We are hiring! Fruit Rescue Team Lead

The Vancouver Fruit Tree Project is hiring!

We are a volunteer-driven, nonprofit dedicated to strengthening food security in Vancouver by harvesting extra fruit from backyard fruit trees and sharing it with community groups. Since 1999, we have picked more than 90,000 pounds of produce and redistributed it throughout the community through social service organizations. We engage with over 300 volunteers, and our program benefits approximately 5,000 citizens that are supported by our community partners. Through our work, we aim to promote cooperation and help create a sense of neighbourhood , while minimizing food waste and increasing food security.

The VFTP is seeking an enthusiastic, organized Fruit Rescue Team Lead for the 2022 season.

Position Overview

At the core, the Fruit Rescue Team Lead helps get the fruit from tree to charity! As a Team Lead you’ll be responsible for leading safe, physically-distanced fruit picks. This includes:

• Transporting equipment from one of the storage locations to the tree owner’s home. 

• Overseeing a safe, fun fruit pick with volunteers while following provincial health and safety guidelines.

• Liaising with tree owner registrants while on their property. 

• Delivering harvested fruit to VFTP community partners OR coordinating pick up of  fruit for Vancouver Food Runners, as per direction of the VFTP Coordinator.

• Logging picking statistics and any other useful information about the pick. 

• Taking photos and video clips during the pick and drop off; sending to the Coordinator, posting on social media.

• Leaving brochures with the Community Partners and flyers with the tree owner (and in mailboxes of neighbours or on bulletin boards if you see other fruit trees!). 

• If possible, please let us know if we can store fruit at your residence overnight (often helpful when arranging fruit pick ups with Vancouver Food Runners).

Following a training session mid/end of June, the hired Team Lead will be notified of upcoming picks by email with information on time, location, and volunteers attending. A typical pick takes approximately 3-4 hours. Picks run from July to October, and the Team Lead can expect to do 1-2 picks a week in July and October, and 4-6 picks a week in August and September.

The Team Lead role will also include duties such as taking stock of and replenishing equipment, representing the organization at (virtual or in person) outreach events, among other tasks.

Position requirements:

• Flexible and available for regular fruit picks Mon to Fri. Fruit picks occur at various times throughout the week, occasionally on evenings and/or weekends, and at varying locations throughout the City of Vancouver. Picks are scheduled in accordance with the readiness of the fruit and tree owner preferences.

• Class 5 driver's license with extensive city driving experience.

  • Have own vehicle for work use (with VFTP reimbursing for mileage), or

  • Use VFTP’s Modo account.

• Supervisory experience.

  • Be able to guide volunteers during picks (have them sign the waiver; ensure health and safety procedures are followed and proper fruit picking technique as dictated by VFTP’s fruit picking guide).

  • Ensure that the trees and homeowners’ property are respected.

  • Answer questions about the organization and destination of the fruit.

• Record-keeping and communication.

  • Keep regular records of the picks and relay this information to the Coordinator.

  • Respond to emails in a timely manner.

  • Attend monthly board meetings (second Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:30 pm).

• Able to lift 40-50 pounds.

Our ideal candidate:

• You’re passionate about food security and community building.

• You’re great at building relationships and have demonstrated experience supervising volunteers.

• You’re organized and can work independently. You’re comfortable making decisions and delegating tasks.

• You’re motivated and prepared to work outside, rain or shine.

• You have strong verbal and written communication skills with a keen eye for detailed record keeping.

• You have access to a laptop or phone for emailing and calling.

• First Aid Training is a strong asset.

Timeline and Compensation:

This is a part-time seasonal contract position, which will run from the end of June to mid October. The Fruit Rescue Team Lead is expected to work around 3-6 hours per week in the slower part of the season (June, July, October), and 10-15 hours per week in the busier season (August, September). Some evening and weekend work may be required. The rate of compensation for this position is $18 per hour.

Please send a cover letter and resume in pdf format as a single document with “VFTP Fruit Rescue Team Lead Applicant” in the subject line by midnight on Friday, June 3 to info@vancouverfruittree.com

We look forward to hearing from you. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Thank you for your interest in the Vancouver Fruit Tree Project!