Distribution/Rescue Driver

The Distribution and Rescue Driver supports daily shipping, receiving, and distribution operations and serves in assisting shipping and receiving dock team as the first line of defense to ensure all food is handled, stored, and distributed safely and appropriately. This role assists in the acceptance of donations, sorting and inventory of food, and the distribution of resources across all programs, ensuring that all outbound food meets quality and safety standards and that accurate tracking and metrics systems are maintained. Hands-on, follows established systems, reinforces safety and sanitation standards, fosters a positive experience for staff and volunteers, and communicates operational needs to the Distribution & Fleet Manager and lead.

Reports to: Distribution Manager Payroll type: hourly(exempt) 20-22/hr

Days/hours work: Available Monday-Friday (8:00-4:00 PM), 35-40 hours per week, OT occasionally

Desired timing of hire: Immediate Job Posting date: 7/1/26

Locations: La Soupe, 915 E McMillian St, Cincinnati, OH 45206

About La Soupe: La Soupe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Walnut Hills. It is the largest chef-led initiative in Ohio that bridges the gap between food waste and insecurity. Our chef-based model utilizes a large volunteer network to rescue perishables from farms, grocers, and wholesalers. Our highly talented Transform Team of chefs and volunteers transform this food into healthy soups and meals. While La Soupe chefs and volunteers are addressing the immediate needs of food waste and food insecurity, La Soupe dietitians, teachers, and advocates are dedicated to creating sustainable change through our programs that educate and empower communities to waste less and live healthier.


Job Responsibilities

Operations & Quality Control

  • Execute daily shipping and receiving activities, ensuring all incoming and outgoing food meets La Soupe’s quality and safety standards.

  • Ensure proper food rotation (FIFO / quality-based) to minimize waste and maintain food safety.

  • Assists in accurate weighing, recording, and tracking of incoming and outgoing products.

  • Maintain clean, organized dock, refrigeration, freezer, and storage areas.

Team & Volunteer Support

  • Support shipping and receiving staff.

  • Support volunteer on-the-job training.

  • Greet, direct, and assist volunteers at the loading dock.

  • Support safety, sanitation, and operational procedures during each shift.

Fleet & Facility Support

  • Task of daily vehicle usage, loading, and unloading safely.

  • Complete required vehicle safety and maintenance checks.

  • Report vehicle, equipment, or facility issues to the Distribution & Fleet Manager.

  • Support upkeep of shared equipment (pallet jack, lifts, refrigerators/freezers, trash & recycling areas).

Inventory & Metrics

  • Assist in accurately recording inventory movement and impact data using established systems.

  • May assist with monthly inventory counts.

  • Communicate discrepancies, overages, or underages to appropriate team members.

Communication & Coordination

  • Communicate partner feedback, scheduling issues, or operational challenges to Rescue Share Managers and Distribution leadership.

  • Flexible with working with a team and communicating on multiple channels.

  • Collaborate with Transform, Education, Food as Medicine, and Special Events teams to support food distribution priorities.

  • Assist with helping other areas/pillars ongoing.


Skills and Education

Required

  • 2+ years of experience in driving commercial non CDL vehicles.

  • Prior experience supporting a team or shift

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, physically active environment

  • Valid driver’s license with no major infractions in the last 5 years

  • Basic computer skills; experience with Google Workspace (Sheets, Forms) preferred

Preferred

  • Food safety experience; ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain

  • Experience working with volunteers

  • Familiarity with inventory tracking or data entry systems


Ideal Characteristics

  • Reliable, calm, and solutions-oriented

  • Clear communicator with staff, volunteers, and partners

  • Takes pride in maintaining clean, safe, and organized spaces

  • Enjoys food systems work and mission-driven environments

  • Comfortable enforcing standards while building a positive team culture

  • Leads team in time of chaos with positive attitude


Expectations

  • Capable of lifting at least 50 pounds repetitively

  • Acts as a positive La Soupe Ambassador

  • Attends events on time with professional appearance

  • Maintains impact metrics across programs with high level of accuracy and detail

  • Promotes mission of La Soupe with educated knowledge of programs and operations

  • Reads, understands and can implement handbook guidelines


Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Range $20-22/hr.


Benefits: (Full time)

  • 11+ Paid Holidays, Free Lunch, Free parking, phone stipend

  • Health Insurance with company match for employee and family: Medical, vision, and dental

  • 401(k) plan - no match, life insurance and AD&D

  • 5 Paid Sick days accruing annually and 2 weeks annual PTO accrued annually

  • Parental paid leave policy after 1 year employment.

  • Opportunity to work with the best crew in the city while helping communities


To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to zev@lasoupe.org.


Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics

described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential

functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions.


Kitchen or Dock role: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk;

sort, and lift. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The

employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The

employee should possess stamina for physical work. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close

vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties

of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or

airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work

environment is usually moderate to loud.


Equal opportunity: La Soupe, Inc. values a diverse and inclusive work environment where every team member

matters. All qualified applicants for this position will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,

color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or

veteran status.