Temporary Farmers Market - Market Manager (Program Manager I)

Ecology Center•Berkeley, CA

13d•$31 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

The Temporary Farmers' Market Manager works onsite to lead, set up, manage, and break down Ecology Center farmers' markets. In collaboration with the Program Manager and/or Operations Manager, or independently, the Market Manager oversees and instructs farmers, vendors, market staff, and volunteers. The position also provides operational and administrative support in the Ecology Center office on non-market days. The typical schedule includes at least two market shifts per week, totaling approximately 16 hours, and about 8 office hours each week. Additional hours may be worked at the office, at markets, or by telecommuting based on program needs and supervisor approval. This 75% position averages approximately 34 hours per week. The role performs and supports work related to operating farmers' markets in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and in alignment with the Ecology Center's mission and strategic plan. It includes leading market operations, supervising staff and volunteers, providing customer service, handling market funds and records, supporting vendor and community relationships, and assisting with promotions, events, social media content, and market tours. This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt, non-benefited position ending Wednesday, December 23, 2026. The starting hourly rate is $31.12 to $37.34, depending on qualifications. The position is not eligible for benefits. A successful background check is required contingent to hire.

Requirements

Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in varied environments and situations.
Experience managing onsite and office operations for a farmers' market or similar small business enterprise.
Competency with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases in a Mac computer environment, and willingness and ability to learn new applications.
Ability and enthusiasm for developing and maintaining relationships with farmers, vendors, customers, neighbors, and other members of the public.
Ability to resolve conflicts effectively.
Ability and willingness to monitor and enforce policies with vendors and the public.
Flexibility, creativity, and ability to think on one's feet and find appropriate solutions to unique challenges.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Current California driver's license.
First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to become certified.
De-escalation and/or mental health first aid training, or willingness to obtain training.
Bachelor's degree or three years of related work experience.
Two years of farmers' market or closely related small business management experience.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including standing and walking for up to 10 hours, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, and regularly driving a vehicle approximately 20 feet long.

Responsibilities

Perform and support duties related to operating Ecology Center farmers' markets in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and the organization's mission and strategic plan.
Manage farmers' markets and serve as lead for at least one market weekly, including setup and breakdown, vendor parking, stall fee collection, signage, load lists, information booth operations, volunteer coordination, token distribution, and other market activities.
Supervise market staff, including regular, on-call, and youth Market Coordinators, as well as volunteers; lead onsite market operations.
Provide customer service, including distributing tokens, selling merchandise, and answering questions.
Complete post-market duties, including preparing deposits and tracking finances, sorting recycling and compost, cleaning receptacles or tables, repairing or replacing damaged equipment, and restocking supplies and merchandise.
Safely handle market funds under established procedures; oversee and assist with deposits within 24 hours of receiving funds, and prepare change and tokens for the next market.
Track and report information from market logs, token distribution logs, and receipt books to document market activities and finances.
Perform administrative and office duties related to the market for which the Market Manager is lead, including following up with farmers and vendors, preparing printed materials, coordinating with local businesses and community partners, and approving invoices.
Work with the Program Manager to prepare agendas for and attend Community Advisory Committee meetings.
Collaborate with the Program Manager, Operations Manager, and other Market Managers to determine vendor mix and lead market layout changes as seasons change.
Assist the Program Manager in developing and implementing farmers' market promotions.
Work with the Program Manager and Events Coordinator to plan, execute, and promote farmers' market events, including coordinating with staff, farmers, and vendors and assisting with event setup and logistics.
Perform general administrative duties, including answering phones, responding to emails, and attending meetings and events.
Follow safe operating practices and organizational safety policies, including reporting incidents according to procedures.
Maintain familiarity with and follow Ecology Center policies and procedures, and ensure staff compliance in daily work.
Create and publish relevant, original, high-quality content for social media platforms at market and in the office, following the regular publishing schedule.
Identify and improve organizational development practices that support content creation, such as employee training and recognition for participation in marketing and online strategies.
Lead the Farmers' Markets tour initiative, including training volunteers, contacting organizations, and organizing year-round tours focused on specific topics and seasons.
Perform other duties as assigned.