AVAILABLE POSITION
Assistant Farmers’ Market Manager
CitySeed, New Haven, CT
CitySeed is seeking an Assistant Market Manager to help manage the 2015 neighborhood markets in New Haven, CT. The Assistant Manager will work under the supervision of the Market Managers of Operations and Community Relations and be expected to work in close collaboration with other CitySeed staff, vendors, interns, volunteers, and community members. The Assistant Manager will be responsible for solely and co-managing selected farmers’ markets, supervising and training volunteers at those markets, working with the community, and administering the Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP). DVCP is an incentive program aimed at SNAP/Food Stamp recipients to encourage greater consumption of local fruits and vegetables at our markets.
This position is seasonal (with the potential for full-year), running from April 2015 through November 2015, and would include sharing a rotating schedule for Saturday and Sunday markets as well as responsibility for markets on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays over the course of the season. Expectations of hours range from approximately 15 hours/week in the early and late seasons (April, May and November) to up to approximately 30 hours/week in the heavy season (June-October). Office duties are included in this time and some computer/email work could potentially be done from home. There is potential to combine this position with another of our part-time positions for full-time work.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Experience working in communities of color, neighborhood groups, and/or community events
- Enthusiasm for connecting communities through food
- Experience working with and/or desire to work with farmers
- Experience creating content for social media, newsletters or similar formats
- Basic understanding of the Spanish language
- Flexibility, maturity and a sense of humor
- Ability to work effectively under time constraints and stressful situations
- Ability to prioritize tasks
Required Qualifications:
- Valid CT driver’s license
- High School Diploma or GED
- Proven communication, conflict resolution and creative problem solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to supervise volunteers and youth
- Computer skills (Word, Excel, Constant Contact, Facebook)
- Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50lbs, work in inclement weather conditions, and drive a vehicle safely with a trailer attached (trailer training will be provided)
Responsibilities of Position:
- Operate selected farmers’ markets, including setup and breakdown of tents and table displays, special events and programming, vendor and customer management, supervision of volunteers and youth workers, bread and merchandise sales, and vendor checkout process.
- Run Debit, Credit, and SNAP (food stamp) transactions on a wireless terminal at the markets.
- Answer questions about CitySeed’s markets and programs, including Food Stamp Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP), at the markets, events, or office.
- Collect and input DVCP and vendor transaction data on reporting sheets and a computer database.
- Communicate and resolve issues with partners, vendors, and customers in a mature and positive manner.
- Supervise and train interns, volunteers, and youth workers at markets.
- Assist the Market Managers in contacting, scheduling, and setting up vendors and events at the markets as needed.
- Order bread, communicate with farmers about products for market, and contribute information to weekly newsletter.
- Ensure market profitability with sales of CitySeed merchandise as well as collection of vendor fees.
- Assist the Market Managers in market promotion through social media and other venues.
- Work and collaborate with partnering neighborhood groups.
- Attend additional events as necessary to represent CitySeed.
- Uphold and communicate CitySeed’s mission
Compensation and Start Date: This position is part-time starting April and pay starts $15/hour. There are no other benefits offered at this time.
To Apply: Candidates must send a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for two references to Ellen Pendergast at jobs@cityseed.org. Please forward any questions to jobs@cityseed.org. We will reply with a confirmation email that we have received your application. This position will be posted until filled. CitySeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer and especially invites applications from members of underrepresented groups.
