Dispatch Assistant (Summer Intern)

Date: June 2026

Department: Dispatch Operations

Reports to: Lead Dispatcher

Status: Contract Full-Time (8-week contract, beginning in June 2026)

Rate of Pay: $27.20 per hour

Location: Etobicoke, ON

Work Type: On-site

Time Required on Site: 100%

 

The Opportunity Awaits—Where Passion Meets Impact!

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.

 

If you are ready to bring your expertise and innovation to a mission-driven organization, this is your moment.

Enter Second Harvest…

Think we are just about redirecting food surplus? Think bigger.

Here's why Second Harvest is your next career leap:

• Pioneers in food rescue, we are a renowned leader in perishable food redistribution across Canada.
• With a mission fueled by a no-waste, no-hunger ethos, we are not just changing the game—we are rewriting the rules.
• Our strategic approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making every day a step towards global change.

We collaborate with thousands of food businesses across the supply chain, leveraging logistics and technology to ensure food reaches those who need it most.

The Role:

Second Harvest is looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Dispatch Assistant 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.

 

Your Impact:

• Assist the dispatch team in scheduling and coordinating daily routes for drivers.
• Optimize dispatch routes through eco-friendly route planning to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
• Communicate with drivers, donors, and recipient organizations to confirm pickup and delivery details.
• Engage with donor partners to secure the highest-quality food for distribution.
• Collaborate with not-for-profit partners (NFPs) to ensure they receive the best products tailored to their needs.
• Monitor route progress and provide real-time updates to the dispatch team.
• Maintain accurate records of deliveries, pickups, and any changes to schedules.
• Support with answering dispatch-related calls and emails, ensuring timely and professional responses.
• Help track and report on delivery performance metrics.
• Assist in troubleshooting route or delivery issues and escalate when necessary.
• Provide backup support for Warehouse team by assisting with data verification, inventory checks, quality control and ensuring proper documentation of food movement.
• Participate in the ‘Food Drop-off Ride Along’ to learn firsthand how Second Harvest reduces food waste by supporting NFP organizations across the GTA.
• Develop an understanding of carbon foodprint reduction strategies in logistics.
• Other duties pertaining to Fleet & Warehouse Operations as required.

 

Who You Are:

• Funded through Canada Summer Jobs, to be eligible for this opportunity, candidates must:
  • be Youth between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
  • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment, and
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
• Available to work for the entire contract duration (8 weeks).
• Passionate: Inspired by Second Harvest’s mission to deliver food to those who need it most.
• Environmental Stewardship: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and supports environmentally responsible practices aligned with organizational values.
• Tech-Savvy: 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.
• Customer-Focused: Skilled at providing excellent service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicator: Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable interacting with drivers and partners.
• Organized: Effectively manages multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-Oriented: Maintains accurate records and schedules with a high level of precision.
• Problem Solver: Thinks quickly and proactively to support resolution of logistical challenges.
• Adaptable: Flexible and responsive to changing priorities, able to adjust quickly in a dynamic operational environment.

 

Second Harvest Offers:

• A competitive salary well above minimum wage.
• Professional experience in a role that makes a real difference.
• Flexible work hours and a commitment to work-life balance.

 

 

Apply For This Role:

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. Apply today and be the change you want to see in the world.

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.

 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

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.

Accessibility & Accommodations:

If you require any accommodations at any stage, please contact us via humanresources@secondharvest.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.