Arcata Plaza Farmers Market Assistant

About NCGA & the Farmers’ Market Team:The North Coast Growers’ Association (NCGA) was first established in 1978 by a handful of local farmers who began selling from the back of […]

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About NCGA & the Farmers’ Market Team:
The North Coast Growers’ Association (NCGA) was first established in 1978 by a handful of local farmers who began selling from the back of their trucks in a vacant lot in Arcata. With its rich history, the NCGA has grown to operate the majority of Certified Farmers’ Markets in Humboldt County, now operates numerous community-based programs, and has over 150 members. 

NCGA is hiring for a market assistant to join our dedicated, creative and fun-loving team at the weekly Arcata Plaza Farmers’ Market. All NCGA staff contribute to enhancing the resiliency of our local food system and improve local food access for all. NCGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity – people of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are encouraged to apply.  

Annual Position Schedule:

• April – November: Saturdays, 8 hours per week, 7AM-3:30PM. 
• December – March: Saturdays, 7 hours per week, 8AM-3:30PM.
• Hours may be adjusted to accommodate market staffing needs; additional hours as needed for training and staff meetings.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Arcata Plaza Market Manager and Co-Manager, the Farmers’ Market Assistant Manager is one of three assistant managers dedicated to supporting all aspects of on-site market management at this popular weekly event in a bustling and lively atmosphere. This position includes a three month probationary period.

Duties and Responsibilities:

On-Site Market Duties: 90%

• Support coordination and supervision of the Farmers’ Market alongside Market Manager(s).
• Maintain knowledge of required permits, licenses, insurance, and certifications (training provided).
• Understand and enforce market rules and regulations.
• Arrive prepared and on time for the full duration of each market day.
• Assist with market set-up and break-down per the permit map, including site cleaning (sweeping, trash pickup).
• Have general knowledge of stall spaces and help oversee proper stall space use.
• Engage with NCGA vendors, assist with needs, and stay informed about vendor products.
• Assist with end-of-day stall fee collection and scrip redemption. Maintain accurate records of all received payments.
• Help set-up and maintain the market information booth and provide customer service and information to the public. Treat all customers, members and community partners fairly, with dignity and respect.
• Handle market merchandise sales using Square on a tablet; help maintain market inventory.
• Support Nutrition Assistance Programs (CalFresh EBT, Market Match, WIC, SFMNP), including transaction processing and tracking, CalFresh application assistance, 
• Contribute to social media promotion by photographing the market and assisting with promotions as assigned.
• Help implement safety and emergency procedures. Identify and report hazards (e.g., damaged sidewalks, tree limbs) and respond appropriately to emergencies; be prepared to call on law enforcement in the event of a real emergency or hazardous person.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Sample Market Day

• 7AM: Arrive at the market info booth, check-in with manager, and set-up the market
• 9AM-3PM: Sell merchandise, process EBT and Market Match transactions, assist with CalFresh Outreach, answer questions, enforce no dogs, no blanket vendor and other market rules, empty trash and check compost stations. 
• 1PM-3PM: Collect vendor stall fees; pay band; break down the market and pack-up all market supplies
• 3PM-3:30PM: Finalize market break-down and end-of-day safety infrastructure with the team 

Off-site duties: 10%

• Maintain a detailed timesheet of hours worked and tasks completed.
• Attend NCGA market manager check-ins and membership meetings; participate in Steering Committee and working group meetings as appropriate.
• Trainings and workshops as needed
• End of year (and as needed) evaluations with supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

• Effective communication skills, both oral and written; excellent English is essential; fluent Spanish is preferred; basic Spanish is useful
• Capacity to complete accurate mental math and handle cash/count back change
• Ability to understand and apply NCGA Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, California Department of Food and Agriculture and Environmental Health regulations, and a willingness to enforce them
• Ability to be kind, courteous and direct to all people regardless of age, ethnic background, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, economic or housing status
• Ability to establish and maintain great working relationships with a variety of constituents, including NCGA Board of Directors, members, co-workers, and the general public
• Commitment to professionalism in representing NCGA in the broader community
• A high attention to detail; ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and as a team
• Skilled with Google Suite programs, as well as applications typically used for communications: email (Gmail), video conferencing (Zoom), membership management database (Google Sheets)
• Must not be registered on Megan’s List.

Desired Qualifications

• Possesses a positive & can-do attitude
• An authentic desire to serve customers; prior customer service experience preferred
• An understanding and appreciation of local food systems and agriculture, particularly food security and access, food justice, small family farming, and sustainability
• Ability to provide translation & interpretation services at the farmers’ market as needed; Spanish speaking applicants are desired and will be given preference

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hustle and stay focused in a fast-paced environment while thoughtfully engaging with vendors and customers
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to complete heavy lifting tasks ergonomically. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move 45 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds 

Application Instructions:
To be considered, please submit an application, resume, and cover letter. Professional references will be contacted for candidates who advance to an interview. We will review submissions as they are received. The application will remain open until the position is filled.

We understand that not all candidates will be able to fully represent their capacities with a standard application package such as this one. Any candidate who wishes to submit alternative materials may reach out to us to discuss the materials they want to submit. Please email info@northcoastgrowersassociation.org with any questions regarding this job announcement.

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About NCGA & the Farmers’ Market Team:
The North Coast Growers’ Association (NCGA) was first established in 1978 by a handful of local farmers who began selling from the back of their trucks in a vacant lot in Arcata. With its rich history, the NCGA has grown to operate the majority of Certified Farmers’ Markets in Humboldt County, now operates numerous community-based programs, and has over 150 members.

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• April – November: Saturdays, 8 hours per week, 7AM-3:30PM. 

• December – March: Saturdays, 7 hours per week, 8AM-3:30PM.

• Hours may be adjusted to accommodate market staffing needs; additional hours as needed for training and staff meetings.

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Support coordination and supervision of the Farmers’ Market alongside Market Manager(s).

Post Id

7473