Assistant Farmers Market Manager-Oakland/Grand Lake

JOB SUMMARY 

The Agricultural Institute of Marin is seeking a dedicated part-time Assistant Farmers Market Manager for our year-round farmers market that occurs every
Saturday at the
Grand Lake Farmers market in Oakland.  The Assistant Farmers Market Manager assures the smooth operation of the farmers market by assisting the Market Manager in setup and breakdown of the market and by providing excellent customer service in the Information Booth. This is an entry-level position with potential for a career pathway in farmers markets operations, agricultural education, or local food systems strategies. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist the Market Manager with all aspects of market operations, including securing the site and overseeing market setup and breakdown. 

• Set up, maintain, and break down market equipment, including ATM(s), signage, information booth, restrooms, entertainment areas, café seating, and waste diversion stations (recycling, compost, and garbage). 

• Staff the information booth, providing excellent customer service and processing customer transactions. 

• Operate AIM's EBT program, including processing EBT transactions and distributing tokens for eligible food purchases. 

• Foster positive relationships with vendors, customers, staff, community organizations, local businesses, and government representatives. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must be at least 21 years of age. 

• Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record. 

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. repeatedly and load/unload equipment from a truck. 

• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills with exceptional attention to detail. 

• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment. 

• Positive, outgoing attitude with a strong sense of teamwork, initiative, and accountability. 

• Reliable attendance and punctuality. 

• General knowledge of, or genuine interest in, food systems, agriculture, and farmers markets. 

• Ability to work early mornings and extended shifts (approximately 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m each Saturday,
  rain or shine) 

HIGHLY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bilingual in Spanish or Cantonese 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS 

This position regularly requires: 

• Lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading market equipment weighing 50+ lbs., including tables, chairs, canopies, canopy weights, ATM equipment, barricades, cones, A-frames, and signage. 

• Setting up and dismantling market infrastructure and customer service areas. 

• Handling garbage, compost, and recycling throughout the market day. 

• Walking, standing, bending, twisting, and sitting for extended periods. 

• Maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary conditions in a busy outdoor environment. 

ABOUT AIM 

The Agricultural Institute of Marin is an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Rafael, California. AIM’s mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, farmers, and producers in order to create a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food and agricultural system envision a responsible food and farming system that is environmentally beneficial, economically viable, and socially just. AIM runs Certified Farmers Markets in Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Point Reyes, San Rafael, and San Francisco, serving more than 400 farmers, food makers, and artisans from 40 California counties. We also offer hands-on and virtual education programs for thousands of children and adults, run a farm audit program, operate a mobile market for older adults and underserved communities, and provide CalFresh/EBT and Market Match services to build a healthier, more equitable food system across the San Francisco Bay Area. 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

AIM embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. 

WE ALSO LOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO

• Value inclusion: listen well, treat everyone with respect, use inclusive language, and support fair access for all. 

• Work as a team: share responsibility, support coworkers, take part in meetings, raise issues early, and keep building their skills. 

• Proactively solve problems: analyze issues, try new approaches, ask for help when needed, and pre-emptively suggest improvements. 

• Communicate well: listen actively, adapt their style, stay open, share key information, and resolve conflicts promptly. 

• Put customers first: act on feedback, respond quickly, stay courteous, keep work areas clean, and recycle properly.