Company description

FRESHFARM builds a more equitable, vibrant, sustainable, and resilient food system in the Mid-Atlantic region by producing innovative solutions in partnership with local communities and organizations. We create food access, economic development, and thriving communities through hands-on education, farmers markets, and food distribution programs. FRESHFARM's agricultural programs - including our network of over two-dozen producer-only Farmers Markets and the Food Hub - ensure that fresh and local foods are accessible to all while providing vital economic opportunities for growers and amplifying their vital role in improving our regional food system.

In 2022, FRESHFARM partnered with the Common Grain Alliance to launch weekly Farmers Market Grain Stands. These grain stands continue to broaden the offerings of FRESHFARM markets by offering local grains to DMV area customers. The aim of the Grain Stands is to build a market for Mid-Atlantic grains, in order to help sustain the businesses of farmers, millers, bakers, and grain artisans in our region.

Job description

WHO YOU ARE:

• Excited to work outdoors at a local Farmers’ Market and to support local producers.
• Interested in learning about the regional grain shed & leveraging any grain experience you have.
• A creative and flexible problem solver who is proactive and communicates clearly.
• Passionate about creating inclusive spaces for the community to enjoy and access local food and support regional farmers and food producers.
• Retail experience preferred, but not required.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Grain Stand Specialists are the face of FRESHFARM’s Grains program and serve as an ambassador for local farmers, millers, and other local producers at the market; they will actively engage with customers including promoting the products and facilitating sales. Furthermore, they will educate visitors about regional grains and the grain producers.

Operations

• Transport products & equipment at the start and end of shift in the company cargo van, as needed.
• Set up and break down the market display (tents, tables, products, marketing materials, etc.).
• Restock products as they sell and keep an organized display.

Customer Service & Communication

• Participate in periodic training sessions to deepen knowledge of products.
• Remain knowledgeable on product offerings and their producers.
• Create and maintain an extraordinary customer service experience.
• Collaborate with other grain vendors at markets to cross-promote products.

Administration & Finance

• Manage sales transactions using Square POS.
• Ensure accurate & timely submission of reports and support with monitoring market statistics.
• Readily communicate feedback and thoughts to the supervisor.

THE PERKS:

• Get first hand experience working directly with farmers, producers, and local communities, and learn about DC’s local food system along the way!
• Work with a collaborative, diverse, welcoming, and fun-loving team.
• Get access to an abundance of fresh produce and other exciting local products.

THE DETAILS:

• This is a part-time, non-exempt position; starts at $20/hr, with increases up to $22/hr
• All shifts start and end at Food Hub HQ in Hyattsville*: At the start of their shift, Grain Stand Specialists & Subs must arrive to Food Hub HQ in Hyattsville MD (free parking, limited access by public transportation) and then drive a FRESHFARM sprinter van or box truck to transport supplies & equipment to/from theGrain Stand(s) listed below.
• We are currently hiring for the following shift(s):
  • Sundays, ~6am - 3pm for the Dupont Circle market
  • Substitute Grain Stand shifts, as needed.
    • Shift times include:
    • Saturdays, ~7am - 3pm for the Downtown Silver Spring market
    • Sundays, ~7am - 4pm for the Mosaic market
    • *Substitute shifts may also begin in Columbia Heights, DC
• All employees accrue sick leave (1 hr/28.5 hrs of work)
• All employees accrue vacation (1 hr/26 hrs worked); increases in accrual rate after 3 & 6 yrs tenure
• Non-substitute employees in regular positions are also eligible for 11 paid annual holidays (4 hrs each)
• Other benefits include:
  • $5 annual membership to Capital Bikeshare (including e-bike access at no additional cost)
  • 35% staff discount on FRESHFARM’s Market Share CSA program

PHYSICAL & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to: regularly load and unload up to 50 lbs onto or off of a dolly from a van, shelf, or table’ push a 100-500 lb cart or dolly across a distances ranging from 100-400 yds; and to remain in a stationary position 3-5 hours during the work day
• Must be able to work in all-weather conditions in an outdoor environment.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or willing to acquire and submit a weekly COVID test
• Driver's license required to fulfill job duties and: no more than 2 at-fault accidents, 3 minor moving violations, & 4 non-moving violations within the past year AND zero major moving violations (driving with a suspended/invalid license, DUI, reckless driving, speed contests) within the past 4 years
• Access to a vehicle is a plus, but not required, to facilitate ease of commute to Food Hub HQ
• Access to a personal smartphone with data; $25/month cell phone stipend provided for non-substitute positions

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

FRESHFARM is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and building an equitable and inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and experiences. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented groups to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate, and will take affirmative action measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, disability, or veteran status in the following areas: employment, recruitment, or advertisements for employment; compensation, termination, upgrading, and promotions; any other conditions of employment.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline