Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market (NFM) 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 vibrant, successful neighborhood farmers markets. 

In addition to supporting the local sustainable food economy, 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. 

NFM also plays an important advocacy role on the state and local level, standing up for vendors, low-income consumers, and the markets themselves. In support of farmers, NFM established the Good Farmer Fund, which provides assistance to farmers in the case of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. NFM has been at the forefront of advocating for low-income benefits programs to ensure equal food access for all. NFM developed and piloted the successful "Fresh Bucks" program, which doubles the money of people using food assistance subsidies (EBT/SNAP) to make purchases at the markets with a dollar-for-dollar match, and is now replicated across the state. 

Our 7 neighborhood markets include: University District, West Seattle, Capitol Hill-Broadway, Columbia City, Lake City, Phinney, and Magnolia. Three of our seven markets operate year-round. Market vendors include 208 farmers, foragers, fishers, and artisan food businesses, who together serve over 631K shoppers for more than $11.6 million in annual sales. 

Seasonal Market Staff – Position Description

The Neighborhood Farmers Markets is hiring Market Staff for our seasonal markets in Columbia City (Wednesday), Lake City (Thursday), Phinney (Friday), and Magnolia (Saturday). Market staff are responsible for maintaining and supporting the onsite, weekly operations. The position will entail approximately 8-10 hours per shift, with potential for additional hours by filling in at other year-round and seasonal markets.

SEASONAL MARKET SCHEDULES

• Columbia City Farmers Market: Wednesdays, May 13th – October 14th, 3pm-7pm
• Lake City Farmers Market: Thursdays, June 4th – October 1st, 3pm-7pm
• Phinney Farmers Market: Fridays, June 5th – September 25th, 3pm-7pm
• Magnolia Farmers Market: Saturdays, June 6th – October 24th, 10am-2pm

 Note on shift times: Generally, shifts begin up to 4 hours pre-market opening and end 2 hours post-market closing. This may vary based upon market location.

MAIN JOB DUTIES

• Work with Market Manager and other Market Staff to ensure that onsite operations run smoothly.
• Set up and tear down equipment, street closures, crowd and traffic management.
• Have a thorough understanding of the NFM’s overarching mission and be able to effectively communicate this to the public and consistently represent it within the work environment.
• Serve as a warm and welcoming market host and provide outstanding customer service to our shoppers, vendors, and community partners.
• Support market sales by helping shoppers connect with vendors and by selling market merchandise.
• Help feed the community by administering Fresh Bucks, EBT, and other food access programs.
• Enforce market policies and check that vendors are complying with the laws and regulations of relevant agencies such as the WSDA, King County Health Department, and NFM policies.
• Positively represent the NFM at the markets themselves and in surrounding neighborhoods.
• Assist with end of day bookkeeping, vendor invoicing, and deposit reconciliation.
• Demonstrate compassion and patience as our markets, shoppers, and vendors continually adapt to ongoing and often difficult measures taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPECTATIONS

• Team player who promotes collaboration and a positive work environment.
• Cultural competency and eagerness to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Optimistic attitude while working long hours on your feet in all weather conditions.
• Respond creatively, efficiently, and effectively to issues that arise at market.
• Ability to count money and do basic math in a busy environment.
• Detail-oriented and adept multi-tasker who can think on the fly.
• Well-developed logistical and spatial intelligence.
• Capable of safely lifting at least 50 pounds.
• Current or able to obtain King County Health Department Food Handlers Permit.

HIGHLIGHT ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Fix-it/DIY experience
• Marketing and communications
• Farm operations
• Event production, children’s activities
• Safety training or certifications
• Bookkeeping and cash handling
• Community engagement and/or small business stewardship