Job Description

Driver (DZ)

Transportation

Kitchener, Ontario

Department

:

Transportation

Employment Type:

Full-time, permanent, in-person role

Minimum Experience:

Entry-intermediate level



Job Purpose


Reporting to the Transportation and Logistics Manager, the Driver (DZ) will be required to split time between driving responsibilities (such as picking up food from food industry donors, delivering food to participating local partners) and supporting operational tasks in the warehouse. In this role, the Driver (DZ) will work effectively with donors and food banks to coordinate deliveries, support on site logistics, and troubleshoot issues. This role is responsible for a variety of tasks within the warehouse including food handling (receiving, stocking, etc.), loading/unloading of trailers, record keeping, customer service, monitoring vehicle maintenance, and using both a handheld device and computer to make entries into an inventory system. All runs are within Southwestern Ontario originating out of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region; all drivers are back for end of day (before 5pm).



The short-term responsibilities of this role may change from year-to-year, as priorities of The Food Bank change.



Duties and Responsibilities


The duties and responsibilities, as well as examples of each, include but are not limited to:



1. Supporting The Food Bank's transportation needs:

Safely operating Food Bank vehicles (straight trucks, cargo vans, etc.) in accordance with all local and provincial regulations. Ensuring timely and proper transportation of food on behalf of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Conducting daily vehicle inspection and monitoring of vehicle maintenance needs. Using an electronic log and route scheduler on a regular basis. Loading product onto trucks/vehicles.


2. Supporting operational tasks in The Food Bank's warehouse/distribution center:

Ensuring the inventory system is up to date when receiving, moving, pick, or loading product. Coordinating tasks and helping to support warehouse volunteers. Working to maintain a clean or organized warehouse. Assisting with general warehouse operations as required.


3. Performing other duties as required:

Operating company vehicles (trucks) when required for purposes of refueling of picking up/delivering.
Please note that specific examples are to be defined within the incumbent's annual workplan and may vary year to year at the discretion of The Food Bank.



Qualifications

Experience and Assets

2-5 years of experience in driving DZ-classified vehicles. 2-5 years of experience in a warehouse setting. Experience with and/or knowledge of inventory management system(s) considered an asset. Experience with reach trucks, counterbalances, and/or forklifts considered an asset. Experience with and/or knowledge of issues surrounding hunger, low income, and poverty considered an asset.

Education and Certifications

A valid Ontario DZ license with a clean driver's abstract. A forklift certification an asset.


Required Work Capacities (Skills and Abilities)

Physical Requirements

60% standing/driving. 40% standing or walking on concrete surfaces (indoor and outdoor). Some bending and/or twisting of back and neck. Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling from/to floor, and from/to/above shoulder of 30-80 pounds on an occasional basis. Some sustained or awkward positioning. Sustained activities requiring near and far vision, depth perception, driving, speaking, and hearing. Operation/handling of heavy machinery (Food Bank vehicles (except AZ-classified vehicles), forklift, pallet mover, etc.). Physical environment: + Combination of indoors (enclosed truck) and outdoors (when loading and unloading).
+ Exposure to fumes (exhaust), noise, and some whole-body vibration when driving.
+ Significant exposure to warehouse (exposure to cold/heat, dust and dirt, noise, and fumes).
Local travel within Waterloo region is required.

Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Demands

Sustained focus and continued alertness. Superior attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to follow a schedule. Effective communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Sound judgement and problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions and resolve conflict effectively. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Adaptability, analytical thinking, and initiative. Teamwork. Working closely with colleagues, management, and agency partners. Possible exposure to emotional situations and/or crisis situations.


Why work for us?

You have a passion to live our mission to channel our community's energy - so no one goes hungry - and are committed to helping obtain and distribute emergency food from our neighbours for our neighbours. Join a culture where our employees and volunteers are invested in and passionate about the work that they do to drive thoughtful innovation and growth. We take the work seriously but try not to take ourselves too seriously; we understand the importance of the work we do and teamwork while balancing fun, excitement, and camaraderie in the workplace.


What are some of the benefits that the The Food Bank offers?


Some benefits and perks provided by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region include*:

Dental, drug, and supplemental healthcare coverage for individuals, couples, or family. A mental health and wellbeing focus with short-term counselling and resources provided by our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and coverage for counselling services. Vision care coverage. An RRSP matching program (4%). A Healthcare Spending Account and a Lifestyle Spending Account. A Bring Your Own Device allowance ($ depending on role). Professional dues and association fee coverage. Generous vacation package, paid sick and family responsibility days, paid floating days, and birthday off. Hybrid work environment (where applicable). Closing early on Fridays in the summer. some benefits may depend on employment status such as full-time permanent employment.*

We are an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspectives.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights of our job applicants during the recruitment process. Should at any point throughout the recruitment process an applicant require an accommodation or communication in an alternative format because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at (519) 743-5576 or at hr@thefoodbank.ca. We are committed to providing accommodation or alternate formats upon request within a reasonable time in a mutually agreed upon format.

No phone calls please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.