Company description

Job description

Gorge Grown’s Mobile Market Program was established in 2008. Mobile Markets enable us to provide better access to fresh, locally grown food in low-income and remote areas of the Gorge.

Job Summary

We are seeking an outgoing, friendly, knowledgeable, and organized person to serve as our Mobile Farmers Market and Procurement Manager. This position has two parts, and is year-round and full-time. The Mobile Farmers Market/Produce Manager is responsible for the management and operations of the Gorge Grown Mobile “pop up” Farmers Markets. Historically, markets run May – November, and in 2020 we are hoping to extend the season year-round as weather and produce supply allows. The Mobile Manager will oversee one assistant, and ensure that all 10+ weekly markets run smoothly.

Procurement Management includes planning/ procurement/ aggregation to ensure there is a year-round supply of produce for Gorge Grown’s Veggie Rx Program, feeding approximately 300 families year-round. This position requires a flexible work schedule that includes some weekends and evenings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Sourcing and purchasing produce weekly for the Mobile Farmers Market, including: communicating with producers to gauge availability, negotiating prices, and arranging for product delivery or pick-up.
• Manage cold storage facility to ensure high quality and ample supply of products available. Weigh and bag bulk produce as needed. Keep inventory list and create a fresh sheet to send out to wholesale buyers (en route grocery stores and restaurants)
• Coordinate publicity and marketing efforts, such as writing press releases, performing outreach at community meetings, working with GGFN’s Communications Coordinator to create social media posts, distributing flyers, etc.
• Coordinate with community partners for market site needs such as permits, sign placement permission, etc.
• Be informed on Oregon Department of Agriculture and Hood River County Health Department rules and Gorge Grown Farmers Market guidelines, and ensure these rules are followed
• Coordinate with Oregon State University (OSU) Extension to provide educational experiences at markets, such as cooking demos or food preservation demos.
• Operating markets:
  • make sure all support materials for both trucks are charged, ready, and on board to support the operations of the program. This includes iPad/POS system, EBT machine, price signs, market signs, etc.
  • market set-up and break-down
  • provide above-and-beyond customer service at market sites
  • administer cash, credit, EBT, Veggie Rx, and FDNP sales transactions to customers using a custom POS application and compete end-of-day financial report and enter report into database; ensure that all tills are squared weekly before submitting them to the Farmers Market Manager
  • coordinate wholesale deliveries to rural groceries and restaurants
  • coordinate leftover produce sales to restaurants and others
  • manage market volunteers
• Coordinate accurate tracking of all financial data for the project, including: weekly purchases, weekly sales, EBT, Veggie Rx, and FDNP purchases, and other expenses as needed, with support of bookkeeper, and Farmers Market Manager. Cash bags from both trucks must be accurately reconciled after each market. Be well-informed about point-of-sales device and federal requirements of SNAP, WIC, FDNP, etc.
• Maintain both trucks in working order and deal with any issues or problems with vehicles. Communicate with mechanic to address any needed repairs. Maintain cleanliness and organization of trucks and cold storage unit.
• Coordinate shoulder and winter season farming efforts to expand the capacity of the Mobile Farmers Market year-round, and supply Veggie Rx Program with produce.
• Serve as Mercado del Valle co-Farmers Market Manager (set-up and set-down of market, manage volunteers, track other vendor sales, attendance, etc.)
• Participate with Mobile Market Assistant and Director in regular meetings to ensure the success of the project and to develop potential project improvements.
• Assist Director with grant reporting and grant writing as needed.
• Attend bi-monthly all-staff meetings, Gorge Farmers Market Network quarterly meetings, Food Security Coalition quarterly meetings and Direct Service/Engagement workgroup quarterly meetings.
• Manage and support Mobile Market Assistant

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in retail sales (produce preferred).
• Experience in produce aggregation/distribution.
• Exceptional interpersonal, customer, and communication skills.
• Minimum of three years professional experience in a related field (such as marketing, event coordination, non-profit, project management or food service) that includes one year of responsible supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and progressive responsibility.
• A love of fruits and vegetables and enthusiasm for sharing information, recipes, and tips for cooking or food preservation.
• Knowledge and interest in navigating the nuances and complexities of local community food system development.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of community members, farmers, business owners, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Attention to detail, particularly regarding financial records.
• Be a self-starter and able to manage program from start to finish.
• Experience using Excel and Google Docs for data management and record keeping
• Demonstrate a can-do attitude, and a desire to meet challenging situations with enthusiasm and to utilize creative solutions in meeting those challenges.
• Able to maintain a high-energy, friendly attitude
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings, including 8-10 hour days.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds in and out of a vehicle repeatedly.
• Clean driving record.
• Ability to drive and safely maneuver a Sprinter van. (Does not require a commercial drivers license)
• Some Spanish speaking ability strongly preferred.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $17.00 - $19.00

Application instructions

Deadline

April 01, 2019