Temp Farmers Market Assistant

About Maple Grove, MN

Maple Grove is a forward-thinking, thriving community in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.  We are home to over 70,000 residents with a projected population of 90,000 by 2040 with 2,500 acres of undeveloped land. The City of Maple Grove is proud to employ over 250 benefit-earning employees, 500+ part-time, casual, temporary, seasonal employees, and 100 paid-on-call firefighters to staff our many departments.  We provide public safety, public works, community and economic development, parks & recreation, and many other important public services to a growing community.

The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Recreation Supervisor

• Farmers Market (Market Manager) or Recreation Coordinator

• Special Events, responsible for supporting customer service and operations of the farmers market. Performs other farmers market-related duties as requested by the Market Manager or Market Coordinator. This may include office hours on non-market days to prepare for and support market programming. Exercises no supervision of personnel.

Work schedule

Work schedule is approximately every market Thursday 6 hours (1:30 p.m.

• 7:30 p.m.) from mid-May to September, and 5 hours (1:30 p.m. -.6:30 p.m.) in October.  We will consider candidates who are available June through August, with a preference to those that are available the entire outdoor market season (May

• October).  Additional hours may be offered on non-market days.

• This position is open until filled*

• Works alongside Parks staff to safely and efficiently set up and take down market area, including tents, electricity, traffic barricades, signage, and other elements as directed.

• Works with Recreation Supervisor

• Farmers Market, Recreation Coordinator

• Special Events, Farmers Market Clerk, and market volunteers at the market information booth, providing excellent customer service to shoppers by answering questions, sharing market information, promoting events/activities, and promoting market communications/social media.

• Work collaboratively with fellow staff and volunteers to understand and consistently execute Farmers Market Safety procedures related to weather, personal injury, public safety, and any other incidents that arise.

• Support the Power of Produce kids club by actively engaging with children and parents. Encourage participation in the program and oversee occasional special PoP Club activities as directed by Market Manager.

• Oversee hourly customer traffic counts each market day.

• Assist with frequent shopper program.

• Support special on-site market events as directed by the Market Manager.

• Provide on-site assistance to vendors, musicians, and invited guests as directed by the Market Manager.

Knowledge of:

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills

• Collaborative work ethic

• Farmers markets/local foods and interest in this area

• Microsoft Office proficiency desired

Ability to:

• Positively engage and communicate with a wide variety of people.

• Establish and maintain a positive and effective working relationship with vendors, the public, market volunteers and city staff.

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Take initiative and work independently with limited supervision.

• Adjust to changing conditions and priorities.

• Make sound decisions and prioritize work in a fast-paced setting.

Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Need to have:

• Minimum age 17
• Customer service experience

Nice to have:

• Collaborative, team-oriented nature, and excellent communications skills.

• Dedication to enrichment of community life in the City of Maple Grove through the farmer's market.

• CPR/first aid training a plus.

Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions:

Time is spent outside in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing and walking outdoors for prolonged periods of time: general manual dexterity; ability to lift 25 pounds, adequate hearing, vision and speech required.