Farmers Market Assistant (6 positions)

Vancouver Farmers Markets needs on-site assistants for the 2009 season. Our Markets are some of the busiest and most successful Farmers Markets in British Columbia. Started as a community food security, health promotion and economic development project in 1995, our Markets have grown year after year by supporting local agriculture and acting as a community-building event for our host neighbourhoods and the city at large. For more information about us, visit our website at www.eatlocal.org. • The East Vancouver Market opens on May 16th and runs every Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm until October 10th in the Trout Lake Community Centre parking lot, East 15th & Victoria Drive. • The West End Market opens June 6th and runs every Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm to October 24th on Comox Street between Bute and Thurlow adjacent to Nelson Park. • The Kitsilano Community Market will run Sundays from June 7th to October 25th from 10 am – 2 pm in the parking lot of Kitsilano Community Centre. • Our Mid-Week Farmers Market will run Wednesdays from June 10th – October 21st from 3pm – 7pm (Location TBD) The on-site assistants report to the Market Manager and are responsible for the smooth operation of each Market day by: • attending every Market they have been assigned to; • arriving at least 1 hour in advance of opening and remaining until closing procedures are complete (usually about an hour); • facilitating the set up of the Market equipment (tents, umbrellas) and community information tables, banners and other Market materials; • assisting with the management of Market day volunteers and delegating appropriate work to them; • helping with traffic control and safety measures when necessary; • promoting and selling market branded merchandise and fundraising items; • promoting the market within the community on market day; • providing Market information and selling juice to shoppers and vendors. We are looking for people who: • are able to commit for the entire market season • enjoy working in a fast-paced environment • are a team player • can handle being outside in the heat, cold, rain and sun • are self-directed and responsible • can delegate tasks appropriately • are comfortable selling and offering information to the public • have previous customer service or retail experience • have an interest in at least one of the following areas: agriculture, nutrition, food security, community health, community development, community economic development, rural and urban interface. It would also be an asset for candidates to have any of the following: Level 1 Food Safe certification, current Basic First Aid training or a Class 5 driver’s license. Wage: $10 per hour, paid meal break + 4% vacation pay in lieu of benefits Please send a cover letter explaining your interest and your resume outlining your qualifications to roberta@eatlocal.org Resumés without cover letters will not be considered. Applicants may apply for one or multiple Markets. Successful candidates may be selected to work at one or multiple venues depending on availability. Resumes may be sent by mail as well to: Vancouver Farmers Markets 2 -1163 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3 Attention: Roberta LaQuaglia, Operations Manager No phone calls please.