Food Rescue Project Officer
Fixed Term contract until 31 May 2027 | 28 Hours/Week
Award/Level: SCHADS Level 4
Community Gateway strongly values our employees and the important work they do for the community in delivering emergency relief and welfare services, community connections, health inclusion and community capacity building.
Established in Lismore nearly 50 years ago, we are firmly embedded in the communities we support. Today we are a QIP accredited organisation, with over 20 programs and services in Lismore, Grafton, and across the Far North Coast.
We exist to reduce socioeconomic disadvantage by delivering practical help, advocacy and opportunities for people to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Our work is shaped by our values of integrity, respect, inclusion and compassion.
We provide a range of initiatives to develop and recognise our staff, and provide opportunities for regular team building events, and collaborative projects.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and organised Food Rescue Project Officer to establish and deliver our Food Rescue Project, funded through the NSW EPA Food Rescue Grants Round 2 program.
Reporting to the Manager â Wellbeing & Inclusion, you will coordinate the collection, safe transport, and redistribution of surplus edible food to community organisations, while developing partnerships, systems, and processes to ensure the project’s sustainability beyond the funding period.
This position is primarily based at 76 Carrington Street, Lismore, NSW, with occasional travel across the NSW Far North Coast region. Mandatory staff meetings are held at this location.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Coordinate the Northern Rivers Food Rescue and Relief Network to achieve project objectives.
Develop and implement project plans, schedules, and milestones.
Oversee daily operational delivery of food rescue and distribution activities.
Manage logistics for refrigerated vehicle operations and cold-storage facilities.
Ensure compliance with food safety standards and cold-chain requirements.
Liaise with partner organisations, councils, and community groups to support collaboration.
Identify, engage, and onboard new food donors, and maintain relationships with existing donors.
Develop and distribute donor education and recognition materials.
Support partner organisations to improve operational capacity and food handling practices.
Coordinate and supervise volunteers involved in food collection and distribution.
Maintain accurate records of donor pickups, storage conditions, and distribution outputs.
Monitor and report project progress, outputs, and outcomes to management and funders.
Collect, verify, and analyse data on rescued food volumes, meals delivered, and COâ savings.
Develop and implement strategies to mitigate operational risks.
Deliver training for staff and volunteers on food safety, WHS, and operational procedures.
Plan and coordinate community education initiatives to improve food literacy and awareness.
Assist in preparation of evidence packs, reports, and acquittals for funding bodies.
Contribute to continuous improvement by reviewing processes, gathering feedback, and implementing changes.
About You
You are a practical and organised professional with experience in project coordination, logistics, or community program delivery. You have strong communication and relationship-building skills and are capable of working independently to achieve project milestones.
Essential Requirements
Relevant certificate or equivalent experience in project coordination, logistics, or operational management.
Experience in project coordination, community programs, or related operational roles.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, organise workloads, and meet project deadlines.
Developed communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience or knowledge of food handling, food safety, logistics, or transport operations.
Desirable
Experience working in food rescue, waste reduction, community services, or environmental programs.
Knowledge of volunteer coordination and community-based program delivery.
Understanding of grant-funded projects and reporting requirements.
Additional Requirements
Current NSW Driver Licence and ability to operate a refrigerated vehicle.
National Police Check.
Why Work With Us?
Meaningful work supporting positive community outcomes across Northern NSW.
Supportive, values-driven, and collaborative workplace.
Flexible and family-friendly not-for-profit environment.
Opportunities for professional development.
Salary packaging benefits available.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the essential requirements.
Applications close: 27 February 2026
For further information, please contact Ben Barratt â People & Culture Officer on 0408 568 687 or HR@nrcg.org.au.
Northern Rivers Community Gateway is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQSB+ individuals, people living with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
To apply online, please click on the appropriate link below.
