Operations Assistant

Vancouver Farmers Market - Operations Assistant

About Us

The Vancouver Farmers Market (VFM) believes in the power of healthy communities! As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to supporting local small businesses, providing food access programming, and creating community gathering spaces in Vancouver, Washington.

Since its founding in 1990, the VFM has become a hallmark of Vancouver, supporting over 270 small businesses, welcoming more than 500,00 shoppers annually, and generating a local economic impact exceeding $27 million.

In addition to our weekly markets, we also provide a wide range of programming focused on building healthy communities through food access, small business development, and youth education.

About the Position

VFM is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Operations Assistant to join our team. This role takes place at the Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays. The Operations Assistant will be responsible for the set-up, tear-down, and smooth operation of the Vancouver Farmers Market during the market season.

The Operations Assistant will also provide excellent customer service, maintain market cleanliness, and support shoppers and small businesses throughout the day. This is a physical, public-facing, outdoor role that requires the ability to lift equipment (such as tents, tent weights, barricades, etc.), stand for long periods of time, and work in varying weather conditions. The ideal candidate is charismatic, resourceful, and has a strong commitment to the mission of VFM!

Status: Part-time, Hourly, Seasonal, Non-Exempt, 19 hours per week 

Compensation: $18 per hour

Schedule: July – October, with the possibility of extension to support Fall and Winter Markets.

• Saturdays, 6:00am – 4:00pm


• Sundays 8:30am-5:30pm

Benefits:

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  Sick time accrued per WA State paid sick leave policy


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  Annual $50 clothing reimbursement

Reports To: Market Managers

Duties and Responsibilities:

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  Support on-site market operations by setting up and tearing down equipment, ensuring vendors and community partners are in their designated locations, verifying that appropriate street closures and signage are in place, cleanliness is maintained throughout the market, and that the market opens and closes on time.


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  Demonstrate working knowledge of and enforce VFM rules and regulations to maintain smooth and safe operations, creating a positive experience for vendors and shoppers.


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  Ensure all necessary equipment and supplies are maintained and left in good working order. Help with equipment repairs as needed.


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  Assist with information booth operations during the market day including operating the POS system for merch sales and SNAP/EBT and providing excellent customer service to market shoppers and vendors, answering questions and educating the community about the market and market programs.


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  Use problem-solving, de-escalation, and customer service skills to resolve disputes and maintain a welcoming market atmosphere.


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  Track and record on-site market data by documenting shopper crowd counts, market tokens, and vendor payments.


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  Assist with special events and complete other tasks as assigned
  
  

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

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  Work takes place outdoors, year-round and in a variety of weather conditions.


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  Ability to perform physical work, including long periods of standing, walking, and repeatedly lifting


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  Must work in sensory-rich environments with large crowds, food messes/spills, varying temperatures, and loud noises.


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  Must be able to work weekends and be flexible to adjust schedule for work related events outside of normal hours on occasion.

Additional Desired Skills & Experience

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  Preference will be given to candidates living in Clark County, Washington.


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  Preference will be given to bilingual candidates

Position open until filled. For application questions please email [email protected].

 The Vancouver Farmers Market is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified individuals in accordance with the law without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, political opinion, sex, national origin, familial status, mental and physical disability, gender identity, source of income, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, training, and termination. Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. VFM is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications as described or if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform job duties.