JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Full-Time Positions
The Farmers Market Program Coordinator reports directly to the Food Access Program Director. This role is responsible for coordinating vendors, market maps and community programming at all Farmers Markets hosted by Farm Fresh RI which include the: year-round Providence Farmers Market along with the seasonal Neutaconkanut Park, Woonsocket Thundermist, Central Falls, Providence Armory Park and Providence Broad Street Farmers Markets.
Farmers markets are at the heart of Farm Fresh’s efforts to increase healthy food access in RI’s low-income communities while providing increased economic opportunities for RI’s farmers. Creating and managing farmers markets was one of Farm Fresh’s first undertakings as an organization. Since 2004, Farm Fresh has gone from managing one seasonal market to eight, and started RI’s first Winter Farmers Market in 2007, which has grown to be the largest in southern New England.
The Farmers Market Program Coordinator is tasked with overseeing all aspects of vendor engagement for Farm Fresh markets including the application processes, upholding market rules and regulations, managing layouts and soliciting program feedback. Additionally, the Farmers Market Program Coordinator will work closely with the Food Access Team to coordinate events and activities to enhance community engagement with Farm Fresh RI Markets. The Farmers Market Program Coordinator will also supervise any AmeriCorps staff working to support the Food Access Program. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Applicants who apply by April 19, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration.
Program Specific Responsibilities
Farmers Market Vendor Coordination & Management
- Manage seasonal farmers market vendor application and selection processes including updating and launching application, field inquiries, communicate acceptances and confirm vendor participation.
- Recruit seasonal farmers market vendors as needed.
- Ensure market vendor applications, product lists and acceptance statuses are organized and updated as needed.
- Maintain an updated database of all vendor contact information including billing, administrative and staffing contacts.
- Draft and manage rotating vendor schedules for seasonal markets. Ensure vendor absence and rotation dates are updated within internal schedules and documents.
- Collaborate with Property Manager to oversee and fulfill vendor storage requests for Providence Market.
- Update, share and enforce seasonal vendor handbooks policies in partnership with FA Program Director.
- Monitor farmer “Buy-Ins” at our farmers markets, making sure to uphold compliance with FFRI standards around outside purchases and sales.
- Coordinate and execute annual farm visits for Farm Fresh farmers market farms in partnership with other Farm Fresh RI programs.
- Oversee vendor table auditing process at farmers markets in collaboration with FA Program Director.
- Establish vendor feedback systems (interviews, surveys, etc). Summarize vendor feedback seasonally and propose recommendations for program changes for following seasons based on vendor feedback.
- Field and confirm interested civic groups and musicians scheduling requests for markets.
- Send reminders and logistics information to scheduled civic groups and musician schedules.
- Send invoices and coordinate payments to and from civic groups and musicians.
- Oversee collection of vendor sales and customer count data at farmers markets for data evaluation for Farmers Market Promotion Program and FINI/GusNIP grants
- Write weekly wintertime market vendor update email and field ongoing vendor questions throughout the season.
- Communicate program changes and updates to summer vendors as needed.
- Schedule and facilitate preseason and postseason vendor meetings for Providence Market and other markets as needed.
- Help resolve any disputes that arise between vendors and consumers, other vendors and management in partnership with the FA Program Director.
Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market Programing & Events
- Co-Manage the winter season (Nov-May) Providence Farmers Market on Saturdays including supervising site set up, load-in, load-out, and clean up.
- Personally manage 1-2 seasonal summer markets as directed by FA Program Director.
- Coordinate planning and execution of seasonal special events and activities for summer and winter market seasons in partnership with FA Program Director and team members.
- Evaluate seasonal market events to access what added to sales, what drew more customers etc. to improve events in future years.
- Act as a liaison with farmers market site partners to establish annual market location and vendor parking logistics. Review market sites for improvements to layout and design—increase efficient flow of customer traffic, create a safer environment, increase visibility of the market.
