Part-Time Farm Market Associate and Delivery Driver

Growing Home Inc.•Chicago, IL

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Growing Home is seeking a part-time Farm Market Associate and Delivery Driver to assist with market sales at the Experimental Station Farmers Market in Hyde Park on Saturdays, and at additional pop-up markets and events. This role involves close collaboration with the farm, potentially requiring work on the farm itself, as well as around buildings and grounds. The Farm Market Assistant and Delivery Driver reports to the Director of Urban Farm and will work with the Farm Market Sales Associate on training Production Assistants at markets, and with the Farm and Program Coordinator on additional farm assignments. Growing Home is dedicated to ensuring access to Good Jobs and Good Food on Chicago's South Side through innovative urban agriculture. They operate a comprehensive, paid employment training program for individuals facing employment barriers, aiming to help them secure and maintain stable, full-time jobs. Additionally, they offer a 10-week Information Technology training program. Their USDA-certified organic farms provide free and reduced-price healthy, fresh food and food education to the community. As a social enterprise, they sell produce through various channels including Green City Market, 61st Street Market, local grocery stores, and other vendors, fostering a diverse, energetic, and mission-focused work environment.

Requirements

Commitment to Growing Home’s mission and core values.
Outstanding verbal communication skills; ability to engage, inspire, and influence a wide variety of stakeholders.
Comfortable working directly with marginalized populations; ability to engage with individuals in an authentic and nonjudgmental manner.
Basic math skills, and experience handling money.
Comfortable using technology/operating point of sale software through Square.
At least one year of relevant experience.
Excellent eye for market aesthetics.
Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds, and to stand, squat, and kneel for extended periods of time.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
Excellent driving record and comfortable driving cargo vans.
Ability to maintain punctual & consistent attendance.

Responsibilities

Loading farm van with tables, tents, market supplies, and produce for markets.
Setting up the farmstand and market stalls according to outlined display standards.
Ensuring the highest level of product freshness and sanitation, keeping produce misted, iced, and presentable at all times.
Keeping all tables and materials clean and market coolers and supplies neatly organized behind table display and in storage.
Staffing farmers market stands, which includes selling produce, educating about Growing Home's growing methods, and representing Growing Home and its programming.
Ensuring accurate sales transactions.
Helping to teach effective customer service and sales to Growing Home PAs.
Correcting problems and reporting any mishandling of cash to the Director of Urban Farm.
Completing additional deliveries, driving, and market support safely, professionally, and as assigned.
Performing duties as assigned, including working on the farm and building upkeep.
Participating in additional work opportunities throughout the year when markets are not in season to maintain payable hours. These opportunities will largely revolve around supporting the farm and will include a wide range of tasks and projects such as weeding, seeding, harvesting, washing produce, clearing snow, completing repairs around the site, cleaning, organizing, and more as assigned.
Attending, facilitating, and representing Growing Home at events.