Position Overview:

The EDS Response Team is The Salvation Army Intermountain Division's trained volunteer disaster response unit, serving the state of Colorado from our Denver Metro base. Response Team members train year-round and deploy when called to wildfires, floods, severe weather events, and other emergencies across the state. In the field, members staff mobile canteens, distribute hygiene kits and supplies, support shelter operations, and provide direct service to disaster survivors and first responders.

Between deployments, members keep our equipment, vehicles, and supplies in deployment-ready condition through scheduled warehouse and training shifts at our Denver Metro facility.

Warehouse and Readiness Hours:

Our operations run 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Response Team members commit to 4 to 16 hours per week of warehouse and readiness time during open hours, in addition to monthly meetings and deployment availability.

Clothing Requirements:

Closed toe shoes are required. No loose-fitting garments. Dress for the weather, as bay doors may be open during your shift. Bring your Salvation Army identification badge once issued. Emergency Disaster Response clothing will be issued after a member completes required training.

Core Functions:

A. Disaster Deployment: Respond to wildfires, floods, severe weather, and other emergencies across Colorado. Staff mobile canteens, distribute supplies, support shelter operations, and serve disaster survivors and first responders.

B. Vehicle and Equipment Readiness: Maintain the cleanliness, functionality, and deployment-readiness of EDS response vehicles, including mobile canteens and supply transport.

C. Canteen Operations: Clean, restock, and organize mobile canteen units so they are ready to roll within hours of activation.

D. Hygiene Kit and Supply Assembly: Pack hygiene kits, comfort kits, and other supply packages for distribution to disaster survivors and people in need.

E. Facility and Inventory Support: Maintain a clean, safe, organized warehouse environment. Track inventory and assist with reporting.

F. Training and Certification: Complete FEMA Incident Command System certifications, Salvation Army EDS training tracks, and ServSafe food handler certification.

G. Other duties as assigned by the Operations and Logistics Coordinator.

Requirements:

Successful completion of a Salvation Army background check and Safe From Harm training

Respect for and willingness to support the mission of The Salvation Army

Reliable transportation to the Denver Metro warehouse and to deployment staging areas

Ability to lift and move heavy items, work on your feet for extended periods, and operate in physically demanding field conditions

Availability for deployment within the team's deployment windows, including some early mornings and weekends

Skills and Strengths We Look For:

Teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to work under structure and chain of command

Problem-solving and good judgment in changing conditions

Strong communication with teammates, leadership, and the public

Calm, service-oriented attitude when interacting with disaster survivors and donors

Organizational and time-management discipline

Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn internal inventory and reporting software

Forklift operation is a plus; training will be provided to qualified members

What You Gain:

Free FEMA ICS certifications and Salvation Army EDS training

Free ServSafe food handler certification

Quarterly team dinners to connect with fellow volunteers and leadership

Real deployment experience

Membership in The Salvation Army Intermountain Division EDS Response Team

Career-relevant experience for emergency management, fire service, public health, social work, public administration, and nonprofit fields