Community Transportation Driver (CDL) & Market Associate Apply Now

Lowcountry Street Grocery is the flagship of our family of social enterprises conjointly dedicated to providing a more equitable, sustainable local food system for all. Lowcountry Street Grocery (LSG) began as a grassroots mobile farmers’ market intent on bringing “produce to the people” back in April 2017. LSG has now grown and diversified with two adjoining sister enterprises: Community Supported Grocery (CSG) and GroceryRx (GRx). Community Supported Grocery aims to connect small farmers and producers to neighbors all across the Charleston area, with a particular focus on local food equity and convenience via home delivery. GroceryRx is LSG’s comprehensive food is medicine program. GRx is both buoyed and leveraged by the immense community, inventory, and experience of LSG, with the expansive operations, logistics, volume, and geography of CSG. Under the wings of Lowcountry Street Grocery, both CSG & GRx advance our collective mission exponentially to sustainably and radically address systemic barriers to healthy food access, food insecurity, as well as local food proliferation. All outlets employ our “Robin Hood” pricing strategy that leverages revenue from high demand sales to address high community needs. We envision a local food system that supports all of our community members while simultaneously bolstering local food producers through radical, innovative systems that prove sustainability and resilience. As we grow our team, we seek individuals that believe in our mission and are invested in helping to make that vision a reality. Phew!  

GENERAL PURPOSE:

We are seeking a passionate, self-motivated individual with a CDL to drive the mobile market to market locations, as well as assist with retail operations on our Mobile Market. This position requires experience with driving a school bus or similar vehicle, working in a fast-paced environment, adaptability, and attention to detail. The Community Transportation Driver & Market Associate position wears many hats but mainly focuses on the following areas of daily operations: driving the LSG mobile market (a retro-fitted school bus) to markets and parking the bus accordingly, loading and unloading the bus, market set-up and breakdown customer interaction and assistance with retail mobile market operations. Depending on the season, our hours of operation range from 6am - 8pm, Mondays-Saturdays (and occasional Sundays) or as further directed by management. The Driver & Associate role is a part-time, hourly position. The Driver & Associate will work directly with other CSG and Mobile Market Associates, Expeditor/Coordinators and Supervisors, while reporting directly to the Operations Manager(s). This position must maintain strict operation and market standards both onsite and offsite. This position will require an interest in the field of local food systems and food justice, strong communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to pivot and problem solve. This position is ideal for someone pursuing a career in food, nutrition, customer-relations, social entrepreneurship, retail, non-profit, and public health.

DRIVER & ASSOCIATE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Drive the mobile market bus from the warehouse to and from the market locations. Park the bus accordingly at the scheduled market locations.
• Assist with loading and unloading of the mobile market bus, set-up and break down of the markets and unloading again at the warehouse at the end of the day.
• Assist with retail operations:
• Help to maintain an inviting mobile market shopping experience through oozy vibes, and supreme customer service.
• Assist with mobile market operations from bus loading/unloading, inventory management, point of sale, restocking and merchandising. 
• Assist with mobile market opening and closing procedures. 
• Understand LSG inventory in order to sell a variety of products with the ability to educate on products, and recommend products and pairings.
• Assist in inventory control, rotation, placement, merchandising and organization for the mobile market.
• Represent farmers and producers products in the best way possible with utmost respect. 
• Communicate with Mobile Market customers thoughtfully, with a focus on how to best offer unique services, exceeding customer needs.
• Assist in execution of daily operations from facility opening/closing, inventory, receiving and quality control support, market logistics, company ethos & rules, and coordinating with farmers and producers.
• Assist with general bus cleanliness and vehicle maintenance, including troubleshooting necessary mechanical repairs, assistance with scheduling regular necessary vehicle maintenance, and assistance with coordinating repairs as needed with a mechanic.
• Assist with maintaining proper vehicle inspections and documentation.
• Facilitate, document and communicate daily reports, customer payments and feedback, and updates/issues. 
• Support other LSG initiatives such as community outreach, volunteer coordination, Community Supported Grocery, GroceryRx, etc. 
• Other duties as assigned to meet business needs.

TEAM MEMBER SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have & maintain a valid unrestricted CDL/Class A Driver’s License, clean driving record with a minimum of 3 years of CDL driving history and valid insurance. Must abide by all transportation rules and regulations. 
• Able to take direction, work independently, and as a member of a team to be a force for good in the community.
• Must have strong time management and organizational skills. 
• Must possess strong task management and problem-solving skills. Must be flexible with the ability to adapt to change when required.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate well verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to create effective working relationships with employees and the public and keep LSG a family friendly atmosphere.
• Must be highly motivated, organized and able to handle multiple priorities simultaneously with strong attention to detail. 
• Must possess a passion for clean, local food and telling the story behind the food and the producer. Possess a love of people and a desire for excellent customer experience.
• 3-5 years of professional work experience. Experience in local agriculture, food systems and/or food and beverage appreciated. 
• Vehicle mechanics experience a plus!
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds repetitively.
• Must be able to reach overhead, at shoulder height and below shoulder level.
• Must be able to perform gross and fine manipulation throughout the day.
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, walking and standing or sitting for extended periods at a time.
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairs and/or ramps throughout the day using legs and feet.
• Must be flexible with “farm-type” working conditions, mostly spent outside.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must have reliable transportation and a smartphone.

• Must have reliable transportation to and from work location.
• Must be amenable to utilizing personal smartphone for work-related applications, and communication with teammates.

POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH: 

The Community Transportation Driver & Market Associate position is strategically designed as a springboard for growth. The following positions are examples of suitable organizational mobility:

• CSG & Mobile Market Associate (full-time)
• CSG & Mobile Market Associate I (full-time)

PAY AND BENEFITS:

• Pay starts at $23.00-$25.00 hourly depending on experience
• 15-24 expected weekly hours, 2-3 days a week
• Additional Compensation Incentives
• Project-Based Milestones & Personal Targets Available
• Option for 401K election with company match (after 6 months of employment)
• 20% discount on groceries, CSG
• 1 PTO Day per 6 months worked (if working >20/hrs/wk on average)
• Eligible for 2 Sick Days per year (if working >20/hrs/wk on average)
• Access to Future Company Growth Options
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Annual Executive Check Ins (if working >20 hrs/wk on average)

Lowcountry Street Grocery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates should apply via the online application or email shaunda@lowcountrystreetgrocery.com with a resume and cover letter. Position is open until filled.