Job Details

The Midland Area Farmers Market Manager manages a seasonal, outdoor, Farmers Market in Downtown Midland on Wednesdays and Saturdays, May through November. We are seeking an individual who enjoys working outdoors and supports and celebrates local agriculture and small business. The Market Manager works with the Market Director to create a successful mix of vendors; creating a safe and celebratory place for Market Goers to shop and gather while vendors provide consumable products.
 
The Market Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Farmers Market, including set up, logistics, marketing, customer service and tear down. The position requires a self-starter with personal confidence who can work with limited supervision as well as the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people, including but not limited to customers, farmers, volunteers, health inspectors, police and city transportation departments 
 
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will: 

• Possess or earn the Certified Market Manager credential from the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) and earn on-going continuing education units

• Possess current CPR certification or have willingness to learn 

• Have knowledge of or willingness to learn to enforce Michigan's cottage food laws

• Have knowledge of or willingness to learn and enforce Michigan's regulation regarding cooking demonstrations at Farmers Markets

• Have 2-3 years of Farmers Market vendor and/or market manager experience; or comparable managerial experience 

• Be able to lift 50 pounds

• Have knowledge or willingness to learn produce farming practices in Michigan and the type and timing of produce varieties that are grown in Michigan

• Possess skill and experience in using social media for promotional purposes

• Possess proficiency in standard office software suites

• Possess mobility and ability to work outdoors in various weather situations 

• Be licensed and able to operate a motor vehicle and have a clean driving record 

 
Desired Qualities: In carrying out their duties, the MAFM Market Manager should demonstrate: 

• Vision: ability to envision big picture, communicate, translate into goals, work with the Market Director to achieve, anticipate/lead change.

• Interpersonal skills: ability to resolve conflicts appropriately and fairly; attract, train, and retain people assets; connect to people and community; be available and trustworthy; be an encourager; work in collaboration with and in positive support of the Market Director and Midland Business Alliance; demonstrate passion and commitment to the Market. 

• Professionalism: ability to maintain organized workspace and supplies; take responsibility for task completion and follow-up; ask for advice without expecting others to take over; make good/timely decisions; commit to personal knowledge/competence to do every job assigned or that oversees.  

 
Duties: The MAFM Market Manager will: 

• Vet vendor applications with the Market Director 

• Organize and provide on-site management of the MAFM every Saturday and Wednesday from May through October, November Saturdays and any ad hoc Markets, including but not limited to set-up, tear-down of MAFM equipment, surveying vendors weekly for market day offerings, assigning vendor locations, supervising volunteers, addressing vendor, volunteer and customer questions/concerns on or between market days, overseeing special events at the market, checking food safety

• Complete detailed daily Market reports and other reports as needed/directed 

• Develop processes, such as surveys, to continuously gather and analyze data for use in formulating improvements in Market operations and/or justifying requests in grant applications 

• Enforce Vendor Rules and Requirements and Market Rules while being flexible when circumstances, weather and other unexpected events occur

• Ability to be nimble and adjust Market operations based on modifications in laws and regulations impacting Michigan Farmers Markets 

• Collaborate with Isabella Bank and the Market Director to administer the nutrition assistance programs in which the Market participates, and train participating vendors in the rules and procedures of the programs

• Resolve conflicts involving vendors and/or customers appropriately and fairly

• Collaborate with the Market Director to implement promotional activities for MAFM including but not limited to 80^th Anniversary Celebration and National Farmers Market Week 

• Manage content for Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets 

Physical Demands: Must possess the mobility and ability to work outdoors in various weather situations; be licensed and able to operate a motor vehicle and have a clean driver’s record; Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

Compensation: Compensation is paid hourly and commensurate with experience, $16-22 per hour. This position is a part-time position with no benefits. High school diploma or equivalent required.
 
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: As a founding member of the Midland Business Inclusion Council, the Midland Business Alliance is committed to growing a diverse business community. We recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.