Courier, Seasonal (Independent Contractor)

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 independent contractor to complete home deliveries in the Columbia, SC and surrounding areas for Community Supported Grocery on Tuesdays, on an as needed seasonal basis. This requires contractor experience in a fast-paced environment, adaptability, and attention to detail. The contractor mainly focuses on the following areas: using own vehicle, pick-up, load, transport and deliver groceries to designated homes. The hours of operation for CSG Columbia are currently on Tuesdays between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Start and end times vary weekly. The contractor work is on an as needed basis and requires access to a clean, medium-sized vehicle that can be used for food delivery. The vehicle must have working air conditioning in order to transport fresh produce and perishable groceries. The contractor will coordinate with CSG Associates, Coordinators and Supervisors. The contractor must maintain strict operation and delivery standards both onsite and offsite. The contractor should have strong communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to pivot and problem solve.

SEASONAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR TASKS:

• Using own vehicle: pick-up & loading, transporting, and delivering CSG product/bundles to customer’s homes accurately, safely and in a timely manner.
• Using routing app on smartphone, follow CSG routes and schedules for efficient delivery
• Willing to drive 30-75 miles per delivery day (locally)
• Deliver between 25-75 grocery bundles Tuesdays as scheduled (you will choose your schedule ahead of time)

SEASONAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in local agriculture/food and beverage appreciated.
• Abide by all transportation rules and regulations.
• Must obtain and retain individual worker’s compensation insurance.
• Familiarity with deliveries and navigating locations is a plus.
• Must Obtain & Maintain a clean driving record and valid insurance that does NOT exclude business use
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving and strong organizational skills
• Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate well verbally and in writing. Including, conducting oneself in an honest, professional and respectful manner at all times.
• Ability to create effective working relationships with LSG staff and the public and keep LSG a family friendly atmosphere.
• Ability to deal with conflict among LSG employees, contractors or customers in a non-threatening and redemptive way.
• Great time management and punctuality skills to adhere to delivery schedules.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

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

• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Bending, stooping, walking, standing and sitting/driving in a vehicle for long periods at a time.
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairs throughout the day.
• Must be flexible with “farm-type” working conditions, mostly spent outside.

Must have access to reliable transportation and a smartphone.

• Must have access to a reliable, gas-filled, mid-large size vehicle that can be utilized for transporting and delivering CSG bundles in the Charleston area. Fuel is reimbursed via SC average fuel price. Vehicle must be kept clean and cool for transporting produce and food items. No smoking while making deliveries. Mid-size to large-size vehicles preferred but not required. Produce cannot be carried in pickup beds, trailers, or other vehicle components without climate control.
• Vehicle must have working air conditioning.
• Must have access to a smartphone that can be utilized for delivery routing app, time keeping, and communication CSG team members.

PAY AND HOURS:

• Pay starts at $17-$18 hourly depending on experience
• Fuel Reimbursement (not mileage)
• 2-4 hours available weekly on Tuesdays (not guaranteed)
• You pick the Tuesdays that you want to deliver based on CSG scheduled routes availability. Start and end times vary each week.
• This job is classified as 1099, so you will be responsible for your own taxes. You’ll be required to speak with a member of management, complete and sign a W-9 and sign an Independent Contractor Agreement before beginning deliveries.

Community Supported Grocery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates should email shaunda@lowcountrystreetgrocery.com with a resume and cover letter to apply. Position is open until filled.

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Work Location: On the road