Field Operations Lead

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Rockford, IL

5d

About The Position

The objective of this position is to advance The Salvation Army’s holistic
mission by ensuring the safe transport, operation, and readiness of Emergency
Disaster Services (EDS) mobile feeding units, trailers, and response vehicles.
This role supports disaster operations, training, and warehouse logistics by
delivering supplies, operating feeding equipment, and providing direct service
to communities impacted by crises.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Class A driver's license.
• FEMA ICS-100 and ICS-200 required within 90 days of hire.
• Excellent driving, navigation, and situational awareness skills.
• Friendly, compassionate, and professional demeanor when serving the public.
• Strong organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful or adverse conditions.
• Able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Capable of motivating and supporting volunteers.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing needs and schedules.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and customer-service skills.
• Commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission and emergency response principles.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and perform manual labor for extended periods.
• Must be able to drive long distances and operate vehicles in adverse weather or terrain.
• Requires working around hot equipment, generators, and food-service machinery.

Nice To Haves

• Experience towing trailers, operating mobile kitchens, or supporting feeding operations preferred.
• Two or more years of professional driving, delivery, or mobile operations preferred.
• ServSafe Food Handler and manager certification preferred (can complete after hire).

Responsibilities

• Safely operate EDS trucks, vans, trailers, mobile feeding units, and specialty vehicles up to class A units in compliance with The Salvation Army and Department of Transportation standards.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections; maintain mileage, fuel, and service logs.
• Assist in transporting equipment, supplies, trailers, and staff to deployment sites, trainings, or events.
• Maintain cleanliness and basic upkeep of assigned vehicles.
• Drive extended distances or hours when required during disaster deployments.
• Set up and operate Salvation Army mobile feeding units, including generators, propane systems, food warmers, and serving stations.
• Load and unload food, beverages, and supplies according to health and safety standards.
• Serve meals directly to disaster survivors, first responders, and communities in need.
• Follow all food safety policies, proper sanitation practices, and ServSafe guidelines.
• Support demobilization by cleaning, sanitizing, and restocking mobile feeding units after use.
• Participate in emergency deployments, exercises, and community response activities.
• Assist with the setup of feeding sites, hydration stations, temporary shelters, or basecamps.
• Work effectively under pressure and in rapidly changing environments.
• Provide compassionate emotional and practical support to individuals impacted by crisis.
• Maintain situational awareness and adhere to EDS safety guidelines.
• Assist with loading, staging, and organizing disaster supplies and feeding materials.
• Operate pallet jacks, forklifts, or other equipment (training provided).
• Support maintenance of deployment kits, coolers, hydration supplies, and feeding inventory.
• Ensure mobile feeding supplies remain stocked, rotated (FIFO), and deployment-ready.
• Work alongside volunteers during feeding operations, warehouse workdays, and deployments.
• Provide guidance and instruction on safe driving, serving procedures, and equipment operation.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and adherence to Salvation Army values.
• Follow all The Salvation Army fleet safety policies, PPE requirements, and food safety guidelines.
• Report vehicle incidents, hazards, or malfunctioning equipment immediately.
• Maintain required driving and food-service certifications.
• Support EDS events, community outreach initiatives, and training sessions as needed.
• Assist with general duties to ensure operational readiness of fleet, feeding units, and warehouse.
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission and efficiency of EDS operations.

Benefits

• The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package for Full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan, and generous time off policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED