Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization located on 240 acres of forest and farmland bordering the Snoqualmie River in Carnation, Washington. Oxbow researches and practices sustainable farming methods, grows food and native plants, and educates people of all ages about agriculture and the environment. Collectively, Oxbow’s work takes real-time action to combat climate change, promote biodiversity, and encourage healthy food systems.

Oxbow connects to the public through special events, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. 

POSITION: Farm Stand Coordinator – Part Time

Hours: 24hrs/wk.

Start Date: April 29th, 2024

Reports to: Farm Stand Manager

Shifts:

• Thursday: 8AM-4:15PM (during the highest heat of the summer: 7AM-3:15PM)
• Saturday: 8AM-5PM*
• Sunday: 8AM-5PM*
  • *Some weekend days have a start time of 6:30 or 7:30AM, still an 8 hr. Shift

POSITION OVERVIEW

Oxbow’s Farm Stand strives to be a vibrant hub of discovery, engagement, and learning. The year round, part-time Farm Stand Coordinator fills a critical need for shift coverage for our Farm Stand, Farmers’ Markets and on-site workshops. Working three days a week, your work will be split between the farm field, staffing the Farm Stand/Market, and yearly planning and coordination– all while being an ambassador for Oxbow and its many offerings. This role changes with the seasons, with summertime requiring more shift coverage and time in the farm field, while winter and spring will allow for more indoor coordination and planning work. We are looking for someone with a positive, can-do attitude, who enjoys interacting with customers and shares our passion for food, farming, and the environment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Farm Stand Operations & Sales

• Perform direct sales of produce, native plants and partner products to customers, with a focus on cultivating positive customer relationships
• Support set up (including loading and unloading truck) of Farm Stand
• Operate Square (Point-of-Sales (POS) system) and make sure software and hardware are updated and working
• Ensure Farm Stand is clean and organized to welcome visitors
• Support Farm Stand Manager in training and supporting Farm Stand and Farmers’ Market Staff
• Work closely with Farm Stand Manager and Communications & Marketing team to craft social media posts and printed material to increase Farm Stand and market sales
• Build and strengthen connections with local businesses in the Valley to raise awareness of Oxbow and increase Farm Stand sales

Farm Stand Community Engagement

• Support Farm Stand Manager in the yearly winter planning for Farm Stand Workshops
• Function as an Oxbow ambassador on site: welcome all visitors with site and mission information
• Set up workshops, demos or other visitor program spaces (as needed)
• Welcome guests to workshops, demos or other programs and promote upcoming activities and newsletter sign up (as needed)
• Ensure marketing materials (fliers, posters etc.) are displayed at Farm Stand and offered to visitors

Farmers’ Markets

• Ensure Oxbow brand, products and programs are represented at Farmers’ Markets and offered to visitors
• Support set up (including loading and unloading truck) and running of Thursday and weekend Farmers’ Markets (as needed)

Farm Field Duties (Thursdays, May – October)

• Join the Agriculture team on their busiest harvest day of the week and support all things harvest, cleaning and packing
• Move heavy objects, and use hand and occasional power tools
• Dress appropriately to work outside rain or shine

General

• Cover Farm Stand or Farmers’ Market shifts as needed
• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about Oxbow’s mission and programs
• Make weekly social media posts regarding Farm Stand, Farmers’ Markets, Workshops
• Support internal and external communications regarding extreme weather and/or emergency closure/hours change
• Support year-end sales analysis
• Participate in interviews for new Farm Stand staff

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 – 2 years of experience in retail sales/farming/farmers’ market sales
• 3+ years of customer service experience
• Able to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 50 lbs. repeatedly
• Experience/ability to learn POS platforms
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in adverse weather conditions and under pressure
• Proficient using Microsoft Office and social media
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Availability: shifts listed above
• WA state driver's license
• Ability/willingness to learn to drive manual transmission vehicles
• Environmentally conscious, background/interest in organic farming, cooking (desired)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

This is a regular, part-time position, with benefits that include PTO and sick leave that starts accrual immediately, a staff discount at Farm Stand, and a 403b account with employee match up to $1500, dollar for dollar. The pay rate for this role is $25/hr.