Company description

The Regional Environmental Council (REC) is a grassroots, nonprofit, food justice organization with a 50 year history of working for environmental sustainability and social justice in Worcester through a range of programs that currently include community and school gardens, farmers markets, youth development and employment, and urban agriculture initiatives. The Community Farmers Market Program’s primary goal is to provide access to fresh, local, and affordable produce to Worcester’s underserved neighborhoods. By placing our Mobile Farmers Market stops in the most food-insecure neighborhoods we commit to improving healthy food access to the families and individuals who need it most.

The REC Mobile Farmers Market operates Tuesday through Thursday and serves communities throughout the city of Worcester as well as the town of Webster and the city of Southbridge. We accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Elder and WIC coupons, and other incentive programs such as the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).

Job description

Job Title: Farmers Market Assistant, Driver
Compensation: $18 an hour
Start Date: June 2023
End Date: December 2023
Supervision: Position reports to the Lead Farmers Market Manager

DESCRIPTION
The Regional Environmental Council (REC) is a grassroots, nonprofit, food justice organization with a 50 year history of working for environmental sustainability and social justice in Worcester through a range of programs that currently include community and school gardens, farmers markets, youth development and employment, and urban agriculture initiatives. The Community Farmers Market Program’s primary goal is to provide access to fresh, local, and affordable produce to Worcester’s underserved neighborhoods. By placing our Mobile Farmers Market stops in the most food-insecure neighborhoods we commit to improving healthy food access to the families and individuals who need it most.

The REC Mobile Farmers Market operates Tuesday through Thursday and serves communities throughout the city of Worcester as well as the town of Webster and the city of Southbridge. We accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Elder and WIC coupons, and other incentive programs such as the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).

We are seeking motivated individuals from the community to join our team to support our Mobile Market operations. Candidates must be able to operate a motor vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license, have a clean driving record, and be able to successfully complete a driver training using the Mobile Market vehicle. Candidates must also be able to commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week within the set shifts available (Monday- Friday). See below for available shifts. This is a temporary, seasonal position.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
● Drive the organization’s large vans to transport products and supplies throughout the city of Worcester and from Worcester to other locations (e.g., Southbridge and Webster).
● Set-up market display, stock produce, put out market price signs and other signage, breakdown and clean market site, and complete customer transactions using our electronic POS systems/device.
● Provide quality customer service while adhering to REC customer service policies and procedures including: customer line management, answering customer questions as they relate to market products, using SNAP/HIP benefits at market, market availability and scheduling, assisting customers with handling of produce, and maintaining the market site accessible to customers with varying levels of mobility.
● Organize produce storage in our walk-in coolers.
● Assist with cleaning and maintaining a safe storage space.
● Consistently participate in in-person market staff meetings and trainings.
● Represent the REC and all its programs with knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
● Additional duties as assigned.

JOB SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS
● Must hold a valid driver’s license to operate a company-owned large cargo vehicle. Must have a clean driving record and pass an RMV driver’s record check. Must possess a valid driver’s license, and be able to successfully complete the REC’s driver training using the Mobile Market vehicles.
● Candidates must also be able to commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week within the shifts available as set by the Farmers Market Program Coordinator (Monday-Friday).
● Must have ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to work in adverse weather conditions (snow, rain, etc.).
● Must be self-motivated, detail oriented, highly organized and reliable.
● Must work well both individually and in a team environment.
● Must have strong verbal communication skills
● Must be able to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
● Must be passionate about our food justice mission, enthusiastic about community work, and comfortable with and respectful of diversity.
● Candidates who are fluent in Spanish, Vietnamese, Albanian, Nepali, and other non-English languages are preferred, past experience with farming and/or farmers’ markets work is a plus.

SHIFT AVAILABILITY
Monday-Saturday. Shifts range from 5 to 9.5 hours between the hours of 7 AM and 6 PM, up to 35 hours/week available.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

The REC is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. The REC does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran or military status.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Work visa

This employer is willing to sponsor a work visa for international applicants

Application instructions

Deadline

June 01, 2023