Local & regional food systems

Position Title: Food Production Assistant - Maternity Leave Coverage (Temporary)
Organization: Victoria Community Food Hub Society
Location: Esquimalt, BC

VCFHS is a not for profit Charity that promotes good food for all. We operate programs that alleviate poverty and build food security at the same time as we support the local food economy. We operate a regional community food hub and the South Island FarmHub.

We support over 80 local farms, harvesters, fisheries and processors to aggregate and bring their foods to the warehouse, where we sort, pack, and then distribute orders to local charities and schools, as well as to homes, wholesalers and restaurants. As part of an integrated food hub, we combine processing infrastructure at the Food Security Distribution Centre with the aggregation and distribution network of the FarmHub. We are creating recipes that make use of local produce during seasonal abundance, as well as offer light processing to extend availability of produce through the year.

To learn more about our work, visit https://www.victoriacommunityfoodhub.com/ & http://www.sifarmhub.ca.

Role and Responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Food Production Assistant helps connect our communities to healthy, local food by supporting local farmers and food makers in the Capital Region. The Food Production Assistant will receive, sort and pack orders for FarmHub customers, including charities and schools. In this role, you will be trained to fulfill outgoing customer orders. You may occasionally process in-house and/or farmer products (chopping, blanching), following commercial kitchen and food safety protocols. This is a fast-paced, energetic and physically engaging position.

In addition to role-specific responsibilities, the Food Production Assistant will work as part of the VCFHS team in support of organizational priorities. This includes participating in team meetings, training and professional development, supporting volunteers, and supporting activities that nurture the organization, its partners, and the communities we serve.

POSITION MAIN DUTIES

• Receive, pack and prepare orders for FarmHub customers, including large charity/ school orders
• Understand packing reports and fulfill orders with accuracy and quality
• Occasional work with commercial kitchen equipment to support the processing of produce (e.g. chopping, blanching, freezing, blending)
• Complete required food safety documentation and tracking reports
• Warehouse and kitchen space set up, sanitation, and clean up
• Occasional SIFH order delivery driving a cargo van (occasional, if applicable)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of two years experience in warehouse setting and/or order fulfilment
• Food Safe Level 1
• Ability to work independently and self-guided, as well as part of a team
• Ability to lift and move boxes of food (up to 30lbs)
• Strong English verbal and written communication
• Experience in commercial kitchen for food processing is an asset
• Customer service experience is an asset
• Drivers License (Class 5)
• Interest in local food systems and agriculture

Working Conditions

Physical Effort: Standing for long periods of time; lift and move up to 30lbs food totes; occasional food preparation (e.g. chopping), Sit with arms unsupported while typing (occasional computer work); occasional delivery driving around the Greater Victoria Region. May be required to work occasional evenings or weekends.

Mental Effort: Focus on a variety of tasks; produce reports, manage paperwork. Ability to prioritize, structure tasks lists, communicate with team members, trouble shooting all simultaneously.

Work Environment: Mostly warehouse including loading dock. Cold warehouse environment, good foot wear and work safe practices required. Occasional driving mid size cargo van. Occasional office setting/home office.

Extra Perks of the Job

• Discount on food and produce from the South Island FarmHub
• Networking opportunities with farmers & food processors, the Good Food Network and other social impact organizations
• Flexible and accommodating work schedule
• Training to operate commercial kitchen equipment will be provided

How to Apply

Applications due by: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Anticipated start date: October 14 2025

Wage: $21 Hr - $23/hr, depending on qualifications and experience

Hours: 16 hours per week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is a part time temporary position for maternity leave coverage.

Application details: Please send your resume and a written, or short 1-2 minute video, “cover letter” introducing yourself, and telling us why you are interested in this position and getting involved with the food hub.

Who to send to: Please send your resume and cover letter/video to info@sifarmhub.ca with subject line “Food Production Assistant - Your Name.” In your email, please also mention that you saw this posting at FoodWork.ca.

*Note: If you have similar experiences, but do not meet these requirements exactly, we encourage you to go ahead and apply and elaborate in your cover letter/video. VCFHS is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals from diverse communities, backgrounds, and experiences. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to ethnicity, race, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family or parental status, veteran status, neurodiversity status and any other basis protected under Canadian and BC Human Rights legislation.*