- Draft and manage vendor placements within seasonal market maps for vendors and partners. Adjust seasonal maps as needed to accommodate events and vendor changes.
- Draft Market event outreach and communications content for newsletters and social media and submit to Communications Director on a weekly basis.
- Support Communications Director in collecting quotes and pictures to use for program outreach
- Work with Food Access Program Team to develop outreach and marketing materials and support seasonal outreach activity planning and implementation as needed.
- Support ongoing community relationship building and feedback initiatives such as focus groups, listening sessions and attending community meetings acting as a representative of Farm Fresh Rhode Island and the Food Access team.
- Conduct periodic customer counts and collect vendor sales information as needed for grant reporting and compliance.
AmeriCorps Staff Management
- Directly lead and supervise all part-time and full-time seasonal AmeriCorps staff, ensuring that program SOPs, systems, and policies are upheld
Food Access Team General Support & Admin
- In consultation with FA Program Director, assist with new program planning and execution
- Support responses to markets@farmfresh email inbox & markets voicemail.
- Provide input into agendas as well as participate in meetings with external partners involved in Farm Fresh Food Access programming as appropriate.
- Assist with Food Access program data entry as needed.
- Support special vendor trainings for projects as requested by Food Access Program Direction (FMPP, FMNP).
Organizational Responsibilities
- Support Food Access Program operations in partnership with Food Access Program Director, Advancement Director, Farmers Market Account Director and Senior Management Team.
- Must uphold Farm Fresh RI Supervisor Standards in accordance with Level 2: Manager expectations.
- Must be able to collaborate and work on cross program & departmental teams and efforts.
- Must have a strong and evolving commitment to participating in Farm Fresh RI’s DEI goals.
- Must be able to build relationships with people from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds.
- Must maintain a customer service orientation while considering solutions and interacting with external partners.
- Must be willing and able to work a flexible and changing schedule including evenings and weekends (evenings as late as 9PM and Saturdays).
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
- Must compile program data as requested for Food Access partners and Communications & Development team.
- Must complete tasks as assigned by the Food Access Program Director and Managing Director.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform this Role
- Must be able to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude.
- Passion for local food systems and social justice.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to juggle and track multiple tasks and responsibilities.
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of co-workers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values.
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment.
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental, and Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to travel, which may include travel via car, train, airline, overnight hotel stays.
Benefits:
- PTO and paid holiday benefits
- Monthly contributions to flexible Health, dental and life insurance plans
- Annual professional development credit and opportunities
- IRA Matching contribution after 2 years of employment
- $21 - $24/hour; salary available depending on experience
To Apply
- Please send your resume and cover letter to hiring@farmfreshri.org with the subject line “Farmers Market Program Coordinator”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Applicants who apply by April 19, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The Food Access Operations Manager reports directly to the Food Access Program Director. This role is responsible for managing Fresh Bucks and Bonus Bucks Programs at FFRI’s markets and partner markets across the state. Additionally, this position plays a key role on the FFRI farmers market team by facilitating back-end market operations including ensuring updated vendor paperwork, rent and licenses are collected and ensuring adequate staffing, equipment and supply levels are maintained for FFRI markets.
Farm Fresh is a growing and increasingly complex organization, with significant back-end demands to ensure that programs run efficiently and in concert with each other. The Food Access Operations Manager plays a central role in facilitating this well-balanced flow of activities within the Food Access Programs. Data entry and analysis are central functions to the role, along with maintaining relationships with Farm Fresh’s Bonus Bucks partner markets and EBT system vendors. This role demands an ability to stay organized, think on a systems level, and readily jump back and forth between diverse task areas. This position is responsible for developing logistical systems and managing staff to run effective weekly farmers markets. They oversee weekly market execution, including all pre- and post-market duties as well as preparing, collecting, and reconciling all administrative documents from market staff and vendors.
Application deadline is Apr 19, 2024
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Food Access Program Data & Bookkeeping:
- Maintain market accounting, sales, and EBT and Fresh Bucks analytics documents.
