Program Assistant Youth Education

About Us

The Vancouver Farmers Market (VFM) is a nonprofit organization managing a large vibrant farmers market of over 270 small businesses in Downtown Vancouver, Washington. Our flagship year-round market is open on Saturdays and Sundays April - October and on Saturdays November – March and our satellite market is open on Thursdays in East Vancouver June – September. Operating since 1990, the VFM is a hallmark of Vancouver and is well known and respected in the community, welcoming over 500,000 shoppers a year. The Vancouver Farmers Market has a wide range of programming focused on food access, small business development, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and healthy eaters.   

About Produce Pals

Produce Pals provides a dynamic opportunity for children to engage in the local food system through learning activities and exposure to new fruits and vegetables. After completing an activity each week, kids ages 3-11 receive $4 to spend on produce at the market, allowing them to make their own healthy shopping decisions and increasing support for local agriculture. This program takes place in June, July, and August on Thursdays at our East Vancouver Market and on Saturdays and Sundays at our Downtown Market.

About the Position

The Program Assistant will work directly with the Program Manager to administer the Produce Pals Program. The focus of this position is coordinating the day-of logistics of the program including set up and tear down of equipment, organization of activity supplies, coordinating sign in, administering the activity of the day, handing out program incentives, and tracking data. A successful Program Assistant is enthusiastic, outgoing, organized, and loves working in a direct service capacity with children and diverse communities of people.

Status: Part-Time, Seasonal, 18 hours per week

Compensation: $18 per hour

Schedule: June – August, Thurs 9:30-2:30, Sat 8:30-3:30, Sun 9:30-3:30

Locations: Work will be completed on site at the Downtown Market (605 Esther Street Vancouver, WA, 98660) & East Vancouver Market (17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver WA 98683)

Reports to: Program Manager

Perks: $50 uniform allowance

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with set up, tear-down, care, and storage of Produce Pals equipment and supplies.


• Lead learning activities, providing direct service and education to children and families at the Downtown and East Vancouver farmers markets.


• Coordinate with nonprofit community partners, volunteers, and sponsors that collaborate on the program.


• Provide excellent customer service to all children, families, and partners.


• Track, document, and analyze program data and results.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• At least 1 year of work experience in youth education, program coordination and/or customer service.


• Ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all program participants.


• Strong organizational skills.


• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.


• Ability to work independently and with a team towards a common goal.


• Ability to clearly communicate with staff, volunteers, and program partners in a kind and professional manner.


• Basic understanding of food safety and ability to obtain Washington Food Handlers Card.

Physical Demands

• Lifting and/or carrying 30lb objects safely during set up and tear down.


• Frequent standing and walking.


• Frequent bending, twisting, and reaching.


• Long periods of working outside in all types of weather.


• Ability to work on Produce Pals program days as outline above which includes weekends.

Additional Desired Skills & Experience

• Preference will be given to candidates who are Bilingual in English and Spanish.


• Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working with children.


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


• Preference will be given to candidates who can commit to working every Saturday and Sunday June-August.

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.