Dispatch Assistant (Summer Intern)

Second Harvest•Etobicoke, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Second Harvest is Canada’s largest food rescue organization and the expert in perishable food recovery. We rescue surplus, unsold food from across the supply chain and redistribute it to non-profits across the country to feed communities. Demonstrating our values of Innovation, Impact, and integrity, we strive for No Waste. No Hunger. This is a summer internship position for a detail-oriented and proactive Dispatch Assistant to join our team. This position will support our dispatch operations, ensure timely and accurate coordination and track of food deliveries and pickups.

Requirements

Must be Youth between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment.
Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
Available to work for the entire contract duration (8 weeks).
Passionate: Inspired by Second Harvest’s mission to deliver food to those who need it most.
Environmental Stewardship: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and supports environmentally responsible practices aligned with organizational values.
Tech-Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) with exposure to cloud-based systems and emerging AI tools; open to learning and using data management and dispatch platforms.
Customer-Focused: Skilled at providing excellent service to internal and external stakeholders.
Communicator: Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable interacting with drivers and partners.
Organized: Effectively manages multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-Oriented: Maintains accurate records and schedules with a high level of precision.
Problem Solver: Thinks quickly and proactively to support resolution of logistical challenges.
Adaptable: Flexible and responsive to changing priorities, able to adjust quickly in a dynamic operational environment.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to cloud-based systems and emerging AI tools
Open to learning and using data management and dispatch platforms

Responsibilities

Assist the dispatch team in scheduling and coordinating daily routes for drivers.
Optimize dispatch routes through eco-friendly route planning to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Communicate with drivers, donors, and recipient organizations to confirm pickup and delivery details.
Engage with donor partners to secure the highest-quality food for distribution.
Collaborate with not-for-profit partners (NFPs) to ensure they receive the best products tailored to their needs.
Monitor route progress and provide real-time updates to the dispatch team.
Maintain accurate records of deliveries, pickups, and any changes to schedules.
Support with answering dispatch-related calls and emails, ensuring timely and professional responses.
Help track and report on delivery performance metrics.
Assist in troubleshooting route or delivery issues and escalate when necessary.
Provide backup support for Warehouse team by assisting with data verification, inventory checks, quality control and ensuring proper documentation of food movement.
Participate in the ‘Food Drop-off Ride Along’ to learn firsthand how Second Harvest reduces food waste by supporting NFP organizations across the GTA.
Develop an understanding of carbon foodprint reduction strategies in logistics.
Other duties pertaining to Fleet & Warehouse Operations as required.