About LEAP

Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) is a Roanoke-based 501c3 nonprofit. Founded in 2009, LEAP strives to nurture the local food community through equitable food and farming systems that prioritize health and abundance. LEAP supports local farmers and helps make fresh food more accessible to all. To do this, LEAP operates local food outlets, including the West End and Grandin Village Farmers Markets, LEAP Mobile Market, LEAP Farm Share, and LEAP Community Store. LEAP additionally operates a food hub, processing kitchen, three community gardens, and robust food access programs including Harvest Bucks and Southwest Produce Rx. LEAP is a fiscal sponsor for Roanoke Foodshed Network, a regional partnership who work in farming, food access, and local food systems (roanokefoodshednetwork.org), and for Virginia Fresh Match, a statewide network of farmers markets and Community stores that make fruits and vegetables more affordable for SNAP participants (virginiafreshmatch.org). Learn more about LEAP at leapforlocalfood.org.

LEAP values: 

• Equity: We believe that all people should have affordable access to the food that feeds them and their families. We believe that farmers and food producers should be able to have viable businesses.
• Dignity: We value and honor all people. We work to see, hear, listen, and understand the food community at all levels.
• A holistic approach: Our region's people, animals, and environment have wide-ranging and different needs. We seek to understand this complexity and support systems which focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• The benefits of local food: We are rooted in trusting relationships with community members, businesses, organizations, and governments to collectively support our food community. 
• Love: We serve our community with passion, love, and humility. 

Market Operator Position Description

The Market Operator works closely with the Food Access Manager, Food Hub Operator and community partners and community members in the neighborhoods that our markets serve. The Market Operator position serves as a day-of operator and boots on the ground of the Mobile Market, Community Store, Farmers Markets and/or Farm Share. LEAP operates and improves our programs based on community input. As the most community-facing position at LEAP, Market Operators provide vital feedback from customers to the Food Access Manager to inform how we design and operate our programs. This position reports to the Food Access Manager.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of LEAP’s Mobile Market and/or Community Store including sales, quality control, customer service, and data tracking.
• Manage off-site Farm Share distributions including accurate order delivery, customer service, and a la carte sales
• Support day-to-day operations of LEAP’s fixed site Farmers Markets including market setup and breakdown, running food access programs, and posting on social media.
• Establish and maintain strong, trusting relationships with customers. Talking with and listening to community members is a critical part of this position.
• Implement LEAP’s food access programs at the point-of-sale with dignity and respect to our customers.
• Create a welcoming space for a diverse community of shoppers throughout the Roanoke region.
• Provide on-site management of interns and volunteers.
• Be an active member of the LEAP team and attend quarterly LEAP All Team meetings. 

 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Act in a professional, courteous, and confidential manner with team members and the public
• Strong customer service skills
• Experience working with adults from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds
• Detail-oriented, organized, and have the ability to multitask 
• Basic knowledge of locally grown produce and food safety
• Ability to work independently as well as be a supportive team member
• Ability to lift 40+ lbs and be on your feet all day
• Ability to work comfortably outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• A passion for community, equity, and food

Additional Information/Requirements

• Bilingual and multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply (Spanish, Dari, Farsi).
• This is a part-time, hourly, seasonal position. Potential to become year round.
• Hours are 8-15 hours/week from May-November with some flexibility. Potential for more hours as fill-in.
• Must have evening and weekend availability, subject to discussion.
• Pay is $15-16/hour, depending on experience.
• Benefits include paid time off and discounts on local food

To Apply

• To apply, email the following to kelly@leapforlocalfood.org.
  
  • A cover letter that speaks to why you are interested in this position and your experience and skills related to community, local food, food access, customer service, sales, and fast-paced, detail-oriented work.
  • A resume that supports your cover letter.
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of April 27.
• For questions and assistance, contact Kelly Key, kelly@leapforlocalfood.org or 540-492-5311.

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