Farmers Market & Delivery Associate

Farmers Market & Delivery Associate

Salary Range: $24 to $26 per hour (DOE and state)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Farmers Market Sourcing & Delivery Associate plays a key role in supporting The Gjelina Group's commitment to sourcing high-quality produce directly from local farmers and ranchers while ensuring accurate and timely deliveries to our restaurants and facilities.

This role combines farmers market purchasing support, order verification, product handling, and transportation responsibilities. The associate is responsible for picking up pre-ordered produce from farmers markets, maintaining strong relationships with growers, organizing and transporting goods safely, and delivering products accurately to their designated locations.

This is a dynamic position that combines physical work, organization, logistics, and relationship building. The role requires strong attention to detail, professionalism when interacting with farmers and vendors, and a commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the products we source.

GENERAL ATTRIBUTES

• Maintain a strong customer service mindset with both internal teams and external vendors.
• Demonstrate accountability, initiative, and strong communication.
• Remain flexible and responsive to changing needs, schedules, and environments.
• Approach tasks with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
• Support team collaboration and operational efficiency across departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned)

Farmers Market & Sourcing

• Assist with placing and collecting pre-determined produce orders from local farmers markets.
• Maintain professional relationships with farmers and vendors as a representative of The Gjelina Group.
• Verify order accuracy during pickup and communicate shortages or discrepancies to the Buyer.
• Track and report item shortages ("shorts") as they occur.
• Label and organize produce boxes prior to transport.
• Pack vehicles safely, efficiently, and in an organized manner to protect product quality.
• Handle produce carefully to preserve freshness and quality standards.

Delivery & Transportation

• Review and verify orders before departure.
• Conduct vehicle inspections before each route.
• Load delivery items safely and efficiently.
• Transport, unload, and deliver items to designated locations safely and accurately.
• Follow route schedules and determine efficient routes based on traffic and road conditions.
• Use navigation tools and delivery technology as required.
• Obtain delivery confirmations when required.
• Communicate delays, route changes, or delivery issues to management.
• Maintain accurate delivery logs and documentation.
• Ensure delivery vehicles remain clean, organized, and in safe operating condition.
• Comply with all state transportation regulations and company safety policies.

General

• Report for duty on time and utilize the time clock for all shifts.
• Manage time appropriately, including rest and meal breaks in compliance with state labor laws.
• Maintain high standards of appearance and hygiene.
• Follow all company safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to drive a Sprinter van or small box truck.
• Minimum 2+ years driving experience preferred.
• Previous restaurant, hospitality, or food service experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Flexible schedule with availability for early mornings.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Google Suite preferred.
• High school diploma preferred but not required.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and accountability.
• Ability to follow all safety, health, and sanitation procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to stand, walk, drive, bend, stoop, reach, twist, and lift. Employees must be able to:

• Regularly lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally lift up to 60 pounds

Additional physical requirements include:

• Repetitive reaching and lifting
• Climbing in and out of vehicles multiple times per day
• Walking stairs during deliveries
• Use of hands for handling, gripping, and carrying products
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS: The noise level in the work environment may be moderate with surrounding areas that may be wet, hot/cold, slippery, or humid. The work environment may include outdoor farmers markets, restaurant loading areas, warehouses, and delivery routes. Conditions may include moderate noise levels and environments that may be wet, hot, cold, slippery, or humid.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THE GJELINA GROUP HAS CREATED A CLIMATE OF PURPOSEFUL INCLUSION, AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE ALL CAN FEEL AFFIRMED, SAFE, VALUED AND GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE WITHIN THE COMPANY. WE APPRECIATE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE DIVERSITY OF HUMANITY, A DIVERSITY WHICH INCLUDES DIFFERENCES, SEX, AGE, RACE, ETHNICITY AND NATIONAL ORIGIN, RANGE OF ABILIITIES, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, FINANCIAL MEANS, EDUCATION AND POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE. THESE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES APPLY TO ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES OF OUR BUSINESS INCLUDING DECISIONS FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES OR EMPLOYMENT.

SOMOS UN EMPLEADOR QUE PROMUEVE LA IGUALDAD DE OPORTUNIDAD: EL GRUPO GJELINA HA CREADO UN CLIMA DE INCLUSIÓN CON PROPÓSITO, UN ENTORNO DONDE TODOS PUEDEN SENTIRSE AFIRMADOS, SEGUROS, VALORADOS Y SE LES DA LA OPORTUNIDAD DE PROSPERAR DENTRO DE LA EMPRESA. APRECIAMOS Y RECONOCEMOS LA DIVERSIDAD DE LA HUMANIDAD, UNA DIVERSIDAD QUE INCLUYE DIFERENCIAS, SEXO, EDAD, RAZA, ETNIA Y ORIGEN NACIONAL, RANGO DE HABILIDADES, ORIENTACIÓN SEXUAL, IDENTIDAD DE GÉNERO, EXPRESIÓN DE GÉNERO, MEDIOS FINANCIEROS, EDUCACIÓN Y PERSPECTIVA POLÍTICA. ESTAS CREENCIAS Y PRÁCTICAS SE APLICAN A TODAS LAS ACTIVIDADES DE NUESTRO NEGOCIO, INCLUIDAS LAS DECISIONES SOBRE OPORTUNIDADES DE CARRERA O EMPLEO.