Commercial Transporter

Written By Alex Poltorak

Job Summary:
 
The Urban Canopy is a young and diverse organization working on cutting edge issues at the intersection of urban agriculture and sustainable food. We are seeking a skilled Commercial Transporter to help support our vision: to create a sustainable and equitable food system by way of environmental stewardship, local job creation, healthy-living initiatives, and community building. 

Transporters are vital to achieving our vision by driving to physically distribute local and organic food, as well as collecting compostables throughout the Chicagoland area for our Compost Club service. There are two types of Transporter roles: Residential and Commercial, in which a Transporter (depending on availability) can choose one or the other or both.  Ideally transporters can be flexible to do either type of transportation role.

Duties and Responsibilities (Urban Canopy phone & vehicle provided):             

  1. Collecting compostable waste from our Compost Club members. 

  2. Delivering goods to various commercial customers and community partners across Chicago. 

  3. Communicating with customers about specific deliveries/pickups in person, by text or over the phone.

  4. Recording a variety of information from routes into online spreadsheets.

  5. Maintaining vehicle cleanliness and recording vehicle maintenance issues..

Qualifications Commercial:

  • Must have a valid driver’s license 

  • Enjoy doing physically active work

  • Capable of maneuvering/rolling 300 pounds (up a ramp)

  • Expected to handle fewer stops per routes consisting of 35 gallon rolling totes and 7 gallon pails

  • Be able to use a smart phone for customer phone calls, texting and GPS navigation

  • Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and handle moderate amounts of uncertainty  including inclement weather

  • Skilled in driving medium to large cargo vans or box trucks; former professional  driving experience is highly preferred

  • Ability to drive safely in inclement weather

  • Effective verbal/written communicator

  • Maintain punctual & consistent attendance

  • Positive work ethic

  • Able to work in a team and independently

Scheduling Information:

  • Start date: February through April

  • Seasonal & Permanent positions available

  • 24-40 hours per week: 

    • 2-3 Week days from 7:00am-3:00pm and 1-2 Weekend Days from 6:30am-1:00pm

    • 4-5 week days from 8:00am-4:00pm

  • Candidates can expect to be involved in other Urban Canopy operations in addition to Transport such as Events*

Additional Information: 

  • Wage ranges from $17.50 to $19.00 per hour.

  • This role may earn additional bonuses for certain routes.

  • Additional compensation for Weekend Wages

  • PTO is offered at 1 hour earned per 20 hours worked. (up to 13 days/year for full time)

  • 401k retirement plan options available

  • Parental Leave after one year of employment.

  • Free and wholesale fresh produce and food options.

  • Complimentary Compost Club membership: home pick-up option available to employees within our service areas. 

  • Eligible for health insurance options with a $200 monthly stipend plus an additional $200 monthly for one additional spouse/child/dependent.

To Apply:

Go to theurbancanopy.org/careers to fill out the  General Application form. Select Commercial Transporter as the primary position you are applying for and attach a PDF resume. 

Any questions about the process can be sent to careers@theurbancanopy.org.

Alex Poltorak
Previous

Residential Transporter