- Oversee and manage weekly internal market scrip processing as well as associated weekly market scrip data entries.
- Process, prepare, and distribute market related checks to vendors and food access partners.
- Field questions from vendors or farmers market partners around market payables and receivables.
- Support Food Access Program Director in fielding questions from RI Bonus Bucks partners regarding Bonus Bucks reimbursements, as well as RI partner market stipend payments.
Back-End Market Logistics:
- Maintain adequate market equipment and supply levels, ensuring market managers have what they need for each market day.
- Develop seasonal market equipment flow across all Farm Fresh RI programs, ensuring Markets and Harvest Kitchen staff understand when equipment can be used and needs to be returned. Communicate any changes in plans as needed.
- Supervise collection of updated paperwork from vendors such as insurance, department of health certification, and Fresh Bucks contracts seasonally, as needed.
- Manage and maintain credit card and EBT processing equipment in partnership with the Program Director and Business & Finance team.
Market Staff Management:
- Directly lead and supervise all part-time seasonal market staff, ensuring that program SOPs, systems, and policies are upheld at markets.
- Recruit and train part-time seasonal program staff, summer AmeriCorps VISTA members, interns, and volunteers in partnership with the Food Access Program Director.
- Oversee completion of weekly market tasks including completion of daily required market sheets, post-market reports, and attendance docs.
General Support and Admin:
- In consultation with Food Access Program Director, assist with new program planning and execution.
- Manage Market Welcome Table staffing and processes.
- Personally manage 1-2 summer markets, which may rotate as needed (May-Oct).
- Must complete tasks as assigned by the Food Access Program Director and Sr. Director of Programs & Operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform this Role:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of co-workers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values
- Passion for local food systems and social justice
- Must be able to build relationships with people from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds
- Must maintain a customer service orientation while considering solutions and interacting with external partners
- Must be willing and able to work a flexible and changing schedule including evenings and weekends (evenings as late as 9pm and Saturdays)
- Must hold valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation
Priority Skills
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-English language skills
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Experience supervising staff
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental, and Environmental):
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to travel, which may include travel via car, train, airline, overnight hotel stays.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast-paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Benefits:
- This is considered a full-time, benefit-eligible position $21 - $24/hour; $43k - $50k salaried
- Generous PTO and paid holiday benefits
- Monthly contributions to flexible Health, dental and life insurance plans
- Annual professional development credit and opportunities
- IRA Matching contribution after 2 years of employment
To Apply:
- Please send your resume and cover letter to hiring@farmfreshri.org with the subject line “Food Access Operations Manager”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Applicants who apply by April 19, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island seeks Food Access Associate to provide administrative support to operate our farmers markets and food access programs. The Food Access Program Associate reports directly to the Food Access Program Director. This position plays a key role on the Farm Fresh RI farmers market team by supporting all farmers market activities with a focus on organizing back end operations and managing weekly farmers markets and outreach tactics.
This role demands an ability to stay organized, and readily jump back and forth between diverse task areas. Key position responsibilities will be managing market equipment supplies, maintaining positive relationships with statewide market partners, and reaching new and underserved communities with an emphasis on including customers utilizing WIC & Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and SNAP benefits. This is a non-exempt, full-time, seasonal position. Preferred start date is May 27th but is flexible. This position will run through the first week of November. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Applicants who apply by April 22, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration.
The Food Access Program Associate will support all Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market programming by dividing time between:
- Fresh Bucks token system maintenance, data entry and communications
- Managing farmers market sites
- Assisting with planning and conducting farmers market outreach & event activities
- Assisting with customer surveying at farmers markets
Fresh Bucks/ Bonus Bucks Responsibilities:
- Support weekly internal FFRI Bonus Bucks token system processing
- Weekly Farmers Market and Bonus Bucks program data entry and database updates
- Monitor Zoho portal data for FFRI and Statewide partner markets
- Support and monitor weekly market bin and binder resetting (Check end counts, final calculations, clear out cash boxes, binders, resupply with market sheets)
- Update farmers market binder paperwork to ensure market managers are prepared for each market day
Farmers Market and Outreach Responsibilities:
- Assist with day-to-day operation troubleshooting for farmers market programs
- Prepare materials and equipment for weekly farmers markets and outreach events
- Monitor weekly schedule of part time staff, interns and volunteers for farmers market and outreach activities, assist with schedule troubleshooting.
