Help Wanted: New Bedford Farmers Market Assistant

Position Title: New Bedford Farmers Market Assistant

Summary of Position:
Mass in Motion (MiM) New Bedford is looking to hire a new reliable, trustworthy, and friendly team
member to work as the New Bedford Farmers Market Assistant. There are three Farmers Market sites in
New Bedford, managed by Mass in Motion New Bedford, the Market Managers. They are located at
Brooklawn Park, Custom House Square (Downtown), and Clasky Common. The markets run Monday,
Thursday, and Saturday. The dates and hours of the market can be found in the “Hours/Pay” section
below.

In 2015, the New Bedford Farmers Market implemented a new payment system that allowed customers
to use credit/debit cards, and SNAP cards. This new payment system runs on tokens, and allows more
people the ability to access fresh produce, but it requires a Market Assistant to manage the card machine, and SNAP vendors. We are seeking someone committed and enthusiastic about helping these markets to succeed by managing the daily on-site activities of the market while also assisting the Market Managers.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Arrive 1 hour before the market starts to set-up Welcome/SNAP Table and assist farmers/vendors
• Welcome customers, explain the payment system, and answer questions
• Monitor and ensure vendor compliance with Market Rules & SNAP Guidelines
• Manage the card machine for credit/debit cards, and SNAP customers and distribute the
  appropriate number and type of tokens
• Keep a record of transactions and balance the market sheet at the end of the day
• Collect tokens from vendors at the end of the market, and write receipts to vendors
• Remain at the market until all farmers have cleaned their area and are ready to leave
• Report to MiM Coordinators with all transaction reports and any questions or problems
• Break down Welcome/SNAP table and store equipment in designated location after each market.
  Other Duties:
• Attend introductory SNAP & Market Assistant training session with Market Managers
• Transport all market gear (coins, tables, tent, bins, etc) to and from the market each week
• Assist in managing any volunteers, social media, special events, data collection, or fundraisers
  occurring at the market, in collaboration with Market Managers
• Attend meetings/ workshops outside of scheduled famers markets: Parks Board, City Council
• Assist the Market Managers with farmers market related administration
• Conduct on-site vendor inspections under the supervision of Market Managers

Working Conditions:

• Work completed outside, under a tent in varying weather conditions
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds, set-up and break down market tent, table, and materials
• Able to stand on feet for an hour at a time if needed

Minimum Requirements to Apply:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Access to reliable weekly transportation/ valid driver’s license
• Bi-Lingual: Speaks Spanish & English
• Basic math skills, ability to use a calculator
• Friendly and helpful personality
• Trustworthy, dependable, and responsible with money and confidential information

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Interest in nutrition, public health, and/or environmental issues
• Experience in community outreach
• Comfortable using basic technology (etc. an iphone/ipad)

Hours/Pay:

• Training begins in early June
• 18-21 hours/week during market season
• Market Season- (hours below may vary slightly)
  • Mondays= 1-7pm (June 13th – October 31st)
  • Thursdays= 1-7pm (June 16th – October 27th)
  • Saturdays= 9am -2pm (July 9th – October 29th)
• Commitment to the full market season and training (June 1st –October 31st) is required
  • Limited vacation days may be available with early notice
• $12-15/hour

To Apply:

• Please send the attached completed application to Stephanie Reusch at
  Stephanie.Reusch@newbedford-ma.gov or mail to
  Mass in Motion, 608 Pleasant Street, 2nd floor, New Bedford MA, 02740
• Application Priority Deadline: Monday May 20th 2016