JOB
Under general supervision, assists the Market Facilitator with operation of the Suffolk Farmers' Market and other Division of Tourism operations. The Market Assistant works directly with the Market Facilitator and Tourism Development Specialist to provide a quality market experience for attendees. This position will also assist with programming, demonstrations, education and other outreach programs associated with the market. Due to the seasonal nature of the Farmers’ Market, the work schedule will vary based on the needs of the market. This position requires working Saturdays. Experience working in the agricultural field, farmers’ markets, hospitality/tourism, customer service and event planning preferred. Applicant should have knowledge of Suffolk and Virginia offerings. This position requires scheduling (approximately 8 hours per week) that includes Saturdays, holidays, and early mornings. Reports to the Tourism Development Manager. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Assists staff with planning and coordinating the vendor application process.Assists staff with assigning vendor spaces and collecting market fees.Ensuring adequate at-market presence for each market.Greets and interacts with vendors and patrons promptly; provides accurate information regarding the market, city attractions, local restaurant and shopping establishments, and current special events.Assists with coordinating market programs that provide wholesome and educational activities for market attendees.Ensures compliance with market rules and regulations, and market and food safety requirements.Assists with retaining existing vendors and recruiting new vendors whose products diversify the market.Set-up and breakdown of each market that includes tables, umbrellas, flags, and other items and needed.Assists with providing clerical support for the Suffolk Farmers’ Market and associated events such as collecting, recording, and reporting relevant market data (vendor/customer attendance and vendor sales). Projects a positive public image and promotes the Suffolk Farmers’ Market, City of Suffolk attractions, restaurants, and hotels in response to personal, telephone and email inquiries.Receives moneys in payment of registration fees, purchases, donations, or other fees and services; records transactions, issues receipts, prepares bank deposits, and forwards as appropriate.Maintains a working knowledge of the city's highways, transportation systems, weather conditions, attractions, and services available to visitors.Performs general and/or clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, entering data into computer, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, processing incoming/outgoing mail, assembling nametags, or taking photographs at events/activitiesPrepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, calendars, schedules, attendance records, mailing lists, sales tickets, bank deposits, payment vouchers, or other documents.Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, visitor registration logs, registration forms, membership lists, invoices, cash and checks, brochures, flyers, maps, photographs, periodicals, publications, handbooks, policies, procedures, directories, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, Internet, email, or other programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner.Communicates with supervisor, employees, docents, volunteers, students, other departments, City officials, local businesses, local lodging/restaurant establishments, community organizations, visitors, local residents, the public, the media, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.Attends various meetings; represents the City at special events.Maintains professional affiliations; participates in training sessions and workshops as appropriate.Provides assistance to visitors and customers as needed; assists in making lodging arrangements for visitors; sells tickets for historical, cultural, and community functions.Sets up, moves, and/or takes down equipment and exhibits as needed; organizes display cases.Performs other related duties as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and of departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Visitor Center Advisor.Knowledge of principles and practices associated with office administration, customer service, and cashiering.Knowledge of local attractions, amenities, services, roads/highways, and other hospitality/tourism resources.Has the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule which includes early mornings, late evenings, weekend, seasonal, and holiday work activities.Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.Knowledge and proficiency of computers and relevant software programs.Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, policies, etc., as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.Ability to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, volunteers, members of the general public, outside agencies, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.Ability to use mathematical formulas to handle required calculations using percentages and decimals.Ability to read, understand, and interpret reports and related materials.Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data, includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.Ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.Ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.Ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job related equipment.Ability to exert moderate physical effort in work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of up to 20 pounds.Ability to set-up, move, and breakdown 6 foot folding tables, outdoor shade umbrellas, chairs, etc.