Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Onslow County Farmers Market Seeks Market Manager

The Onslow County Farmers Market is seeking a Market Manager for the 2015 market season.  This is a great opportunity for someone interested in local foods.  



Job Posting: Manager, Onslow County Farmers Market

Title: Market Manager, Onslow County Farmers Market

Program Overview:
The Onslow County Farmers Market (OCFM) is a community-based, farmers market with three established market locations.  Our mission is to provide our community with fresh, locally grown farm products and to educate the public about the importance of agriculture, nutrition, and our environment.  

The OCFM was incorporated in 1996 through the efforts of local farmers and community partners, including Onslow County Cooperative Extension and support from local government.  Today’s farmers market is the result of their vision and efforts to make local products readily available to the citizens of Onslow County.  The market prioritizes local produce, meat and eggs but also includes a wide variety of edible goods, wine, locally roasted coffee, handmade soaps and unique crafts.   

Since 2004, the OCFM has operated out of its building at 4024 Richlands Highway, adjacent to the Onslow County Multipurpose Building.  This location is the site of the main Saturday morning market with approximately 30 vendors during peak season.  The OCFM has since expanded to two additional tent locations – a Tuesday market aboard Camp Lejeune and a Thursday market located on Western Boulevard.  These satellite markets are smaller in scale than the Saturday market. 

Customers are drawn to the market by the mix of local agricultural products, vendors’ wares and a variety of special events including guest chef, live music, special theme days, and children’s activities at the market. 

The market prioritizes making healthy food easily accessible to its patron base, accepting SNAP-EBT, WIC, and WIC Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers.  The market is also environmentally conscious, with 30 solar panels installed on the roof, it is not only solar powered but feeds energy back in to the grid.

The OCFM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the market manager reports to the board.

Required qualifications:
1.     Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to represent the market in a variety of settings and work with a diverse range of people
2.     Good customer service and conflict resolution skills
3.     Ability to work in an ever-changing environment both independently and as part of a team
4.     Market site work will include lifting and transporting heavy equipment, so the candidate should feel comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds
5.     Strong organizational skills
6.     Belief in the importance community access to local foods, and supporting small-scale local producers
7.     Will have a valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle that can be used in the course of carrying out job duties, including hauling signage and trashcans as necessary
8.     Must have the ability to pass military background check to access Camp Lejeune market location
9.     Ability to develop and carry out an effective social media outreach campaign including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Desired qualifications:
1.     Experience with market management
2.     Financial management, fundraising, and marketing experience
3.     Familiarity with basic accounting software including Quickbooks and Microsoft

Educational Level: High School Degree or equivalent; higher education preferred

This is a part-time position; it is expected that the Market Manager will work an average of 20 hours per week with seasonal variation. The Manager will be present at all market locations including during set up and tear down.  The Manager will also be available to answer telephone calls from vendors and the public throughout the week.    

Salary: $1,160 per month for the term of the 2015 market season                           

Example of Job Duties:
1.     Coordinate all aspects of the daily operations of all three market locations including vendor and customer relations, collect vendor fees, set-up and teardown, and equipment maintenance
2.     Oversee Farmers Market Nutrition, Senior Farmer Market Nutrition programs
3.     Ensure efficient running of the market over the season
4.     Work with the board to organize, promote and support special events including but not limited to guest chef, live music, and special event days
5.     Promote the market using various strategies; primarily through creative, low-cost marketing techniques and effective local partnerships
4.     Collaborate with the OCFM board and Onslow County Cooperative Extension to provide vendor training at the beginning of each season

Send a cover letter and resume to: onslowcountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Hardcopy applications can be mailed to:   Onslow County Farmers Market
Attn: Hiring Committee
                                                                        4024 Richlands Highway    
                                                                        Jacksonville, NC 28540


Applications must be received no later than Feb. 6 at 5 pm.

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