Status: Full-time exempt position, 40 hours per week

Compensation: $48,000-$53,000 based upon experience

Benefits: Employer-covered benefits package including medical, dental, and vision; 3 weeks PTO; and 401(k) match after 1 year.

Regular Hours: Tuesday – Saturday including on-site market days Wednesday and Saturday and regular (remote) office hours Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Occasional coverage at other markets may be required.

Reports To: Director of Business Operations

RESPONSIBILITIES: Market Managers are the face of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets (NFM). Working with peer Market Managers, Market Staff, vendors, and the NFM Administrative team, managers plan and oversee all market operations. This position requires someone with demonstrated administrative and people skills, a commitment to vendor and customer service, and the ability to adapt quickly when things do not go as planned.

Main duties: (1) co-manage the Columbia City Farmers Market (2) manage of the Magnolia Farmers Market (3) extensive community outreach in Columbia City and Magnolia to raise awareness of the market and increase shopper attendance; (4) vendor, shopper, and community relationship development.

MARKET OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

Market Preparation Duties:

  • Develop and implement operations plan for each market day with the goal of working several weeks in advance using Farmspread and other management tools.
  • Complete all tasks related to pre-season arrangements, opening day, ongoing market days, and end of season activities (including report-writing) for each market.
  • Communicate with vendors regarding stall placement and market issues as they arise.
  • Review and analyze market statistics and individual vendor sales totals on a regular basis with an eye toward making decisions related to increasing market attendance and vendor sales.
  • Coordinate market adjustments to accommodate expansion, COVID-related restrictions, and special events.

On-Site Duties:

  • Maintain a pleasant, positive, and safe market atmosphere for vendors, staff, and shoppers.
  • Supervise or implement set-up and teardown of the market site and layout including street closures, no-park permitting, signage, towing vehicles, removing detritus, and chalking the layout.
  • Supervise Market Staff by delivering constructive, timely feedback, clear and consistent enforcement of duties and market expectations, and overseeing training as needed.
  • Manage market in accordance with established NFM policies, make adjustments on-site as needed, and bring difficult decisions back to the weekly market operations meeting.
  • Enforce COVID protocols, labeling, hygiene, cleanliness, and temperature control standards for vendors and NFM events, in accordance with King County Health Department and WSDA policies.
  • Supervise food access programs on-site, maintain accurate records, and help vendors stay in compliance.
  • Supervise and implement the processing of vendor payments safely and accurately.
  • Assist with on-site marketing initiatives like Market Bucks, passport programs, and shopper recognition days.
  • Accommodate nonprofit booths, musicians, partner booths, and sponsor booths as necessary.
  • Purchase market equipment and supplies as needed, in line with market budget or with approval from Director of Business Operations if outside of annual budget.

VENDOR, SHOPPER, COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

  • Maintain positive vendor relations and communications, striving to balance vendor and market needs. Communicate vendor concerns and other issues with administration and market management team.
  • Ensure that NFM vendor policies are equitably and fairly implemented. Track vendor infractions, process fees, and maintain boundaries with vendors.
  • Evaluate new vendor inquiries, process applications, recruit new vendors, and recommend a market-specific mix with an eye toward making each market excellent and unique while supporting the system as a whole.
  • Maintain outstanding customer service for shoppers, which includes being knowledgeable about the NFM mission, Washington agriculture and the products available at a given market.
  • Manage planned market events to increase shopper attendance and build community relationships.
  • Actively represent NFM to community groups, local member/partner organizations, and businesses.

Skills Required:

  • Event management experience including creation, logistics & onsite management. Good spatial understanding for creating market layouts.
  • Ability to work and thrive in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions.
  • Flexible work hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays, especially during peak season.
  • Physically able to lift 50 pounds safely.
  • Knowledge of WA State agriculture, Farmers Markets and home cooking.
  • Experience working with people from different cultural, economic, racial and religious backgrounds.
  • Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict, maintain composure, and mediate issues as they arise.
  • Leadership that promotes teamwork, empowerment, growth, and a positive work environment.
  • Ability to manage timelines both for Market day and preparation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to count money and do basic math in a busy environment.
  • Computer proficiency in Outlook, Word & Excel.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit. Patience. Optimism. Clarity.
  • Access to reliable vehicle for transporting materials on market day.

Skills Preferred

  • Current King County Health Department Food Handlers Permit
  • Current First Aid/CPR Certification

Please submit your resume & one-page cover letter to hr@seattlefarmersmarkets.org no later than Sunday, March 28th. Cover letter should detail your qualifications & interest in the position, highlighting relevant experience in managing events, leading staff, community outreach, and working in diverse communities.

About NFM: Neighborhood Farmers Markets is a community-based 501c3 non-profit organization that has been operating farmer/food only markets in Seattle neighborhoods since 1993. NFM is committed to supporting and strengthening Washington’s small family farm businesses by creating and operating seven vibrant, successful neighborhood farmers markets. The markets provide a weekly community gathering place where shoppers can meet the people who grow their food, creating a strong connection between the farmers and the customers for a positive market experience.

Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications for posted positions from qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.