The Bridgewater Farmers' Market Association is looking for a market manager or manager trainee.
Farmers Market Manager / Trainee
The Bridgewater Farmers' Market Association is a volunteer-driven non-profit society. For the past 10+ years we have been operating an outdoor summer market out of a parking lot in downtown Bridgewater. For the past 5+ years, we have also been hosting a series of holiday markets at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre on the Sundays leading up to Christmas. Both markets have been growing in vendors and customers, and in the number of market days hosted.
The Farmers' Market Manager (or Manager Trainee) position is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about local food, local farmers and food producers, and community building. Our ideal candidate is either rooted in the community or is planning to make a life here. We are looking for a person with a positive attitude who enjoys interacting with people, is focussed and dedicated, creative, and enthusiastic in their work to develop and maintain a sustainable farmers' market.
Responsibilities
The manager will represent the market to its vendors and consumers and to the community at large: recruiting and scheduling the attendance of market vendors, musicians, and community organizations, compiling the market newsletter. Primary responsibility is the day-to-day operation of the Farmers' Market, which includes an on-site presence at the market before, during and after market hours (approx. 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays) as well as off-site work during non-market hours.
Other duties include developing and maintaining a strong social media presence for the market keeping our website current, communicating and cooperating with our market board to develop and implement a marketing plan, tracking and evaluating market metrics to measure the economic impact of the market, grant writing and fundraising.
Requirements
• Bondable
• Ability to safely and routinely lift loads of 30lbs to waist level (e.g. – outdoor signage, market tables & tents
• Food Safety Certification (can be acquired after hiring)
• Previous management or leadership experience is considered an asset but is not required.
• Experience in grant writing is considered an asset.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is considered an asset
As a member of the Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia Co-operative, our vendors and staff have access to resource materials, mentoring and networking opportunities, and some of the best farmers market related training in North America. The successful candidate will be willing to take advantage of these learning opportunities and grow into managing the operations of our market.
Hours/Term/Compensation
Weekly hours will vary over the course of the year and are expected to range from 20 -35 hours/week. Anticipated start date is March 23rd, although there may be opportunities to participate in farmers' market related training before then.
The successful applicant will be required to work Saturdays (market day) and be able to work occasional Sundays (e.g. Food Truck Party and holiday markets) and be available for evening meetings of the Board or other committees. Compensation will be at the rate of $15 – 20/hour.
How to Apply
Please email a cover letter and resume to: [email protected] by Friday, February 21, 2020. Please include your name in the title of any documents you submit. We thank all applicant for their interest but only those applicants who make the short list will be contacted.
