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 | 508.799.9139 | recworcester.org
Regional Environmental Council, Inc. | PO Box 255, Worcester, MA 01613 | 508.799.9139 | recworcester.org
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: erika@recworcester.org. 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 | 508.799.9139 | recworcester.org
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…
Please send a detailed cover letter and resume to: Erika Akerson– Farmers Market Manager, at the following email address: erika@recworcester.org. Include subject line:
“Farmers Market Staff”. Please include your availability based on the Shift Availability (see above) in your email.
Please send a detailed cover letter and resume to: Erika Akerson– Farmers Market Manager, at the following email address: erika@recworcester.org. Include subject line:
“Farmers…