PT Food Hub Flex Technician
Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Posting Number::

201101306P

Job Title::

PT Food Hub Flex Technician

Location::

Food Innovation Center

Full-Time/Part-Time::

Part Time

Pay Rate::

Minimum of $17.50 per hour. Hourly rate will be based upon education and relevant years of experience beyond the minimum requirements.

Position Type::

Staff

Department::

Food Safety

Job Summary::

Do you have a passion for food? Do you thrive working on a fast-paced team and are you looking for an opportunity to practice your customer service skills with local food producers and purchasers? Would you like to help improve the quality of food and food sourcing in the greater Kalamazoo area? This is your chance!

This position will work as part of the ValleyHUB team at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Food Innovation Center, flexing between different areas as needs arise. Flex Techs will typically be hired to focus on either the fresh-cut processing operation, or the distribution logistics operation of the hub, but will be cross-trained in order to provide flexible support as needed.

Processing: The Flex Tech will be responsible for setup, processing activities, and cleanup, leading a team of workers to complete a set list of tasks. They will provide initial and ongoing training for equipment use, and coordinate with the Operations Coordinator on equipment maintenance and completion of recording logs.
Processing operations:

• Lead food hub lab assistant crew on daily tasks and time management:
  • set the pace and work alongside team when needed;
  • ensure break coverage;
  • shift employees between tasks and activities as needed.

• Gather, receive and physically organize raw ingredients. Set up equipment and production lines to accomplish the day's tasks.
• Be proficient at production SOP's, train and assist employees to maintain high product quality standards.
• Ensure team completion of production logs, food safety logs, SOP guidance and record keeping.
• Maintain and organize packaging materials regularly.
• Organize weekly orders, tags, invoices, according to hub traceability SOP's.

Distribution Logistics: The Flex Tech will be responsible for product pickups, receiving and deliveries using ValleyHUB trucks. They will also stage orders, process invoices, reconcile packing slips and complete any other necessary documentation. The Food Hub Tech will have frequent in-person interactions with suppliers and customers.
Distribution support:

• Safely operate a ValleyHUB refrigerated truck to deliver food products from farms and to customers, working with the Operations Coordinator for Logistics and the Food Hub Manager to determine delivery routes and timing.
• Operate receiving dock equipment (lift gate, forklift, pallet jack), communicate any equipment issues or maintenance needs.
• Follow established processes for receiving, labeling, storing, and shipping orders; help manager and coordinators develop new processes as needed.
• Communicate with customers and suppliers, maintaining positive relationships and offering excellent customer service.

All operating procedures focus on continuous quality improvement, with team members expected to:

• Lead and follow food safety best practices, including sanitation and temperature control.
• Provide feedback to Food Hub Manager and Operations Coordinator on quality standards, yield changes, inventory levels.
• Report to managers when faced with challenges to seek advice.

Minimum Qualifications::

Appropriate education, training, experience and talents are requirements. An example of this would be 6 months previous experience in a food handling or food preparation position.
This position also requires the following:

• Ability to acquire a Michigan Chauffeur driver license certification.
• Ability to acquire a ServSafe certification.
• Motivation to learn, creativity and experience in food handling are desired.

Skills needed include:

• Basic knowledge of farm operations and agriculture in Michigan.
• Ability to communicate with outside suppliers and customers.
• Knowledge of kitchen food safety and local food systems.
• Skill in record keeping
• Skill in problem solving
• Skill in prioritizing tasks
• Skill in building relationships
• Skill in oral and written communications

Physical Demands::

• Lifting, bending, stooping, and standing required.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Must have manual dexterity; sufficient fine motor skills to manipulate objects and use equipment safely.
• Ability to work in a high traffic, noisy, indoor environment.

Work Hours::

Core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Flexible hours may be needed and will be determined by FIC Food Hub Manager based on processing needs.

Posting Date:

05/23/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants::

• Please apply online at jobs.kvcc.edu
• This position will remain posted until filled, however, priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 9, 2024.
• This is a grant funded position with funds confirmed through October 2025. Continuation of the position past that date will be dependent on project success and the availability of funds.

EEO Statement:

As an employer, KVCC encourages, welcomes, and fosters differences because we believe that diversity makes us great. Diversity extends beyond race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, and encompasses people of all abilities, identities, circumstances, and characteristics. All qualified applicants will be given equal opportunity and consideration for employment; please consider joining us as we continue to enrich lives by teaching and serving our community with excellence. Prior to a job offer, candidates will be required to complete a criminal record background check. For some positions, a credit history investigation will also be required. Information gathered will be used for job-related purposes to the extent permitted by applicable law and will not result in an automatic disqualification from an employment opportunity.

This job has expired.