- Maintain market equipment and supply levels: ensure managers have what they need for each market and communicate if any new materials need to be purchased.
- Document outreach activities and track outreach outcomes to assist with grant reporting and historical reference.
- Personally represent Farm Fresh RI at community outreach events and other opportunities to promote Farmers Markets and Bonus Bucks programs
Other Responsibilities:
- Directly staffing up to 3 farmers markets per week throughout the summer/fall season, but mostly 1-2 weekly.
- Collaborate with Communications Director to create and keep current all farmers market outreach and promotional materials with seasonal day/ date changes.
- Oversee recruitment, training and scheduling of volunteers to assist with farmers markets and outreach activities as needed.
- Assist with Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market event planning and execution as needed.
- Collect photos, videos, stories or other social media content from farmers market and food access events to share with Communications Director
- The Farmers Market position is subject to change over time given needs of the organization
Organizational Responsibilities:
- Must be able to build relationships with people from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds.
- Must be able to collaborate and work on cross-program & departmental teams and efforts
- Must maintain a customer service orientation while considering solutions and interacting with external partners
Priority Skills:
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-English language skills
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Knowledge and experience with community organizing
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental & Environmental):
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to travel, which may include travel via car to and from farmers markets
Compensation:
- Starting $20/hour
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Paid Sick & Safe Leave
To Apply:
- Please send your resume and cover letter to hiring@farmfreshri.org with the subject line “Food Access Associate”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Applicants who apply by April 22, 2024 will be prioritized for consideration.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
These are full-time seasonal positions running from June through December 2024
The Hope’s Harvest Gleaning Associate (GA) at Farm Fresh Rhode Island will be responsible for supporting the organization and staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and partners in organizing and leading gleaning trips with the purpose of recovering and distributing surplus food to people in need. The GA also supports distribution, inventory management, and collecting/recording gleaning and operations data. A high degree of accountability is required to provide excellent customer service and outcomes to our partner farms, recipient agencies, volunteers, and our primary beneficiaries - people experiencing food insecurity in RI. This position is seasonal, running June 3rd through mid-December 2024, and reports to the Hope’s Harvest Program Manager. Applications received by April 26th will be given priority.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Coordinate and supervise food recovery operations, including but not limited to:
- Serve as point of contact with agencies, volunteers, farms, and other program partners to coordinate gleaning activities.
- Manage gleaning trip logistics, including scheduling, supervising volunteers on trips, product quality standards during harvest and packing, inventory management and tracking, and product deliveries.
- Manage and direct all volunteers on farm sites and at meeting points to ensure the protection of private property, the personal safety of volunteers, and that efficient labor is applied to the job at hand.
- Ensure safe and proper product handling and packing, in accordance with food safety procedures. Apply judgment on a case by case basis to evaluate product quality and ensure high product quality standards for all delivered produce.
- Drive gleaning equipment to and from gleaning trips in program vehicle (12 ft. box truck) and make deliveries as needed.
- Keep all vehicles used for gleaning activities clean, organized, and stocked with supplies (as needed) before, during, and after gleaning trips and deliveries.
- Drive safely and lawfully at all times, heeding legal load capacity of vehicle and adjusting speed and routes as needed. Driving instruction will be provided.
- Accurately collect and report operations data for program activities.
- Monitor and ensure compliance on the part of all volunteers with food safety protocols, COVID safety procedures, and set a culture of overall physical safety and accident/injury prevention with volunteers.
- Ensure all physical program infrastructure (supplies, equipment, vehicles, etc.) is stocked, organized, and in working order.
