Primary Point of Contact: Warehouse Manager
Status: Independent Contractor
Hourly Rate: $18.50 – $22.00 Hourly (DOQ)
Location: Twin Cities Metro Area; occasional Greater MN travel
Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday; hours scheduled based on route demand (no overtime eligibility)
LOAVES & FISHES OVERVIEW
Loaves & Fishes is a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve free, healthy meals to Minnesotans where the need is greatest. We are guided by our vision that all people – regardless of socioeconomic, cultural, religious, or ethnic background – deserve to meet their basic needs for food, dignity, and respect. https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/
POSITION SUMMARY
Loaves & Fishes is seeking a Temporary DOT Driver (1099 Contractor) to support food rescue and logistics operations. This role is primarily responsible for transporting donated food from schools, retailers, manufacturers restaurants, and community partners to Loaves & Fishes sites—redirecting safe, high-quality food from waste to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The position is primarily driving-focused, with warehouse support provide as needed in coordination with Loaves & Fishes staff. Drivers regularly interact with food donors and partners and are expected to represent Loaves & Fishes with professionalism, warmth, and respect. The ideal contractor is dependable, safety-focused, flexible, and motivated by mission-driven work that makes a tangible community impact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MISSION ALIGNMENT
- Demonstrate alignment with Loaves & Fishes’ mission by creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests
- Work effectively with diverse communities, maintaining a guest-first mindset
- Support mission-driven programs through professional interactions with donors, partners, and staff.
- Build and maintain relationships with donation partners, representing Loaves & Fishes
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Pick up scheduled food donations using a Loaves & Fishes box truck, based on coordinated routes
- Comply with DOT regulations, food safety standards, and organizational policies during all transport activities
- Safely handle perishable food using thermometers, freezer blankets, and best practices
- Record temperatures of meat, dairy, and frozen products at pickup and delivery
- Weigh, sort, rotate, date-check, and properly store donated food
- Issue donation receipts and assist with required tracking and reporting
- Load and unload pallets, boxes, and bags into vehicles, coolers, freezers, or shelving
- Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization of vehicles, warehouse, and loading dock areas
- Monitor vehicle condition and report maintenance needs to the primary point of contact
- Provide warehouse or logistics support as needed in coordination with staff
ADMINISTRATIVE & COMPLIANCE
- Maintain required certifications (DOT, food safety, etc.)
- Communicate availability, route updates, and operational needs via phone, text, or email
- Submit required paperwork and documentation accurately and on time
- Participate in required safety, compliance, or operational briefings related to contracted work
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- 2+ years of experience in driving, food operations, warehouse, logistics, or related work
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
- Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with staff
- Strong time management and organizational skills; adaptable to changing priorities
- Comfortable using basic computer systems and mobile devices
- Experience working with nonprofits, volunteers, or community partners preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those required to perform the contracted services.
- Frequent lifting and moving of items (up to 50 lbs; occasionally up to 80 lbs), with regular walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, and standing.
- The potential for prolonged standing, walking, squatting, and/or bending.
- Frequent use of electric or manual pallet jacks (loads up to 1,000 pounds) and carts (up to 100 pounds).
- Ability to enter the cold case, cooler, and freezer thereby being subjected to cold temperatures for extended periods of time.
- Work in environments with varying temperatures, including retail, warehouse, and office spaces and frequent exposure to outdoor elements during food rescue pick-ups. Frequent work in warehouse with shelves and storage equipment.
- Use of industrial cleaners, ladders, pallet jacks, and forklifts
EDUCATION AND REQUIREMENTS
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to maintain insurance eligibility
- Ability to meet all DOT safety, medical, and compliance requirements, including passing a DOT physical and participating in required drug and alcohol testing
- Compliance with applicable hours-of-service and safety regulations
- Ability to obtain additional certifications required for food handling, safety, or transportation
HOW TO APPLY
Email Operations Team: mmccormick@loavesandfishesmn.org and aperez@loavesandfishesmn.org with a cover letter and resume.
Limitations and Disclaimer: This description outlines the general nature of contracted services and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities or requirements.
Loaves & Fishes is an equal-opportunity organization.