Hourly Farmers Market Program

Hourly Farmers Market Program Job Openings 

The City of Iowa City Recreation division is accepting applications within the Farmers Market Program. Hourly Farmers Market Program staff assignments may include the following:

Farmers Market Attendant

$16.00 per hour

Definition of Work: Be a part of the annual Iowa City Farmers Market! Founded in 1972, the open-air Iowa City Farmers Market operates for six months of the year and engages between 100-175 vendors each week. The Market supports and promotes local farms and small businesses. Market customers enjoy fresh produce, artisanal baked goods and confectionaries, handmade arts and crafts, farm fresh eggs and meats, fresh cut flowers and more. The market also features live music, hot food vendors and food trucks, and a positive community atmosphere. Greet market attendees and work to promote a positive and welcoming environment for community members. 

Job duties: Assists with Farmers Market customer transactions and questions. Assists with vendor relations and transactions. Assists with recreational and arts activities for kids and families. Sets up and facilitates market special events, such as Kids Day, Halloween at the Market and others. Sets up signs, banners, barricades, lawn games, etc. prior to the start of each market. Takes down these same items at the end of the market. Removes trash from barrels periodically throughout the market and takes the trash to the dumpsters in the Recreation Center parking lot. Handles questions and enforces rules and regulations of market. Monitors compost bins to ensure no contamination. Learns what is compostable and help customers compost properly. Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and community. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age. Ability to assist with and organize Farmers Market activities required. Previous experience operating Farmers' Market or similar activities preferred. Must be firm and pleasant with vendors and public. Must pass criminal background check.

Hours:  During Market Season: Saturdays, 5:45am – 1:30pm at the Chauncey Swan Ramp

Post-Season Season: Depending on staff availability, this position may also assist with the November and December Holiday Markets (two total). 

Farmers Market Facilitator

$18.00 per hour

Definition of Work: Be a part of the annual Iowa City Farmers Market! Founded in 1972, the open-air Iowa City Farmers Market operates for six months of the year and engages between 100-175 vendors each week. The Market supports and promotes local farms and small businesses. Market customers enjoy fresh produce, artisanal baked goods and confectionaries, handmade arts and crafts, farm fresh eggs and meats, fresh cut flowers and more. The market also features live music, hot food vendors and food trucks, and a positive community atmosphere. Greet market attendees and work to promote a positive and welcoming environment for community members.

Job duties: Oversees Farmers Market day-of operations, as well as staff. Handles questions vendor and public questions and concerns and enforce rules and regulations of Market. Assists Special Events & Communications - Recreation Program Supervisor with the day of operations of the Farmers Market, as well as activities to support and prepare for each market. Responsibilities may include vendor application processing, special event preparation, market transactions, financial processing and vendor relations. Greets market customers and vendors while working to promote a positive and welcoming environment for community members. Assists with farmers market customer transactions and questions. Assists with vendor relations and transactions. Assists with the set up and facilitation of recreational and arts activities for kids and families. Serves as the decision maker during the market when a question/concern arises that a market attendant is not comfortable handling on their own. Communicates well with staff, vendors, customers and the Recreation Program Supervisor. Assists in training and scheduling of Farmers Market staff. Sets up signs, banners, barricades, etc. prior to the start of each market as well as take items down at the end of the market. Removes trash from barrels periodically throughout the market and takes the trash to the dumpsters in the Recreation Center parking lot for the Saturday market. Monitors compost bins to ensure no contamination. Learns what is compostable to help customers compost properly. Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and community. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required. Ability to assist with and organize Farmers Market activities. Previous experience operating Farmers Markets, large-scale special events or similar activities is preferred. Be firm and pleasant with vendors and public. Must pass criminal background check.

Hours:

• Prior to Market Season: Occasional weekdays and possible evenings (flexible) prior to market season start. 
• During Market Season (May 2 – October 31): Saturdays, 5:45am – 1:45pm at the Chauncey Swan Ramp; Additional hours (flexible) during the week for planning, scheduling, and training. 
• Post-Season: This position also assists with the November and December Holiday Markets (two total). 
• Up to 25 hours per week, depending on staff availability, season and program needs.

Farmers Market Specialist

$16.00 per hour

Definition of Work: Be a part of the annual Iowa City Farmers Market! Founded in 1972, the open-air Iowa City Farmers Market operates for six months of the year and engages between 100-175 vendors each week. The Market supports and promotes local farms and small businesses. Market customers enjoy fresh produce, artisanal baked goods and confectionaries, handmade arts and crafts, farm fresh eggs and meats, fresh cut flowers and more. The market also features live music, hot food vendors and food trucks, and a positive community atmosphere. Greet market attendees and work to promote a positive and welcoming environment for community members.

Job duties: This position will help build market capacity by assisting with vendor application review and processing, market communications, and invoice management. Handle questions vendor and public questions and concerns and enforce rules and regulations of Market. This position may also assist the Special Events & Communications Recreation Program Supervisor with planning and developing materials and activities for market activities and special events at the market. Communicate with market partner organizations in a professional manner that promotes collaboration. Communicate well with staff, vendors, customers, and the Recreation Program Supervisor. Conduct self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and community. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required. Ability to assist with and organize Farmers Market activities. Some experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and basic internet functions required. Be firm and pleasant with vendors and public. Must pass criminal background check.

Hours:

Flexible weekday schedule, up to 15 hours per week, depending on staff availability, season and program needs.

To apply, please use the link to the City’s Self Services website at www.icgov.org/jobs and complete the City of Iowa City online employment application.

It is the policy of the City of Iowa City to afford equal employment opportunities for all employees and potential City employees.