Assistant Market Manager & Food Access Coordinator
To Apply: please send resume and cover letter to Barbara at barbara@massfarmersmarkets.org with the subject: Assistant Market Manager & Food Access Coordinator.
Mass Farmers Markets is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated candidates to serve as Assistant Market Managers and Food Access Coordinators.
Who We Are: Mass Farmers Markets (MFM) partners with farmers, consumers, and communities to improve the health of individuals, strengthen community vitality, and enhance local farm viability through farmers markets. We are a 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more about us at https://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/.
As part of our work, MFM currently produces three farmers markets in the Greater Boston area from May to November. The Central Square Farmers Market in Cambridge runs every Monday (12-6 PM); the Copley Square Farmers Market in Boston runs every Tuesday and Friday (11AM-6 PM); and the Davis Square Farmers Market in Somerville runs every Wednesday (12-6 PM).
Who You Are: The Assistant Market Manager/Food Access Coordinator serves as a positive, energetic face of our farmers markets. You thrive in and enjoy being a part of a fast-paced team environment. You are an individual who is passionate about building community, the food we eat, where it comes from, and food access.
You are knowledgeable about programs aimed at increasing access to local foods such as SNAP, SNAP Match, and HIP. You are familiar with general farmers market operations and will assist the market manager in supporting our vendors, consumers, and partner organizations. You will supply information, answer questions, and address concerns. You are comfortable with social media and assist in promoting the market via those channels.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in local agriculture, food and nutrition, and promoting farmers markets. S/he should be reliable, friendly, self-motivated, and comfortable communicating with a diverse customer base.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. SNAP/EBT Food Access Program
Administers local token currency and process transactions for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/EBT benefits along with SNAP Match and HIP, including the maintenance of daily records and market reports.
Documents, reconciles and reports all SNAP, SNAP Match, and HIP transactions during the market season.
Submits reports suitable for reimbursement requests to SNAP match funding sources in a prompt manner to ensure that we have the funds to reimburse vendors for SNAP match tokens.
Follows all USDA rules, regulations, and guidance for SNAP retailers.
Ensures that vendors understand and comply with program eligible-food rules.
Communicates effectively and respectfully with customers to explain food access programs such as SNAP, SNAP Match, and HIP.
Maintains all EBT equipment in good working order and notifies the Lead Market Manager immediately if any damage or problems occur.
Safeguards tokens the same as cash and is responsible to account for tokens throughout the season.
2. Market Operations
Develops and manages positive relationships with vendors, offers ongoing coaching to help ensure vendors’ success, and works collaboratively to resolve problems.
Engages with shoppers in a positive manner and provides exceptional customer service
Manages conflict between vendors and / or customers in a respectful, fair and confidential manner.
Assists with promotion of the markets on market days, primarily via social media
Collaborates with the market manager on programming for the markets
3. Other Responsibilities
Regularly and consistently communicates with the market manager to ensure smooth and consistent operations at the markets.
Attends MFM general team meetings (currently held on Thursdays) to maintain a connection with the entire MFM team.
Participates in and supports MFM’s fundraising and grant making efforts in support of our markets and operations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of and passion for farmers markets and growing the local food community.
Personal confidence and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people.
Must have a strong work ethic, be punctual, be customer service focused, reliable, enthusiastic and a team player.
Good problem solving and organizational skills along with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
Must have access to reliable transportation
Must be able to work non-standard hours as required, based on market hours during the market season
Proficient with cloud office suite such as Google Workspace, and comfortable learning new tools and technologies as needed in this role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Prior farmers market experience.
Prior SNAP/EBT Coordinator experience.
Knowledge of SNAP, SNAP Match, and HIP programs in MA.
Comfortable with social media posting for sharing market updates and special events during the market season.
While there are no specific language requirements, knowledge of and some fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin or Cantonese is preferred.
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
Employment Status: Part-time, non-exempt; growth potential for year-round, full-time employment.
Hours & Work Schedule: While the nature of this work is seasonal, there are opportunities for year round, full-time employment. We are looking for a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week for 32 weeks. Actual market assignment will be determined during the hiring process.
Mondays: 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM at the Central Sq Farmers Market in Cambridge
Tuesdays: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM at the Copley Sq Farmers Market in Boston
Wednesdays: 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM at the Davis Sq Farmers Market in Somerville
Thursdays: 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM Kendall Sq Farmers Market in Cambridge
Fridays: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM at the Copley Sq Farmers Market in Boston
Pay: Commensurate with experience
Reports To: Market Manager
To Apply: please send resume and cover letter to: Barbara at barbara@massfarmersmarkets.org with the subject: Assistant Market Manager & Food Access Coordinator.
Mass Farmers Markets values diversity and full inclusion of all members of the community.