Work at CAER Food Shelf
Located in Elk River, MN, CAER—Community Aid Elk River—is a nonprofit food shelf dedicated to ensuring families and individuals in our community have access to nutritious food and essential resources. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization where every role makes a difference. Explore our current job openings below and see how you can help create a stronger, healthier community.
Current Job Openings
Position Title:
Program Assistant
Posted June 16, 2026
Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt. Year round (not seasonal)
Up to 30 hours per week.
Send your resume and/or letter of interest by June 28 to Jessica at jessica.ovall@caerfoodshelf.org.
The Program Assistant supports CAER’s mission by assisting with food distribution programs, warehouse operations, and food rescue logistics. This part time, year-round position helps maintain efficient day-to-day operations by supporting program preparation, food deliveries, and warehouse organization. The position works closely with staff and volunteers to ensure food and resources are handled safely, respectfully, and efficiently.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Program Support
- Put away food orders and stock inventory in designated storage areas.
- Assist with seasonal programming, including CAER’s free outdoor farmer’s market.
- Sort and inspect perishable food donations for quality and food safety compliance.
- Maintain food safety standards in warehouse and client shopping areas.
- Help maintain warehouse organization, including restocking shelves, waste removal, recycling, and general cleanliness.
- Support organization and rotation of inventory in the walk-in cooler and freezer.
- Assist warehouse volunteers with stocking and shelving product.
- Complete end-of-day closing duties and prepare spaces for the next business day.
- Provide backup support for the Kids Weekend CAER Package (KWCP) program and Senior Delivery program
Food Rescue & Driving Support
- Complete deliveries and pick up of food and supplies.
- Transport cardboard to recycling center.
- Assist with unloading and proper storage of incoming donations.
- Receive and log incoming food donations accurately.
- Serve as a backup driver for food rescue pickups.
Team & Community Support
- Work respectfully and collaboratively with volunteers, clients, and staff.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
- Support a welcoming, safe, and organized environment aligned with CAER’s values of integrity, compassion, and respect.
Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Ability to maintain a consistent work schedule and reliable attendance as assigned.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, stay productive, and identify tasks that need to be completed without direct supervision.
- Comfortable working collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to work in varying temperatures, including cooler and freezer environments.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Food safety knowledge or willingness to learn and follow food handling procedures.
- Ability to interact respectfully and professionally with volunteers, clients, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
Schedule: Up to 30 hours per week, with some flexibility within CAER’s operational hours:
• Monday 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Tuesday (twice per month): 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:00AM – 3:00 PM
• Thursday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM
CAER offers a benefits package including a Simple IRA with match, Aflac supplemental insurance, paid time off*, and paid holidays* to support our team.
*benefits available for positions scheduled 20 hours per week or more.
POSITION: Warehouse Assistant
SUMMARY: The Warehouse Assistant supports CAER’s daily operations by working collaboratively with staff and volunteers. This role includes assisting with food rescue, warehouse coordination, and volunteer support as needed. The Warehouse Assistant plays an important part in ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for clients, staff, and volunteers.
This job is physical and will require repeated lifting of up to 50 pounds, daily.
Non-exempt, part-time position
REPORTS TO: Associate Director
POSITION SCOPE:
Two positions available, with part-time, scheduled hours.
- Morning Warehouse Assistant, 12-16 hours per week
- Monday 7am – 11am
- Wednesday 7am – 11am
- Thursday 3pm – 7pm (alternating weeks)
- Friday 7am – 11am
- Afternoon Warehouse Assistant, 12-16 hours per week
- Monday 11am - 3pm
- Wednesday 11am – 3pm
- Thursday 3pm – 7pm (alternating weeks)
- Friday 11am – 2pm
- Hours can be combined into one position, 28-32 hours per week.
PRIMARY AREAS OF SUPPORT:
- Serve as a backup food rescue driver, drive for other donation pick ups, deliveries, and other driving duties.
- Serve as backup for the Kids Weekend CAER Package program, and Senior Delivery (additional hours on select Tuesdays)
- Putting away order
- Perishable sorting
- Farmer’s market (seasonal)
- Maintain food safety practices in the warehouse and client shopping areas
- Support organization and cleanliness of the warehouse, including restocking, waste removal, and recycling
- Completing closing duties, and preparing for the next business day.
- Help maintain organization in the walk-in freezer
- Receive and log incoming food donations
- Work respectfully with volunteers, clients, and staff, maintaining confidentiality at all times
OTHER DUTIES:
- Complete additional tasks as assigned
- Maintain a clean, safe and pleasant working environment
- Promote CAER’s mission within the community
- Maintains confidentiality and respect for all staff, clients and volunteers at all times
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Ability to provide guidance to volunteers of varying ages and experience levels
- Committed to CAER’s mission and values.
No current job openings.


