JOB DESCRIPTION - FARMERS MARKET ASSISTANT & VAN DRIVER
Organization: Fraser North Farmers Market Society
Hours of Work: Seasonal, 3 days per week up to 30 hours/ week
Compensation: $19.50/hour plus vacation pay
Location:
Haney Farmers Market site on Saturdays, Memorial Peace Park, Maple Ridge;
Pitt Meadows Farmers Market site on Tuesdays Spirit Square, Pitt Meadows;
and Port Coquitlam Farmers Market site on Thursdays at Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam.
Reporting to: Market Manager & Executive Director
Start Date: June 1st to last market (last week of October)
Website: www.farmersandmore.org
About Fraser North Farmers Market Society
Fraser North Farmers Market Society is the home of the Haney, Pitt Meadows, and Port Coquitlam Farmers Markets. With a goal to create community, sustainability, and access to local goods, Fraser North Farmers Market Society is where the locals love to shop.
As a Not-for-Profit organization, the Society relies on the generosity of donors to fund their programs and services.
About the Role: Farmers Market Assistant & Van Driver
Reporting directly to the Market Manager, the Market Assistant & Driver is responsible for ensuring the smooth onsite operation of our seasonal weekly outdoor farmers market. The Market Assistant & Driver acts as a Fraser North Farmers Market Society ambassador, representing the market in the community. Responsible for assisting in all operational, administrative and communication duties, the Market Assistant & Driver must be committed to the local food movement, be friendly and energetic, have excellent communication skills, a keen eye for detail and numerical proficiency. The Market Assistant & Driver is responsible for driving the Society van to and from the market sites, ensuring the appropriate market equipment is available and maintained.
Responsibilities
Operational Market Management
- Attend and assist the Market Manager 7am to 3pm Saturdays at Haney, 1pm to 8 pm at Port Coquitlam and 12pm to 7pm at Pitt Meadows. Hours may vary based on need.
- Responsible for driving supplies to and from market sites and storing the market vehicle in their personal driveway during the market season. General maintenance of van is required, including cleaning.
- Ensures timely and efficient transport of goods, maintaining the vehicle's condition and managing inventory logistics
- Aid in market set-up, arriving before the market opens and remaining until the end of tear-down and clean-up
- Provide answers to shoppers’ questions
- Assist in enforcement of vendor rules and regulations
- Track and report visitor and vendor attendance at the market
- Maintain excellent relations with vendors and address and resolve any conflicts
- Manage market information tent
- Assist the Market Manager during special events at the market, including weekly partnership events, Canada Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, etc.
- Maintain market equipment and report all issues to the Market Manager
Organizational Administration
- Help update lists of vendors, volunteers, community groups, and musicians, during market days
- Contribute to the management of internal documentation on Google Workspace
- Collect and record Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) information to be reimbursed to vendors
- Conduct other administrative duties as required
Financial Administration
- Some cash handling may be required to maintain and reconcile petty cash (rare!)
Marketing and Communications
- Help contribute relevant content to blog and monthly newsletter
- Execute marketing and promotional initiatives to increase business at the market, as requested by the market manager
- Assist in training of new volunteers
- Maintain relationship with market manager
Other duties as assigned.
Experience
- Experienced and reliable driver with a current unrestricted Class 5 license. Experience driving an Econoline van or similar is an asset.
- Experience working in community organizations is an asset
- Passionate and knowledgeable about farmers markets and the local food sector in BC
Knowledge, Skills, and Capacities
- Strong time management skills and is detail oriented
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
- Strong event planning and customer service skills
- Enjoys working in a fast paced environment and being outside in all weather conditions
- Enjoys physical activity and getting involved
- Self-directed, reliable, responsible, and flexible
- Be able to safely lift up to 25 kg
- Able to work in all weather conditions.
The ideal candidate will also have the following characteristics:
- Familiarity with the region is an asset
- Experience or familiarity with the not-for-profit sector
- Knowledge and awareness of policies and guidelines related to farmers markets is an asset
- Must have and maintain a current Class 5 drivers license and be comfortable driving a work van.
- Must provide a current clean drivers abstract or be willing to request one prior to the start date.
- Must provide a current Police Information Check or be willing to request one prior to the start date.
Deadline and How to Apply
- Please forward your resume in .doc or PDF format to [email protected] or through Indeed.
- Please include “Market Assistant & Driver” in the email subject line
- Please note that interviews may be conducted during the recruitment period and only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are essential to creating a meaningful and vibrant workplace. At Fraser North Farmers Market Society, we are committed to building a strong and representative team and encourage applications from members of all communities. Fraser North Farmers Market Society is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment.
Pay: $19.50 per hour
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Are you located in one of our market host communities: Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam?
- If successful, would you have space available to park the van between market days?
- Would you be able to safely move market tents, tables, and chairs?
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Class 5 Licence (required)
- First Aid Certification (preferred)
Work Location: In person
