Job Description

Posting number: 495502

Department: Cooperative Extension

Job classification: FARMERS MARKET ASSISTANT PT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services

Summary

The Farmers Market Coordinator PT, under general supervision, coordinates, operates, and promotes the Union County Farmers Market throughout the market season. Responsible for weekly vendor coordination, market communications, marketing and promotional activities, and the on-site operation of the Farmers Market each Saturday. Provides customer service to patrons and vendors, processes and records SNAP/EBT transactions and vendor fees, coordinates market activities and programming, and ensures the market operates in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. Works independently during the week and serves as the primary on-site point of contact for vendors and customers during market hours.

Examples of duties

Coordinates and independently facilitates the Union County Farmers Market each week throughout the market season, including weekly planning, vendor communication, market preparation, Saturday operations, and close-out activities.

Coordinates weekly vendor participation by communicating with vendors, managing the weekly RSVP process, maintaining the confirmed vendor list, assigning vendor spaces, preparing market layouts, and communicating market information and updates to vendors.

Communicates regularly with Farmers Market vendors regarding weekly participation, market procedures, special events, schedule changes, announcements, and other information necessary for successful market operations.

Coordinates and facilitates the setup, operation, and closing of the Farmers Market each Saturday, including opening the market facility, arranging tables and equipment, placing signage, preparing the point-of-sale equipment, monitoring the market throughout the day, and securing the facility and equipment at closing.

Serves as the primary on-site point of contact for Farmers Market vendors and customers during market hours. Provides customer service, answers questions, resolves routine issues, and directs matters requiring additional assistance or decision-making to the Local Foods Manager.

Processes SNAP/EBT transactions and assists with applicable WIC and Senior Farmers Market Voucher transactions. Maintains organized and accurate transaction records, retains required receipts, and completes required point-of-sale closing procedures.

Collects applicable weekly and annual vendor fees and maintains accurate records of vendor payments in accordance with established County procedures.

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with Farmers Market vendors, customers, community partners, and other stakeholders. Communicates professionally and effectively and responds appropriately to questions, concerns, and minor conflicts.

Develops and implements marketing and promotional activities for the Farmers Market through social media, digital communications, and other appropriate media platforms. Creates and publishes engaging content promoting the market, vendors, seasonal products, special events, and market activities.

Creates digital marketing materials and graphics using Canva or other appropriate design platforms and captures photographs and video content at the market for use in promotional materials and social media.

Coordinates market programming and activities designed to enhance the shopper experience, including food trucks, cooking demonstrations, family-friendly activities, educational opportunities, special events, and other market activities.

Maintains a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming market environment for vendors and customers. Monitors the market grounds and facility during market hours and addresses routine maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and operational concerns.

Enforces Farmers Market rules, regulations, policies, and procedures with vendors and patrons and communicates violations or significant concerns to the Local Foods Manager.

Organizes and coordinates annual enrollment and participation of Farmers Market vendors in accordance with established market policies and procedures.

Identifies operational issues and opportunities for improvement, provides feedback and recommendations to the Local Foods Manager, and implements approved changes to improve market operations and the customer and vendor experience.

Works independently during scheduled weekday hours to complete Farmers Market coordination, vendor communication, marketing, administrative, and promotional responsibilities.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED), and no required experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to work Saturdays during the Farmers Market season, April through December, and work on-site for the duration of each scheduled market day.

Weekday schedule is flexible and primarily remote, with some in-office hours or meetings required as needed for Farmers Market operations.

Must possess basic computer skills and be proficient in commonly used digital communication and productivity applications.

Must have demonstrated experience with digital marketing and social media platforms and the ability to create engaging written, photographic, and video content for promotional purposes.

Must possess digital design skills, including experience with Canva or comparable graphic design software.

Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited direct supervision while effectively managing multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and priorities.

Must possess strong written and verbal communication, customer service, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict resolution skills.

Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with vendors, customers, community members, and County staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Experience coordinating events, farmers markets, community programs, retail operations, public-facing programs, or similar activities; managing social media accounts, creating digital marketing content, and developing promotional materials; and working with vendors, customers, volunteers, community organizations, or other public-facing stakeholders.

Supplemental information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment and technology including computers, printers, telephones, point-of-sale equipment, cash registers, and other office and market equipment. Must be able to regularly stand and walk for extended periods of time, bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and use hands and arms to perform market setup operations and close-out activities. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to arrange tables and equipment, move signage and market supplies, setup an secure market equipment, maintain market grounds and move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. However, if the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor Farmers Market environment and requires regular exposure to changing weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, humidity, and direct sunlight. Work is also performed in a dynamic, public-facing environment with frequent interactions with vendors, customers, community members, and County staff. Moderate noise, pedestrian traffic, moving equipment, market structures, and other conditions associated with an active public market are present. Work is performed in an environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.