Farmers Market Winter Shift Lead

About Us

The Regional Environmental Council, Inc. (REC) is a grassroots, nonprofit, environmental and food justice organization with a more than 50-year history of working for environmental sustainability and social justice in Worcester and Central Massachusetts. Our mission is to bring people together to create a just food system and to build healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities in Worcester, MA and beyond.

The REC Mobile Farmers Market’s primary goal is to increase community food security through equitable access to locally grown and culturally relevant food. We do this by operating pop up Mobile Farmers Markets that are intentionally located in neighborhoods where communities face barriers to food access. We strive to create culturally responsive and inclusive markets, a dignified and welcoming environment for customers, and to prioritize the economic needs of farmers, especially small, urban, and BIPOC farms. Markets are located in Worcester as well as the towns of Webster and Southbridge. We accept cash, credit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Senior and WIC coupons, and other benefits offered by incentive programs including the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).

Job Summary

The Farmers Market Winter Shift Lead will support our Mobile Market operations for the winter season (January-April 2025) with primary job functions including market set up, breakdown, and customer service. The Shift Lead role will have additional responsibilities to take on a leadership role in the management of market sites.

This job is primarily public facing and requires staff to work with a diverse customer base. Staff pack produce that is stored at the REC office and transport it to market locations. Our markets are hosted at several different housing complexes and community centered locations, and are scheduled for 1-2 hours. Staff unload and load produce, tents, tables, and other market equipment at 3-4 market locations a day. Candidates must possess a valid drivers license and clean driving record, be comfortable with working outdoors in adverse conditions, and be able to regularly lift up to 50 pounds. For the Shift Lead position, candidates must also have availability between 7a.m. and 5 p.m. for a minimum of 25 hours.

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the organization’s Mobile Market vehicles to transport products and supplies throughout the city of Worcester and from Worcester to Webster and Southbridge
• Set up market displays, stock produce, put out market price signs and other signage, breakdown and clean market sites
• Complete customer transactions using our electronic POS systems
• Provide quality customer service while adhering to REC customer service policies and procedures
• Communicate to SNAP/HIP recipients on how they use their benefits at markets
• Maintain safety and accessibility at all market to serve varying levels of mobility
• Organize produce storage in walk-in coolers
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining safe storage space
• Represent the REC and all of its programs with knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm
• Consistently attend in-person Mobile Market staff meeting and trainings
• Additional duties as assigned

Who You Are

The REC recognizes people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. When reviewing applications, we take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. Preference is given to candidates that demonstrate the most qualifications, skills, and experiences listed below.

You must be:

• Must hold a valid driver’s license and must be comfortable driving cargo vans and small box trucks.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and consistently through the shift.
• Must be available to work between the hours of 7a.m. and 5 p.m. for a minimum of 25 hours.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, etc.)

It would also be great if you:

• Are fluent in Spanish, Vietnamese, Albanian, Arabic, or other non-English languages
• Have past experience farming or working at farmers markets