Food Bank Gleaning Coordinator

Blue Mountain Action Council•Walla Walla, WA

3d•$27

About The Position

The Gleaning Coordinator leads community-based food recovery efforts to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh, nutritious produce for households experiencing food insecurity. This full-time position is tasked with developing, managing, and expanding BMAC’s gleaning program. This role is crucial in leading community-based food recovery efforts to reduce waste and increase access to fresh, nutritious produce for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. By nurturing existing relationships with local producers and home growers, and developing new partnerships, we hope to expand the reach of this program. This position will also be responsible for conducting volunteer outreach, recruitment, and safety training, as well as managing data to report to stakeholders. This position will coordinate with BMAC’s Outreach Manager to promote events and coordinate social media posts. The Gleaning Coordinator is a key member of the Food Bank team, supporting our goal to strengthen food security in our community.

Requirements

AA degree. Bilingual/Bicultural – English/Spanish.
Two years’ related work experience in agricultural settings and/or coordinating volunteers and events.
Strong commitment to BMAC’s mission of collaborating with our partners to equitably deliver services and support to our neighbors experiencing poverty and to our values: accountability for our actions and services; dignity for all we serve; honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work; and upholding a spirit of service.
Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ and people of color, as well as individuals of all ages and ability levels.
Strong organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize, pay attention to details, manage, and complete multiple projects.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong outreach and relationship-building skills.
Basic understanding of produce handling, food safety, or farm operations (or willingness to learn).
Excellent customer service skills. Ability and willingness to learn new skills.
Ability to compile and maintain accurate, thorough, and timely data.
Ability to operate heavy equipment (i.e., forklift, truck driving).
Ability to learn and accurately use required software systems, including but not limited to CAP60.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, function as a team member, and collaborate with other staff.
Proficient with Microsoft Office products, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.
Understanding of, and ability to work collaboratively with, a variety of community resources and partners and with other BMAC programs.
Ability to understand and implement contract requirements regarding eligibility and services, and data maintenance.
Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record.
Current Washington State Food Worker Card (or obtain one within 30 days of initial employment).
Forklift certification or ability to gain certification within six months.
Pass a full background and MVR check.
Submit to a pre-employment drug screening. A negative result is required.
Participate in a Clearinghouse Query through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Nice To Haves

Prior work with food banks, gleaning programs or event planning
Working knowledge of issues and resources related to food insecurity in rural communities.
Possess and maintain a current Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) with an acceptable driving record and ability to be part of a mandatory drug testing pool for continuous employment.

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, and coordinate gleaning events with farmers, growers, and community partners.
Assess fields, orchards, and donation sites for safety, crop readiness, and logistical needs.
Organize harvesting equipment, transportation, collection bins, and safety gear.
Ensure compliance with food safety guidelines, liability protocols, and agency policies.
Maintain accurate records of pounds gleaned, donor participation, and distribution outcomes.
Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer gleaners of all ages and experience levels.
Provide onsite leadership during gleaning events, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Develop volunteer training materials and support a positive, inclusive volunteer culture.
Partner with Director of Philanthropy and Food Bank Outreach Manager to coordinate recognition efforts for volunteers and growers.
Cultivate strong relationships with local farmers, backyard gardeners, orchards, and produce donors.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the gleaning program.
Represent the Food Bank at community meetings, grower associations, and outreach events.
Support public awareness campaigns on reducing food waste and improving food access.
Collaborate with warehouse and distribution teams to ensure gleaned produce is handled, stored, and distributed appropriately.
Assist with food sorting, inventory, and distribution as needed during peak seasons.
Participate in agency-wide initiatives supporting hunger relief, volunteer support, and community engagement.
Performs other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical/Vision Dental Insurance: The following individuals qualify for BMAC's group insurance plans:
Regular, full-time employees working 30-40 hours per week receive full benefits
Qualifying dependents: Spouse/legal domestic partner and any dependent children 26 years or younger
Life Insurance
Short/Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) Retirement Plan: Eligibility begins in the first month after hire date. Vesting rules apply.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees begin accruing PTO the first day of employment as detailed below
Employees with 0-5 Years of Service = accrue 0.075 hours per hour worked
Employees with 5+ Years of Service = accrue 0.0875 hours per hour worked
Employees with 10+ Years of Service = accrue 0.10 hours per hour worked
Flexible Time Off (FTO): Available based on regular work schedule.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays
Other Paid Leave
Voting Leave – as needed upon request
Bereavement Leave – up to 4 days to eligible employees
Jury Duty Leave – up to 4 weeks over any 1-year period
Workers Compensation: Comprehensive insurance provide