Farmers’ Market Associate

SFC is seeking a part-time Farmers’ Market Associate to assist with the successful setup and operations of SFC’s weekly Saturday markets.

Organization:

Founded in 1993, with roots dating back to 1975 as Austin Community Gardens, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is involved in every step of our local, Central Texas, food system. Our mission is to cultivate a just and regenerative food system so people and the environment can thrive.

Why work at SFC?

At SFC, we are passionate about our work and share a commitment to expanding access to locally grown food raised with integrity and care, for all members of our community. Join us if you are driven to build and create lasting change that supports people and the planet.

We’re on a journey

SFC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity on our staff and in our community. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels comfortable bringing their full, authentic selves to work. To that end, we have organized multiple all-staff trainings, created internal working groups that celebrate our diverse community, and integrated equity principles into every aspect of our work.

We uphold the following Core Values:

Integrity: We take pride in what we do and hold ourselves accountable to one another and the communities we serve by being transparent, following through on commitments, and communicating outcomes to all stakeholders.

Courage: We lead the way in transforming our food system by taking risks and implementing innovative approaches to achieve our vision. We embody a growth mindset and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and deepen our collaboration with others.

Equity: We are working every day to ensure the right of all people to access, grow, and consume nutritious and culturally relevant food. We acknowledge that our food system has been built on systems of oppression and prioritize serving marginalized communities and promoting inclusion through our work.

Community: We center the voices, priorities, and wellbeing of the communities we serve in our work. We elevate community member input by providing open channels for feedback and collaboration.

Job Description:

This is a part-time position at 7-10 hours per week. Saturdays Only. Start as early as 6:00am, end as late as 3:00pm. Rain or shine.

Farmers' Market Associates support the daily operations of our two weekly farmers’ markets. As a part of the market operations team, you will set up and run the market with minimal supervision – you will be asked to take responsibility for maintaining equipment, collecting fees, providing customer service, assisting vendors, preparing samples, and distributing benefits. Additional tasks include providing feedback from a market day to the Farmers' Market Operations Manager. Some associates will operate farmers' market vehicles.

Training will be provided on safe equipment operation, trauma informed care, de-escalation tactics, and day-of market operations management.

Job Duties:

  • Resolve issues and troubleshoot problems for vendors, help with load-in and other tasks during market hours

  • Safely set up and breakdown all equipment at SFC’s Farmers' Markets

  • Conduct and record transactions for food access clientele at the Double Up Food Bucks booth

  • Answer questions about SFC and the market to a wide variety of customers

  • Prepare and distribute food samples while maintaining food safety protocols

  • Provide consistent and robust feedback to Farmers' Market Operations Manager

While the responsibilities and tasks displayed in this job posting cover many of the required tasks, please consider that this role is dynamic and ever changing.

About you:

You love to be outdoors, connecting with your community. You have a passion for or an interest in social work, health, and/or food and nutrition. You enjoy interacting with and helping people, and you are excited about supporting local farmers and food producers.

You have been waiting to join our farmers’ market team!

Qualifications:

  • Strong customer service skills and desire to work within diverse communities
  • Regular and reliable availability on Saturdays
  • Reliable transportation to work sites
  • 18+ years of age
  • Bilingual and biliterate (English/Spanish) preferred
  • Able to safely lift 40+ pounds required
  • Comfortable working outdoors
  • Able to interact with vendors and customers in a positive and professional manner
  • Experience working on a diverse team

  • Experience working with economically disadvantaged and ethnically diverse communities

  • Adaptability in a fast-paced environment while conducting transactions and communications as efficiently as possible

  • Current Food Handler Certificate (or ability to obtain certification in 14 days after hire)

This is a part-time hourly position with a starting wage of $19.82 per hour. The position is available starting November 1, 2023.

To Apply:

Please email your resume and two references to careers@sustainablefoodcenter.org with the subject title: Farmers’ Market Associate.

Applications accepted until filled. No phone calls accepted or returned.