Program Administration
- Basic administrative support including tracking expenses, documenting activities, responding to inquiries, scheduling, etc.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Hope’s Harvest is a small but mighty program; a “pitch-in” spirit is expected at all times and assistance on special projects and tasks may be required in addition to responsibilities listed above.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Needed To Perform This Role
- At least one full season of vegetable production agriculture experience is preferred.
- Knowledge of produce varieties/quality standards, and an ability to relate to farmers respectfully and knowledgeably. Understanding of produce quality and food handling.
- Excellent verbal communication skills. Customer service or similar experience preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including patience, respect, thoughtfulness, good listening, and the ability to motivate people gently but effectively.
- Detail oriented, with excellent record keeping skills and strong administrative, organization, and time management abilities. Must take initiative, be able to work independently, and follow through on all tasks at an efficient and steady pace.
- Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, have a minimum of six years driving experience, a clean driving record, and be capable of passing a DOT physical. Ability to drive a 12ft. box truck, with experience driving heavily loaded box trucks in urban and rural environments strongly preferred.
- Ability to bend and lift 60+ lbs, repeatedly and in various conditions. This position is physically demanding and requires an aptitude for manual labor.
- Must enjoy working in farm fields in all types of New England weather. This typically includes hot and humid summer days, wet and cold autumn, and early winter conditions.
- Aptitude for, and/or basic knowledge of equipment use, maintenance, and repair (including vehicles, pallet jacks, harvesting tools, etc.).
- Available to work a flexible schedule including early evening and weekends. This position can potentially accommodate other work schedules.
- Background in adult education, leading volunteer/tour groups, and/or organizing service work teams.
- First-aid knowledge and skills.
- Reliable access to personal vehicle for getting to and from work locations and occasionally moving produce.
- Comfort and proficiency with technology, specifically data entry and the Google Suite.
- Able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, gender (including nonbinary), sexual orientation, class, and religion. Experience living and working in economically, racially, and ethnically diverse communities strongly preferred.
- Personal alignment and commitment to the mission of the organization.
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Spanish speaking or non-English language skills
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Knowledge and experience with community organizing
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental & Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs.
- Must be able to identify and respond to loud noises.
Compensation
- Hourly pay range: $20/hr depending on experience
- Accrued Sick & Safe Leave Benefits starting after 7 days of employment
To Apply
- Send resume and cover letter to hh@farmfreshri.org with subject line “LASTNAME - FFRI Gleaning Associate Application”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received by April 26th will receive priority.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The Market Mobile Packhouse Associate will be supervised by our Operations Manager and will assist with the smooth running of Farm Fresh RI's packhouse. Responsibilities include packing orders, receiving deliveries from farmers, and aiding customers with curbside pickup. Additionally, associates may assist as driver's helpers and aid in deliveries. Attention to health and safety is crucial, making sure to follow proper food handling practices. This role involves close collaboration with other packhouse associates, the Market Mobile team and Hope’s Harvest..
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Receiving
- Review and audit items and confirm they are accurately checked in.
- Notate all product discrepancies and/or adjustments.
- Check items for quality and storage safety.
- Ensure items are ready to be picked and packed for delivery.
- Communication with producers is courteous and prompt.
Packline
- Ensure all orders contain the correct products from the applicable farms and producers.
- Final confirmation that all products are checked for quality, safely packed, correctly labeled, and placed on their assigned delivery truck.
- Confirm all substitutions are correctly notated and communicated to a manager on duty.
Sanitation, Security, and Additional Responsibilities
- Ensure the packhouse is clean, safe, and well organized at all times.
- Follow all safety and standard operating procedures.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Needed To Perform This Role:
- High School Diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
- Food systems experience is preferred, but not required.
- Must be comfortable operating with a strong level of professionalism in a collaborative teamwork environment.
- Highly detail oriented, organized in work, able to multitask, and able to work well under pressure to manage changing priorities.
- Demonstrated commitment to the success of co-workers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values.
