & long term disability coverage.
• Life Insurance – employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family.
• Optional Insurance – Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance, plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
• Pay on Demand – Access your earned wages before payday.
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Loan Forgiveness - Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 1 year of experience in the local (West Michigan) agricultural community with farm management, farm retail or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Proven Expertise: Ability to speak Spanish strongly preferred. Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications. Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.  
• Mission-Driven Leadership: Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages and lifestyles. Ability and desire to work with low-income populations.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

•  Driver’s license – Chauffer’s License must be obtained upon hire within 30 days
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
• Clean driving record – Must be able to pass YMCA Motor Vehicle Clearance Standards

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. 
• Ability to write simple correspondence. 
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. 
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or scheduled form. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finder, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The employee is frequently required to lift/carry up to 25 lbs. and occasionally required to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.