Farmers Market Assistant, Driver - Worcester, United States - Regional Environmental Council

Description

Job Title: Farmers Market Assistant, Driver

Compensation: $18 an hour

Hours: Min 15/hrs per wk. Tue.-Thurs.

Status: Non-Exempt

Category: Part-time / seasonal

Start Date: June 2024

End Date: November 1st, 2024

Supervision: Position reports to the Farmers Market Manager

ABOUT US

The Regional Environmental Council (REC) is a 501c3 non-profit food justice organization that

has been working for environmental sustainability and social justice in Worcester since 1972.

Our mission is to bring people together to create a just food system and to build healthy,

sustainable, and equitable communities in Worcester, MA and beyond. Our programs include

Community and Mobile Farmers Markets, our youth employment urban agriculture program

(YouthGROW), and our Community and School Gardens Network (UGROW).

The Community Farmers Market Program's primary goal is to provide access to fresh, local,

and affordable produce to Worcester's underserved neighborhoods. From June through

October we host three traditional standing farmers markets, hosting local farmers and food

vendors. Our Mobile Farmers Market operates year round, serving a total of 17 different

locations. Markets are scheduled Tuesday through Thursday and serve communities

throughout the city of Worcester as well as the towns of Webster and Southbridge. By placing

our markets in the most food-insecure neighborhoods we commit to improving healthy food

access to the families and individuals who need it most. We accept cash, credit, Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Senior and WIC coupons, and other benefits

offered by incentive programs including the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).

It is our goal to ensure that all customers who visit the REC Community Farmers Markets

and Mobile Markets feel welcomed and respected. Many of our customers are senior citizens,

individuals who have recently immigrated to the U.S., folks who have mobility restraints, and

many whose first language is not English. To that aim, it is an organizational and

programmatic priority to provide quality customer service and offer culturally competent and

linguistically appropriate resources to the best of our abilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking motivated individuals to join our team to support our Mobile Market

operations. Candidates must be able to operate a motor vehicle, possess a valid driver's

license, have a clean driving record, and be able to successfully complete a driver training

using the Mobile Market vehicle. Candidates must also commit to a minimum of 15 hours per

week within the set shifts available (Tuesday-Thursday). See below for available shifts. This is

a temporary, seasonal position.

Regional Environmental Council, Inc. | PO Box 255, Worcester, MA 01613 | |

Regional Environmental Council, Inc. | PO Box 255, Worcester, MA 01613 | |

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

 Drive the organization's Mobile Market vehicles to transport products and supplies

throughout the city of Worcester and from Worcester to Webster and Southbridge

 Set-up market display, stock produce, put out market price signs and other signage,

breakdown and clean market sites

 Complete customer transactions using our electronic POS systems

 Provide quality customer service while adhering to REC customer service policies and

procedures

 Communicate to SNAP/HIP recipients on how they can use their benefits at markets

 Maintain safe accessibility at all markets to serve varying levels of mobility

 Organize produce storage in our walk-in coolers

 Assist with cleaning and maintaining a safe storage space

 Represent the REC and all of its programs with knowledge, professionalism, and

enthusiasm

 Consistently participate in in-person market staff meetings and trainings

 Additional duties as assigned

JOB SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

 Must hold a valid driver's license to operate organization's Ford Transit Cargo Van

 Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds

 Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, etc.)

Candidates who are fluent in Spanish, Vietnamese, Albanian, Arabic, and other non-English

languages are preferred, past experience with farming and/or farmers' markets work is a plus.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

A successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness to

 Work well both individually and in a team environment

 Work in a public-facing environment

 Manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

 Build familiarity assisting customers with utilizing their SNAP & HIP benefits

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job is primarily public facing and requires staff to work with a diverse customer

base. Staff pack produce that is stored at the REC office and transport it to market

locations. Our markets are hosted at several different housing complexes and

community centered locations,and are scheduled for 1-2 hours. Staff unload and load

produce, tents, tables, and other market equipment at 3-4 market locations a day. On

average we serve 20-40 customers at each site. During the summer and fall seasons

we hold markets outdoors and only move inside when weather conditions are unsafe.

During the winter and spring months we hold markets inside and only cancel when

weather conditions are unsafe.

SHIFT AVAILABILITY

Tuesday:7AM-5PM

Wednesday:7AM-5PM

Thursday: 7AM-5PM

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a detailed cover letter and resume to: Erika Akerson– Farmers Market

Manager, at the following email address: Include subject line:

"Farmers Market Staff". Please include your availability based on the Shift

Availability (see above) in your email.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

EQUITY STATEMENT

The REC is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace and actively

seeks a diverse pool of candidates. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. The

REC does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race,

color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or

physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran or military status. The

REC is committed to building a team that represents diverse cultures, perspectives, skills,

and experiences in order for our employees, our programs, and our community to thrive.

Studies have shown that women, trans people, non-binary people, and BIPOC are less likely

to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in

the job description. We encourage candidates to apply, even if they don't believe they tick all

the boxes.

Regional Environmental Council, Inc. | PO Box 255, Worcester, MA 01613 | |