Field Operations Lead

At The Salvation Army we honor the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We are dedicated to fair pay practices, ensuring equal compensation for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other factors. Be part of something meaningful. Whether you're supporting those in need, assisting with disaster relief, or working in areas like finance or fundraising, each role offers a chance to make a lasting impact. If you're looking to align your career with your values, explore opportunities at The Salvation Army and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Compensation Range: $24.66 to $27.40/hourly, based on experience.

The Salvation Army Mission:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Job Objective:

The objective of this position is to advance The Salvation Army's holistic mission by ensuring the safe transport, operation, and readiness of Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) mobile feeding units, trailers, and response vehicles.
This role supports disaster operations, training, and warehouse logistics by delivering supplies, operating feeding equipment, and providing direct service to communities impacted by crises.

Essential Job Functions:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Vehicle & Driving Operations

• Safely operate EDS trucks, vans, trailers, mobile feeding units, and specialty vehicles up to class A units in compliance with The Salvation Army and Department of Transportation standards.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections; maintain mileage, fuel, and service logs.
• Assist in transporting equipment, supplies, trailers, and staff to deployment sites, trainings, or events.
• Maintain cleanliness and basic upkeep of assigned vehicles.
• Drive extended distances or hours when required during disaster deployments.

Mobile Feeding Operations

• Set up and operate Salvation Army mobile feeding units, including generators, propane systems, food warmers, and serving stations.
• Load and unload food, beverages, and supplies according to health and safety standards.
• Serve meals directly to disaster survivors, first responders, and communities in need.
• Follow all food safety policies, proper sanitation practices, and ServSafe guidelines.
• Support demobilization by cleaning, sanitizing, and restocking mobile feeding units after use.

Field Deployment Support

• Participate in emergency deployments, exercises, and community response activities.
• Assist with the setup of feeding sites, hydration stations, temporary shelters, or basecamps.
• Work effectively under pressure and in rapidly changing environments.
• Provide compassionate emotional and practical support to individuals impacted by crisis.
• Maintain situational awareness and adhere to EDS safety guidelines.

Warehouse & Logistics Support

• Assist with loading, staging, and organizing disaster supplies and feeding materials.
• Operate pallet jacks, forklifts, or other equipment (training provided).
• Support maintenance of deployment kits, coolers, hydration supplies, and feeding inventory.
• Ensure mobile feeding supplies remain stocked, rotated (FIFO), and deployment-ready.

Volunteer Support & Training

• Work alongside volunteers during feeding operations, warehouse workdays, and deployments.
• Provide guidance and instruction on safe driving, serving procedures, and equipment operation.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and adherence to Salvation Army values.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all The Salvation Army fleet safety policies, PPE requirements, and food safety guidelines.
• Report vehicle incidents, hazards, or malfunctioning equipment immediately.
• Maintain required driving and food-service certifications.

General Support

• Support EDS events, community outreach initiatives, and training sessions as needed.
• Assist with general duties to ensure operational readiness of fleet, feeding units, and warehouse.
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission and efficiency of EDS operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, certifications, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. (Be clear about what is required vs. preferred)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Experience towing trailers, operating mobile kitchens, or supporting feeding operations preferred.
• Two or more years of professional driving, delivery, or mobile operations preferred.

OR - Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certifications

• Forklift certification (training can be provided).
• Class A driver's license.
• FEMA ICS-100 and ICS-200 required within 90 days of hire.
• ServSafe Food Handler and manager certification preferred (can complete after hire).
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (can be completed after hire).

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent driving, navigation, and situational awareness skills.
• Friendly, compassionate, and professional demeanor when serving the public.
• Strong organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful or adverse conditions.
• Able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Capable of motivating and supporting volunteers.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing needs and schedules.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and customer-service skills.
• Commitment to The Salvation Army's mission and emergency response principles.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Occasional supervision of volunteers utilized for feeding operations, warehouse projects, or disaster deployments.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical requirements may include:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and perform manual labor for extended periods.
• Must be able to drive long distances and operate vehicles in adverse weather or terrain.
• Requires working around hot equipment, generators, and food-service machinery.

Travel:

Local and regional travel required; national travel may be necessary during disaster deployments, training, or special events.

Working Conditions:

• Routine work is performed in mobile feeding units, vehicles, and the EDS warehouse environment.
  
• During disaster deployments, work may occur outdoors, in temporary shelters, or in challenging weather conditions with limited resources or amenities.
  
• Evening, weekend, and extended shifts may be required.