- Available to work a flexible schedule, generally Monday-Friday. Including early mornings and some Saturdays.
Priority Skills:
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Deep understanding of communities in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls
- Previous warehouse experience
Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s work environment is fast-paced and collaborative. We value creative thinking, approach our work with energetic spirit, and strive to have fun together while we’re at it!
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental & Environmental):
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Benefits:
- Generous PTO and paid holiday benefits
- Monthly contributions of $560.00 to flexible Health, dental and life insurance plans
- Annual professional development credit and opportunities
- IRA Matching contribution after 2 years of employment
To Apply:
- Please send your resume and cover letter to hiring@farmfreshri.org with the subject line “Market Mobile Packhouse Associate”
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Part-time Positions
Since 2004, Farm Fresh Rhode Island has been providing affordable farmers markets that sell local, fresh foods in low-income neighborhoods. We value increasing healthy food access while at the same time maintaining fair prices to farmers and transparency in local food systems. All markets managed by Farm Fresh Rhode Island accept and encourage the use of federal food assistance programs.
Job Function/Purpose of Role
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is seeking committed and reliable team players to join our community access team as Farmers Market Associates. We are looking for one or more dedicated team members who will assist in managing the Fresh Bucks table at several farmers markets for the full 2024 outdoor season, including Neutaconkanut Park, Woonsocket, Broad St., Hope St., and Central Falls farmers markets.
Farm Fresh RI staff will train the Market Associate on tasks necessary to be a part of the Summer Markets Team. We seek someone detail-oriented, responsible, and passionate about contributing to increasing access to healthy food in Rhode Island. Applicants must commit to fulfilling the entire market season and provide their own transportation for market equipment to and from market sites and the Farm Fresh office. Staff will be reimbursed for mileage.
Position Details
Hours:
- Part-time, seasonal positions. Market Associates staff single or multiple markets for the season. (7-24 hours a week depending on availability and interest).
- Most markets run July-October. Additional hours will be required for training and season debriefs. Some markets start in May and June.
- Potential for additional hours to assist with market outreach, events, and surveying.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide transportation for market equipment from Farm Fresh RI’s Providence office to market sites.
- Set up and break down the market tent and table.
- Assist with vendor setup as needed.
- Enforce market rules and regulations with all vendors and customers.
- Run the card machine for credit card and EBT customers and distribute Fresh Bucks tokens for transactions.
- Keep a record of transactions and balance the market paperwork at the end of the market.
- Collect Fresh Bucks tokens from vendors at the end of the market and write receipts.
- Maintain positive equitable relations with all market vendors and customers.
- Work with market volunteers and interns when necessary.
- Conduct customer counts twice per month.
Education, Knowledge, Experience Required:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Multilingual proficiency preferred (Spanish speaking required for Neutaconkanut Park and Central Falls locations)
- Interest in nutrition, public health, and environmental issues preferred
- Able to bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
- Must have access to reliable transportation for transporting market equipment to and from program sites across the state
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Critical Skills:
- Interpersonal skills, sociable personality
- Basic math and accounting
- Detail oriented
Compensation:
- Starting $18/hr
- Mileage Reimbursement
To Apply:
- Please apply online
- Application deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
- Contact us at hiring@farmfreshri.org with any questions.
- No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
AmeriCorps Service Positions
Hope’s Harvest, a program of Farm Fresh RI, seeks an outgoing and energetic Volunteer Accessibility AmeriCorps VISTA with demonstrated initiative and clear organizational skills. Hope’s Harvest mobilizes volunteers to rescue food from local farms that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to local hunger relief agencies. Hope’s Harvest also contracts with farmers and purchases surplus for the purposes of hunger relief. This position offers a unique opportunity to increase capacity for volunteer management and accessibility within the context of the Hope’s Harvest hunger relief program. This position requires a one year commitment to begin on June 3, 2024. Application deadline is May 6, 2024.
