Workshift, Rent-Credit, and Paid Job Opportunities with the BSC

As a co-op, members are required to put in a few hours of volunteer time each week to help make the co-op run, both at the house and the central level.  In addition, we have additional opportunities for members to make an additional contribution to the running of the co-op, and earn a rent-credit stipend in addition to fulfilling their volunteer workshift requirement.  We also some member-only jobs that are hourly paid positions and we also have a small professional full-time staff.

Departments:

Administrative “CO”:

These departments are responsible for routine administration of the co-op.  There are opportunities in housing, development, bookkeeping, accounting, and management.

Central Kitchen “CK”:

This department is responsible for warehousing and delivering raw foodstuffs and kitchen supplies that can be ordered at cost by the houses.  CK is managed by professional support, but is primarily run by members of the co-op.  CK is also responsible for training house level kitchen and food service managers in menu planning, food preparation, safety & sanitation, and budgeting.

Central Maintenance“CM”:

This department consists of both members and non-members working to repair, maintain, and improve the physical structure of our buildings.

Member Services:

This department provides services to the co-op membership such as a co-op-wide newsletter, general member education, conflict resolution, emergency preparedness, and anti-discrimination.  Most of the staff in this department is co-op members.

House Level:

Some house level positions are hired at the organizational level, such as the Rochdale Apartment Manager.  These are house level positions that have been designated to be hired (rather than elected from the membership) based on skills and experience.  These jobs can range from 10-40 hours/week, and may require the applicant to live on-site if hired.

How to Apply:

In order to be considered for a position, you must fill out one of our application forms and return it to the co-op Central Office, 2424 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA  94709 prior to the deadline stated in the advertisement.  Feel free to add additional information that you feel is relevant supporting material.  Please be sure to complete all parts of the application – incomplete applications may not be considered.

What to Expect:

All on-time applications will be screened and considered.  In some instances, member positions are selected without interviews.  In other instances, there will be an interview process before selecting the final candidate.  Interviews are conducted by the Hiring Commission, a group of staff and members and will include the supervisor of the position.  Interviews are generally held within two weeks of the application deadline; dates and times for interviews are arranged over the phone or by e-mail, so be sure to include current contact information.

The Interview:

If you are selected for an interview, it is likely that several people will be present: The department manager, the immediate supervisor, and at least three more members of the co-op.  During the interview, you may be asked questions about your experience and expectations, how you would deal with particular situations that might arise, and other questions that will give us an idea of how well you might fit the job.  You will also be given a chance to add to or clarify any information on your application/resume, and to ask any questions you have about the job or the co-op.  Don’t be shy; this is your once chance to show us who you are and why you should get the job.  While uncommon, we will sometimes do second-round interviews.  Professional management positions are hired by the Board of Directors; if you are applying for a professional management job, there will be a screening interview and final candidates will be interviewed by the full Board of Directors.  In all interview processes, the CODA (Coordinator of Outreach, Diversity, and Anti-Discrimination) is present to monitor compliance with our personnel processes and to ensure compliance with standard hiring practices.

Afterwards:

We will generally decide whom to hire within a few days of the interview.  We will check the references of the person selected prior to making a job offer.  All applicants are then informed of our decision, either by phone of by mail.  In certain situations, the decision may be appealed to the Personnel Appeals Committee.  (You may not appeal just because you feel you were better qualified than the person hired; the only basis for an appeal is a gross irregularity in the hiring process.  If you are considering an appeal, you may speak confidentially with the Operations Manager or the CODA without jeopardizing your chances of the job.  Appeals must be made within three days of being notified that you weren’t hired.

For More Information:

Please feel free to contact our office.  You can e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for job-related questions, or you can call Central Office at 510-848-1936 and ask for Kim.  Thank you for considering jobs with the BSC.