Growers' Market Assistant

The Growers’ Market Assistant will assist with the Huntersville Growers’ Market and with townwide events. With goals to grow the market in size and diversity of offerings, this position will be responsible for recruiting, vetting, and retaining quality vendors and executing enjoyable and profitable market experiences each week. This position will also serve as the on-site manager of seasonal market programs and special events (such as SNAP, Farmer appreciation, etc.). This is a physically active, outdoor, and fun opportunity to interact with local farmers, ranchers, food artisans and crafters as well as shoppers, chefs and patrons of the community.   

THIS IS A SEASONAL POSITION - MARCH THROUGH AUGUST The following duties are those considered most essential to the position.  This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

• Responsible for market operations, including vendor recruitment, application processing, vetting, retaining vendors, policy and procedure enforcement and weekly vendor communication. 
• Attend and work at weekly Growers’ Market (all Saturdays will be required during market season), including set up and clean-up of market materials (signage, tents, tables, chairs etc.).
• Assist in developing evaluations to assess the strengths of the Growers' Markets and identify areas of improvement. 
• Assist with the implementation of the market nutritional assistance program (SNAP).
• Create and post marketing material to website and social media platforms on a weekly basis. 
• Coordinate and implement onsite programming during market days. 
• Assist in the recruitment and training of market volunteers.  
• Record all pertinent data for assistance programs and other partner organizations (SNAP usage reports and sponsorship data).
• Assist with purchasing supplies and managing the Growers’ Market budget. 
• Assist with updating, creating, and implementing of official market policies and procedures for vendors. 
• Conduct park inspections to ensure that the facility is safe, clean, and prepared for vendors and guests. 
• Perform various public relation responsibilities in assisting with marketing efforts, informing business & residents of upcoming events, working with community members in addressing their concerns and inquires, applying good judgement and discretion. 
• Provide quality and timely customer service to assist with program registration, if needed. 
• Perform other related duties as required.  

Candidates must have flexible availability, including day, evening and weekend hours (Saturdays, April through August 7am-1pm outdoors are required); experience with event execution and familiarity with basic equipment and logistics; ability to work in the elements (heat, rain, and cold); enthusiasm and commitment in providing quality programming and excellent customer service; general knowledge and appreciation for farmers markets and the products and experiences they offer; ability to organize, lead, and promote interest in events and recreational activities such as arts, crafts, events, sports, games, and hobbies; excellent organizational and prioritization skills; strong ability to express ideas effectively and communicate effectively in verbal and written forms; ability to deal tactfully with, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with, community members, employees, supervisors, vendors, sponsors and participants.

High school diploma or GED and experience working with farmers and vendor markets. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position. 

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. Possession of first aid, CPR and AED certifications preferred.This position’s physical requirements involve medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: balancing, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking.

Work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires exposure to moderate to extreme cold and heat environmental conditions. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with computer printers, light traffic).

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff. 

Salary : $16