Program Summary:
One in three Rhode Islanders rely on the emergency food system to meet their basic needs, a staggering and steady number since COVID-19. In 2023, Hope’s Harvest RI rescued over 260,000 lbs of fresh, nutrient dense fruits and vegetables from local farms and delivered it to over 35,000 individuals a month via our network of emergency food providers. In 2024-25, we expect that Hope’s Harvest will rescue and distribute even more produce to our neighbors in need, while also supporting a robust network of volunteers and farms that make this work possible. Hope’s Harvest also operates additional hunger relief programs at Farm Fresh RI, a food hub with many different programs working together to build a stronger food system in Rhode Island.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Improve Farm Fresh’s capacity to fully utilize volunteers within the context of the Hope’s Harvest food rescue program by creating user friendly manuals for our systems for volunteer recruitment, tracking, management, and acknowledgement
- Make gleaning activities more accessible to low-income, aging, and BIPOC community members who lack transportation and/or other resources to participate in gleaning activities
- Refine and update a comprehensive communications strategy for the Hope’s Harvest RI food rescue program
- Design social media content, stories, and copy to better reach and mobilize our unique network of volunteers, agencies, farms, and community partners, increasing connection and resource sharing
- Engage in awareness raising and education when interfacing with volunteers during gleaning trips, strengthening our capacity to work within an evolving food system
- Research and utilize data systems, leverage technology, and create user friendly manuals to be able to create more robust reports and better support our growing network of community partners
Essential Functions:
- Excellent professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- Great attention to detail
- Self starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
- Excellent time-management skills
- Ability to think, react, iterate, and redirect in a fast-paced environment
- Comfort and facility driving large vehicles (training available)
- Must be able to lift 50lbs
- Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a vibrant work environment
- Willingness to work hands-on in various environments (outdoors at farms, inside at office)
- Some experience with farming or gardening in a professional capacity (internships, academic learning/service or consistent volunteer work on a farm or in a community garden setting would qualify)
- Comfort with technology and data systems
Non-Essential Functions
- Experience with CRM (Salesforce,) and/or training a plus
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite preferred
- Spanish skills or other language skills are strongly desired for this role
About AmeriCorps VISTA:
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.
AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits:
- Bi-weekly (every two weeks) living allowance of $877.66
- $600 monthly rent stipend
- Monthly bus pass
- Student loan deferment
- Mileage reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- CNCS health benefit & childcare assistance
- $7,395.00 Segal Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans
Term of Service & Hour Requirements
Full-year VISTA members must commit to a full week, approx. 36-40 hour/week AmeriCorps full-time service term from June 3, 2024 to June 2, 2025.
Primary working hours will be Monday- Friday 8-4 with ability to work early evenings or weekends as needed. Member schedules can be flexible, and they will be in regular conversation about schedules with their direct supervisor.
Members will be given the opportunity to fulfill all service hour requirements while also allowing for holidays, sick leave, and PTO. Missed hours can be made up on site or off site depending on supervisor approval. All Members must participate in AmeriCorps national, state and local service projects as a part of their service term.
Orientation, Training & Evaluation
Members will receive one-on-one trainings on AmeriCorps program impacts, history, and prohibited activities, as well as an orientation to local food systems and food justice topics addressed by Hope’s Harvest programs. Training will not exceed more than 20% of the members total service hours completed.
Apply:
This is a full year position starting on June 3, 2024 and ending June 2, 2024. The deadline to apply is 5/6/2024.
To apply: please go to: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp Please review AmeriCorps VISTA information on this site. Then go to
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and click “Search Listings.” For the search, select the “Rhode Island” and “AmeriCorps VISTA” options. Scroll until you find this position, click on it, and “Apply Now.” Submit your application including 2 references. Applications must be submitted through this AmeriCorps VISTA site, Farm Fresh Rhode Island cannot accept applications directly.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees. We encourage enquiries from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our organization. Farm Fresh RI does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in employment or programming. Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is an AmeriCorps grantee and receives funds as part of their State and National program, and to operate our VISTA program.