What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farmers' Market Assistant position at Meridian Township?
Description:
The Meridian Township Farmers' Market was established in 1974. Today, it is a year-round market that features nearly 200 vendors throughout the year, attracts over 80,000 visitors annually, and emphasizes sustainability, healthy food access, and community outreach. While successful, there is much more the Market Management could do, and why we are seeking to build our capacity by bringing on board the new position of Farmers' Market Assistant.
Duties:
1. Applicants will be available to work occasionally if not regularly on Wednesdays Noon - 8pm June - October and Saturdays 6am - 3pm May - April on site at the market.
2. Assist with marketing, outreach, surveys and data collection with vendors, customers, and the community.
3. Assist in day-to-day market operations, including food assistance programs, vendor assignment and communication, market set-up, and tear-down.
4. Help develop and promote Market sustainability programs around gleaning and food and waste management.
5. Develop, organize & manage educational programs at the Market, including collaborations with chefs, vendor demonstrations, and other areas of interest.
6. Develop a regular publication of articles about the Market focusing on vendors, customers, products found at the Market, and its history.
7. Help in the promotion, support, and education around food assistance programs.
8. Assist in monitoring and reporting to state and local food assistance programs.
9. Assist organizing music and entertainment during the farmers' market.
10. Assist with Farmers' Market grant preparation and submittal.
11. Assist with policy and procedure development for vendors, food, and sustainability projects or market management.
12. Other projects as needed or desired.
Required Qualifications:
● In possession of, or working toward, a degree in Food Systems, Marketing & Communications, Natural Resource Management, Agriscience, or a related field.
● Possession of a valid State of Michigan Operator's License.
● Previous knowledge of or familiarity with and applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations, regarding food, labeling, and retailing. Or, the desire and capacity to learn and understand these rules.
● A familiarity with typical rules and regulations Farmers Markets impose on vendors or the desire and capacity to learn and understand these requirements.
● Ability to work other than normal business hours, specifically, availability every Saturday, from 5:00 am to 4:00 pm, and most Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
● Ability to work effectively within deadlines, under stress, and with changing work priorities.
● Physical ability to lift 50 lbs., including signs, barriers, or tents to assist with market set-up.
● Capability to work in all weather conditions.
● Good writing skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office, Word, or other writing software.
● Photo and video editing proficiency, especially within social media platforms. Ability to use Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or equivalent.
Desired Qualifications:
● Farmers' Market experience either as a vendor or as a Market volunteer or staff person.
● Experience working with people and/or volunteers to accomplish a common goal.
● Proficiency and confidence during public speaking and in written communication.
● A passion for the outdoors, local food, recreation, community organizing, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources.
● Previous knowledge or experience in using social media for business or non-profit.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Working in this position, an individual may spend most of their time outdoors at the Market or away from the office or entirely in the office depending on the season, the week or the work needed. This may include travels to other locations, to vendor locations and require one to regularly work in diverse settings, including outdoor weather conditions. The position will require working hours outside of regular business hours. Outdoor work is a requirement, and candidates must have or obtain all weather gear for rain, snow and other conditions.
Time Period of Position:
● 20 hours/week is expected with the exception of holidays. Hours will generally be Mondays through Saturdays.
