Careers

Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (30 hours/week, 9 weeks)
Compensation: $27.85/hour
Location: Richmond Food Bank, 100–5800 Cedarbridge Way, Richmond
Anticipated Duration: Early May-Late June

Position Overview

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Program Assistant supports the planning, delivery, and day-to-day operations of client programs and services. This role provides both frontline and behind-the-scenes support, supporting volunteers during shifts, preparing and setting up distribution sites, maintaining inventory and food safety standards, carrying out client intake and record keeping, and supporting community outreach and partner relationships. The Program Assistant helps ensure both on-site and off-site programs run safely, efficiently, and with a client-centred approach that respects dignity and choice.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery & Client Service

• Support the daily delivery of programs (grocery distributions, express hampers, school meal support, home delivery prep).
• Greet clients, assist with client intake/registration, answer basic program questions, and ensure a welcoming, respectful client experience.
• Monitor client flow and provide on-site problem solving to reduce wait times and improve service delivery.

Inventory, Food Handling & Warehouse Support

• Prepare and set up distribution lines, restock shelves, sort donations, and maintain safe food storage practices.
• Assist with receiving, unpacking, and organizing food deliveries; notify manager of damaged or expired items.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace health and safety procedures.

Administrative Duties & Reporting

• Maintain accurate program records: volunteer hours, client sign-in data, inventory counts, and basic program statistics.
• Support creation of outreach materials and help gather stories/photos for communications and social media in accordance with privacy guidelines.
• Assist with light data entry, filing, and coordination of program supplies.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Support outreach activities, partner agency communications, and logistics for mobile or pop-up distribution events.
• Represent the Richmond Food Bank professionally when liaising with community partners, donors, or program participants.

Events & Special Projects

• Assist with planning and on-site support for special events, seasonal distributions, and program pilot projects.
• Contribute to program improvements by providing feedback and observations from frontline delivery.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this Canada Summer Jobs position, applicants must:

• Be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of employment.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person with refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with the public, volunteers, or community programs is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; calm and professional in fast-paced, client-facing settings.
• Ability to lead and motivate volunteers, and to work collaboratively with staff and community partners.
• Comfortable with physical tasks: lifting, carrying, bending, and standing for periods of time.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office); familiarity with Canva or other communications tools is an asset.
• Food safety training (e.g., FoodSafe Level 1) an asset.
• Ability to speak Cantonese or Mandarin an asset.
• Commitment to social justice, dignity, and food security principles.

Training & Supervision

The Program Assistant will be supervised by the Program Manager. Training will include shadowing across distribution, warehouse, and client programs, food safety orientation, and regular check-ins to set and monitor goals.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter as one PDF document to info@rfbs.org with the subject line: “CSJ – Program Assistant”

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. While we appreciate every applicant’s interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (30 hours/week, 9 weeks)
Compensation: $27.85/hour
Location: Richmond Food Bank, 100–5800 Cedarbridge Way, Richmond
Anticipated Duration: Late June-late August

Position Overview

Reporting to the Volunteer Coordinator, the Volunteer Assistant supports the smooth and welcoming functioning of our volunteer program and food distribution operations. This role helps assign daily volunteer tasks, ensures supplies are organized and available, and provides hands-on support across our programs, including grocery distribution, express hamper service, and group volunteer shifts. The Volunteer Assistant also contributes to client-facing activities, warehouse operations, special events, and community outreach. Working closely with staff and volunteers, they may assist with gathering stories or content for social media to highlight our work and impact. This role is ideal for someone who is people-focused, adaptable, and passionate about community service.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Support

• Assist the Volunteer Coordinator with assigning daily volunteer duties.
• Greet volunteers, answer questions, and help ensure a positive, inclusive volunteer experience.
• Support orientation for new volunteers and assist with group volunteer sessions.

Program & Distribution Support

• Assist with day-to-day program operations, including grocery distribution and express hamper service.
• Ensure that distribution areas and volunteer workstations are set up, stocked, clean, and safe.
• Provide support in the warehouse, including sorting donations, proper storage and organizing supplies as needed.

Community Engagement & Administration

• Work with staff, volunteers, and clients to gather stories, photos, and social media content that reflects our mission.
• Provide general administrative support related to volunteer activities, events, and client programs.
• Assist in set-up and delivery of client events or special initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with a diverse community (staff, volunteers, donors, and neighbours/clients).
• Ability to multitask, take initiative, and work independently when required.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Ability to speak Cantonese or Mandarin is considered an asset.
• Commitment to principles of social justice, dignity, and food security.

Training & Supervision

The Volunteer Assistant will be supervised by the Volunteer Coordinator. Training includes job shadowing staff across various programs, hands-on orientation, and regular check-ins with the Executive Director to support goal-setting and performance development.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter as one PDF document to info@rfbs.org with the subject line: “CSJ – Volunteer Assistant”

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. While we appreciate every applicant’s interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.