Farmers Market Manager at Powhatan County, VA

About the Department

Powhatan and Goochland County are teaming up to hire a Famers Market Manager responsible for coordinating all aspects of the regularly scheduled weekly and specialty markets in both Counties. The Manager will work directly with vendors, sponsors, nonprofits, and entertainers to provide a delightful market experience for guests. This is a part-time/ seasonal position averaging 15 hours per week during the market season (May-October) and 5-10 hours per week during the off-season (November-April). The Market Manager works under the general direction of the Parks and Recreation Director in both departments.

Position Duties

• Manages all vendor applications, communication, scheduling, farm inspections, and reports.

• Recruits and selects vendors, activities, and entertainment. Processes vendor registration and contracts, invoices, and payments.

• Registers applicants and collects registration/ license fees, and program donations, receipts money, maintains records, and prepares financial reports.

• Must be onsite and accessible to vendors and patrons on Market days, during Market hours.

• Ensures vendors comply with all Market rules.

• Relays vendor contact information to the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Health, etc. to ensure vendors are compliant with laws/guidelines for selling their products.

• Creates monthly calendars, flyers, and signage, and manages social media content to regularly communicate with vendors and advertise market information, programs, and events.

• Develop and manage partnerships with community organizations.

• Plan specialty event markets throughout the year and coordinate with other County departments.

• Secure sponsorships for the market and follow through with marketing and branding.

• Establish and manage the SNAP-EBT program and coordinate with the Virginia Cooperative Extension nutrition education programs.

• Create the annual budget for the market with the Director of Parks and Recreation.

• Oversee facility and grounds for safety conditions. Enforces park regulations to ensure the enjoyment of market users and the protection of public property. Responds to public inquiries concerning information about scheduled events. Requests law enforcement assistance to resolve problems as needed.

• Provides excellent customer service through written and verbal communication, managing vendors, addressing customer concerns, answering phone calls and emails, and oversight of market operations.

• Operates specialized computer software for recreation management.

• Records attendance and compiles reports to track attendance and performance measures for market events and programs.

• Purchasing and managing payments and report statements for market supplies and equipment.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Reliable, consistent attendance is essential to this position.

• A working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Canva, and social media platforms.

• Ability to learn specialized computer applications.

• Ability to prepare reports and communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Skilled in public relations and customer service.

• Ability to manage time effectively, show work initiative, and work independently.

• A good knowledge of farmers market management principles.

• Ability to plan and supervise the work of vendors, part-time workers, and volunteers.

• General knowledge of marketing, community outreach, fundraising, and event planning.

• Ability to excel in a team-based environment.

• Must enjoy working outdoors and with all age groups.

Other Qualifications

• Carries out responsibilities under the organization's policies and applicable laws.

• Manages vendors and will address complaints and resolve problems as appropriate.

• Supervises participants, ensures participant and citizen safety, enforces department policies, and maintains order during market events.

• Supervises the distribution and collection of recreation equipment, maintains proper inventories, monitors the use of the market facility and grounds, and inspects event areas and equipment for condition, cleanliness, and safety.

• May supervise part-time/seasonal staff, volunteers, and 4-H youth.