Job Title: Distribution Associate

Reports to: Distribution & Volunteer Coordinator, Operations Manager

Position Type: Full Time OR Part Time (2 Positions available)

Position 1: Full-Time Schedule: 40 hours per week, with availability to work Saturdays as needed.

Position 2: Part-Time Schedule: Saturdays, 8:00am – 4:00pm, with the opportunity for one to two additional workdays per week, based on operational needs and availability. Approximately 8 to 20 hours per week.

Pay: $22.50 per hour.

Job Summary

Make a meaningful impact every day while being part of a fast-moving, hands-on operation that directly supports people in our community.

The Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB) is looking for a Distribution Associate to join our team in Kelowna. This is an active, physical, and client-focused role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting, takes initiative, and is ready to jump in wherever they are needed.

At the COFB, our distribution activities are the heart of our work to address food insecurity in the Central Okanagan. Each day, staff and volunteers work together to build, organize, and distribute food hampers and provide a welcoming experience for more than 150 clients.

The Distribution Associate is a hands-on team member who is fully engaged in the daily operation. This person works alongside staff and volunteers, supports clients, keeps the distribution floor running efficiently, and proactively identifies and responds to operational needs.

The successful candidate will be someone who sees what needs to be done and takes action, remains calm when priorities change, and contributes wherever they can to keep the operation moving.

The Role

Distribution is a busy, physical work environment where food support reaches the community six days a week. The Distribution Associate will be actively involved in all aspects of daily distribution, from preparing and restocking food to supporting volunteers and clients, maintaining the floor, and stepping into different roles as operational needs change.

The successful candidate will

- Lead by example and actively participate in the work.
- Take initiative and proactively identify and address operational needs.
- Be comfortable working at a fast pace and managing multiple priorities.
- Be willing to step into any area of the operation where support is needed.
- Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to keep distribution running smoothly.
- Provide compassionate, respectful, and client-focused services.




- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

Distribution Operations

- Support market and distribution operations, including set-up, hamper building, food rescue, restocking, hamper distribution, volunteer coordination, and clean-up.
- Work closely with the Distribution and Food Rescue Team to maintain a steady supply of food and ensure products are rotated using first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices.
- Move between different distribution roles as needed to keep operations running efficiently.
- Monitor the distribution floor and proactively identify tasks, operational needs, and unexpected issues that require attention.
- Respond quickly and appropriately to changing client, volunteer, and operational needs.
- Complete necessary tasks and general operational duties without waiting for direction.
- Maintain a clean, organized, efficient, and safe distribution environment.
- Follow established food safety, workplace safety, and operational procedures.

Volunteer & Client Support:
- Provide clients with a welcoming, respectful, and compassionate experience.
- Build positive and professional relationships with clients and volunteers.
- Provide volunteers with the information, equipment, direction, and support they need to be successful.
- Guide and support volunteers throughout distribution activities while leading by example.
- Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to ensure the distribution floor operates efficiently.
- Recognize when additional support is needed and step in proactively.

Team & Operational Support:
- Work closely with the Distribution & Volunteer Coordinator, Assistant, and other COFB team members to support daily operations.
- Adapt quickly to changing priorities and contribute wherever support is required.
- Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and follow tasks through completion.
- Perform other duties as required to support the overall operation.

QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training and Experience:

- Experience working with volunteers, clients, or community members is an asset.




- Experience in food bank, warehouse, food distribution, retail, hospitality, or other fast-paced operational environments is an asset.
- Experience working in a physically demanding role is an asset.
- A strong work ethic and a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A genuine concern for people experiencing poverty, food insecurity, and barriers to food access.
- Strong communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to prioritize, stay focused, and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment.
- Strong judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Initiative and a proactive approach to work — someone who notices what needs to be done and takes action.
- Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly when priorities or circumstances change.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- The ability to lead, support, and motivate volunteers in a positive and respectful environment.
- A willingness to learn and develop knowledge of food bank and distribution operations.
- The ability to understand and support changes that align with the vision, purpose, and operating principles of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
- Basic knowledge of food safety practices, or a willingness to learn.
- A strong work ethic and willingness to be fully engaged in a hands-on, fast-paced operation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This is an active role that requires regular movement throughout the distribution centre and prolonged periods on your feet.

The successful candidate must be able to:

- Safely lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Repeatedly bend, reach, lift, carry, push, and pull as required.
- Work at a sustained pace during busy distribution periods.
- Safely perform physical tasks associated with food distribution, hamper building, restocking, and maintaining the distribution floor.

If you are energetic, dependable, proactive, comfortable getting your hands dirty, and motivated by being part of a team that makes a direct difference in people's lives, we would like to hear from you. Pay: $22.50 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate

- Kelowna, BC V1X 4H7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):
- Are you applying for Position 1 (Full Time) or Position 2 (Part-Time)?

Work Location: In person

📌 Distribution Assistant (Kelowna)
🏢 Central Okanagan Community Food Bank
📍 Kelowna