Food Pantry Assistant Manager

St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho

St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho

Position Description: Assistant Food Pantry Manager

Reports To: Overland Food Pantry Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time, Hourly

Our Mission

We are a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, working to prevent homelessness by providing fundamental human needs and help to our neighbors. St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho serves everyone in need, regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, criminal justice status, disability, marital status, national origin, age, physical handicaps, or political opinions. Our services include food pantries, reentry programs, thrift stores, home visits, and a helpline to support the basic human need to stay afloat and avoid homelessness. We also provide Thanksgiving boxes, a Christmas Toy Drive, and Feeding America's Heroes.

St. Vincent de Paul serves everyone. Period.

Position Summary

The Assistant Food Pantry Manager supports the daily operations of the Overland Food Pantry, helping ensure food donations are received, transported, stored, organized, and distributed safely and efficiently. This position assists with inventory management, client services, volunteer support, facility maintenance, and administrative duties while helping create a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone served.

This is an active, physically demanding position that requires regular box truck driving, heavy lifting, and loading and unloading food donations . The Assistant Food Pantry Manager must be comfortable working in a warehouse environment, handling bulk food items, and performing physical tasks throughout the workday.

The successful candidate will help manage daily operations, communicate goals and expectations, assist with training staff and volunteers, and uphold the mission and core values of St. Vincent de Paul through all actions and interactions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inventory and Logistics

- Receive, unload, sort, organize, and shelve food donations.

- Regularly load and unload food donations from box trucks and other vehicles, including heavy boxes and bulk food items.

- Operate a box truck to pick up and transport food donations from food banks, grocery stores, farms, and other community partners.

- Monitor expiration dates and ensure food is stored and distributed safely.

- Monitor inventory levels and help maintain appropriate stock.

- Ensure proper refrigeration and freezer storage procedures are followed.

- Operate an electric pallet jack and forklift as needed, following all safety procedures.

2. Client Services

- Greet and check in clients in a friendly, respectful, and professional manner.

- Assist with preparing and distributing food boxes.

- Help maintain a welcoming, organized, and dignified environment for all clients.

- Treat everyone with compassion and respect, consistent with the mission of St. Vincent de Paul.

3. Facility Maintenance and Safety

- Clean, organize, and maintain the pantry, warehouse, storage areas, and equipment.

- Follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.

- Maintain safe storage practices and clear walkways.

- Work safely in refrigerators, walk-in freezers, coolers, and outdoor conditions as required.

4. Transportation

- Safely drive a box truck for scheduled food pickups and deliveries.

- Load, secure, transport, and unload food donations safely.

- Perform vehicle safety checks and report maintenance concerns or vehicle issues promptly.

- Maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with organizational requirements.

5. Administrative and Volunteer Support

- Assist with training and guiding volunteers on food handling, distribution procedures, and safety expectations.

- Enter and maintain accurate client information in the client database.

- Assist with daily planning, organization, and coordination of pantry activities.

- Communicate effectively with the Food Pantry Manager, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

- Help address unexpected situations and support the smooth operation of the pantry.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position involves significant physical activity and requires the ability to perform the following essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:

- Heavy lifting: Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds, including boxes of food and bulk donations.

- Loading and unloading: Regularly load and unload food from box trucks, trailers, and other vehicles, including moving heavy and bulky items.

- Box truck driving: Safely operate a box truck to transport food donations and supplies.

- Standing and walking: Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

- Bending and movement: Regularly bend, twist, squat, reach, and move items while stocking shelves and organizing inventory.

- Temperature exposure: Work in varying temperatures, including walk-in freezers, coolers, and outdoor conditions during hot and cold weather.

- Work schedule: Must be available to work 40 or more hours per week as operational needs require.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Knowledge of food handling, storage, sanitation, nutrition, and applicable food safety regulations.

- Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks in a busy environment.

- Ability to safely operate a box truck and transport food donations.

- Ability to perform physically demanding duties, including frequent lifting, loading, and unloading.

- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google platforms, PantrySoft, and database software.

- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

- Ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, clients, and community partners.

- Dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to treating all people with dignity and respect.

Required Licenses and Certifications

- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.

- Forklift certification: Must be a certified forklift operator or obtain certification within two months of employment.

- Food Handler license: Must possess or obtain a license within two months of employment.

- ServSafe Manager certification: Must possess or obtain certification within two months of employment.

- Ability to operate an electric pallet jack safely.