Dispatch Assistant (Summer Intern)

<p><strong>Date: </strong>June 2026</p> <p><strong>Department: </strong>Dispatch Operations</p> <p><strong>Reports to:</strong> Lead Dispatcher</p> <p><strong>Status: </strong>Contract Full-Time (8-week contract, beginning in June 2026)</p> <p><strong>Rate of Pay:</strong> $27.20 per hour</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Etobicoke, ON</p> <p><strong>Work Type: </strong>On-site</p> <p><strong>Time Required on Site:</strong> 100%</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The Opportunity Awaits—Where Passion Meets Impact!</strong></p> <p>Second Harvest is Canada’s largest food rescue organization and the expert in perishable food recovery. We rescue surplus, unsold food from across the supply chain and redistribute it to non-profits across the country to feed communities. Demonstrating our values of Innovation, Impact, and integrity, we strive for No Waste. No Hunger.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you are ready to bring your expertise and innovation to a mission-driven organization, this is your moment.</p> <p><strong>Enter Second Harvest…</strong></p> <p>Think we are just about redirecting food surplus? Think bigger.</p> <p>Here's why Second Harvest is your next career leap:</p> <ul> <li>Pioneers in food rescue, we are a renowned leader in perishable food redistribution across Canada.</li> <li>With a mission fueled by a no-waste, no-hunger ethos, we are not just changing the game—we are rewriting the rules.</li> <li>Our strategic approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making every day a step towards global change.</li> </ul> <p>We collaborate with thousands of food businesses across the supply chain, leveraging logistics and technology to ensure food reaches those who need it most.</p> <p><strong>The Role:</strong></p> <p>Second Harvest is looking for a detail-oriented and proactive <em>Dispatch Assistant</em> to join our team for a summer internship. This position will support our dispatch operations, ensure timely and accurate coordination and track of food deliveries and pickups<em>.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Your Impact:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Assist the dispatch team in scheduling and coordinating daily routes for drivers.</li> <li>Optimize dispatch routes through eco-friendly route planning to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.</li> <li>Communicate with drivers, donors, and recipient organizations to confirm pickup and delivery details.</li> <li>Engage with donor partners to secure the highest-quality food for distribution.</li> <li>Collaborate with not-for-profit partners (NFPs) to ensure they receive the best products tailored to their needs.</li> <li>Monitor route progress and provide real-time updates to the dispatch team.</li> <li>Maintain accurate records of deliveries, pickups, and any changes to schedules.</li> <li>Support with answering dispatch-related calls and emails, ensuring timely and professional responses.</li> <li>Help track and report on delivery performance metrics.</li> <li>Assist in troubleshooting route or delivery issues and escalate when necessary.</li> <li>Provide backup support for Warehouse team by assisting with data verification, inventory checks, quality control and ensuring proper documentation of food movement.</li> <li>Participate in the ‘Food Drop-off Ride Along’ to learn firsthand how Second Harvest reduces food waste by supporting NFP organizations across the GTA.</li> <li>Develop an understanding of carbon foodprint reduction strategies in logistics.</li> <li>Other duties pertaining to Fleet &amp; Warehouse Operations as required.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Who You Are:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Funded through Canada Summer Jobs, to be eligible for this opportunity, candidates must: <ul> <li>be <strong>Youth between 18 and 30 years</strong> of age at the start of the employment.</li> <li>be a <strong>Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred</strong> under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment, and</li> <li>have a <strong>valid Social Insurance Number</strong> at the start of employment and be <strong>legally entitled to work in Canada</strong> in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Available to work for the entire contract duration (8 weeks).</li> <li><strong>Passionate:</strong> Inspired by Second Harvest’s mission to deliver food to those who need it most.</li> <li><strong>Environmental Stewardship:</strong> Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and supports environmentally responsible practices aligned with organizational values.</li> <li><strong>Tech-Savvy:</strong> Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) with exposure to cloud-based systems and emerging AI tools; open to learning and using data management and dispatch platforms.</li> <li><strong>Customer-Focused:</strong> Skilled at providing excellent service to internal and external stakeholders.</li> <li><strong>Communicator:</strong> Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable interacting with drivers and partners.</li> <li><strong>Organized:</strong> Effectively manages multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.</li> <li><strong>Detail-Oriented:</strong> Maintains accurate records and schedules with a high level of precision.</li> <li><strong>Problem Solver:</strong> Thinks quickly and proactively to support resolution of logistical challenges.</li> <li><strong>Adaptable:</strong> Flexible and responsive to changing priorities, able to adjust quickly in a dynamic operational environment.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Second Harvest Offers:</strong></p> <ul> <li>A competitive salary well above minimum wage.</li> <li>Professional experience in a role that makes a real difference.</li> <li>Flexible work hours and a commitment to work-life balance.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Apply For This Role:</strong></p> <p>Ready to lead at the forefront of food security and sustainability? Join us at Second Harvest and be part of a team that is not just meeting the standard but setting it. <strong>Apply today</strong> and be the change you want to see in the world.</p> <p>Second Harvest uses AI tools to assist with application screening. We monitor these tools to reduce bias and ensure fair evaluation based on skills and qualifications.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:</strong></p> <p>Second Harvest is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially those from equity-deserving groups, including racialized persons/persons of color, Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.</p> <p><strong>Accessibility &amp; Accommodations:</strong></p> <p>If you require any accommodations at any stage, please contact us via <a href="mailto:humanresources@secondharvest.ca">humanresources@secondharvest.ca</a> and we will work with you to meet your needs.</p>