Farmers Market Program Associate-On Call

Job Title: Farmers Market Program Associate-On Call

Reporting To: Farmers Market Operations Manager 

FLSA Status: Part-time, Non- Exempt, Hourly

Location: Berkeley

ECOLOGY CENTER BACKGROUND 

The Ecology Center’s mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate.

Founded in the run-up to the first Earth Day in 1970, the Ecology Center has been a regional and national leader on a wide range of issues, turning vision into action and cementing it with advocacy. We operate the nation’s first and longest running curbside recycling service, nationally recognized food and farming programs, and model education and engagement activities.

We are a committed, congenial, and diverse staff dedicated to making the world a better place through action. Every employee is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. If you are passionate and qualified, we encourage you to apply to be part of our team.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Farmers’ Market Program Associate-On-Call works under the direction of a Program Manager to perform a variety of tasks associated with Ecology Center programs. Duties may include cash-handling, customer service support for the Recycling and Education and Engagement programs, cash sales for the EcoStore, set-up, operational support, and break-down at the Berkeley Farmers’  Markets, and office support including clerical and administrative tasks. This role will eventually become a union position and will be subject to union membership agreement terms. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE INCLUDE: 

• Perform and support duties related to operating Ecology Center programs including  Recycling, EcoStore, Farmers’ Markets, and all other programs in accordance with the goals and strategies of the Ecology Center mission and strategic plan. 
• Assist in operating the Ecology Center farmers’ markets including market set-up  and breakdown, vendor parking-in, signage, load list distribution and collection, info booth set-up and staffing, volunteer coordination, token distribution, and other market activities. 
• Provide excellent customer service through customer interactions including Farmer’s Market token distribution, selling merchandise at the markets, EcoStore sales, and Education and Engagement program activities and events.
• Perform post-market duties including sorting recycling/compost, cleaning soiled  receptacles and/or tables, replacing and/or repairing any damaged equipment; perform cash-drawer open and close-out procedures for EcoStore.
• Ensure that all monies received are handled safely following established cash-handling procedures; assist in the preparation of deposits within 24 hours of receipt of funds, and prepare change and tokens to be used, as needed and cash drawer for next use. 
• Track and report information from at-market tracking documents including market log, token distribution log, and receipt book to keep a reference of the market’s activities and financials.
• Perform administrative duties including answering phones, responding to internal emails,  attending meetings and events. 
• Observe safe operating practices and comply with organizational safety policies. 
• Maintain familiarity with, follow, and ensure staff compliance with all Ecology Center policies and procedures in the performance of daily duties. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Diploma/GED and one year of prior work experience required 
• The proven ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments and situations. 
• Proven ability to assist in the management of on-site operations for the farmers’ market or similar small business enterprise. 
• Competency with word processing and spreadsheets, in a Mac computer environment and ability and willingness to learn new applications as needed. 
• Proven ability and enthusiasm for developing and maintaining relationships with participants including farmers, vendors, customers, neighbors, and other members of the public. 
• The ability and willingness to monitor and encourage compliance to our policies with vendors and the public. 
• Flexibility and creativity, ability to “think on your feet” and find appropriate solutions to unique challenges. 
• Strong verbal communications skills. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills. 
• Ability to work on a team. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Language proficiency in Spanish or Chinese
• FirstAid and CPR certification, or willing to become certified 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to:  

• Regularly talk or hear up to 8 hours a day;
• Regularly sit, type, and use the mouse up to 8 hours a day;
• Regularly sit and stand from a chair up to 20 times a day;
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus;
• Regularly stand, kneel, squat, climb, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms;
• Regularly lift, carry, and/or move up to twenty five (25) pounds and occasionally lift, and/or move up to 50 pounds;
• Regularly load and unload large truck
• Occasionally climb into and out of passenger side and back of large truck up to 6 times a day;
• Regularly push hand truck to transport bulky/heavy items;
• Regularly stand and walk for up to 7 hours at a time;
• Work outside in all weather conditions, including occasional smoky air conditions with the AQI reaching up to 150(precautions like reduced hours, KN95 masks, and longer breaks are taken on these days to support staff health and well-being); 
• Regularly wear face covering  for full shift to inhibit spread of Covid 19; 
• Regularly work outside in both daylight and after sunset;
• Regularly work evenings and Saturdays;

HOURS

This position is part-time, on-call, up to 19 hours per week.

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Complete application found at www.ecologycenter.org/jobs/
2. Send completed application, resume, and cover letter in pdf format at hiring@ecologycenter.org. Please use “Farmers’ Market Program Associate-On-Call” as subject line.

Application Deadline

Open until filled. Please apply early as this position posting may close at any time.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. People of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.