LEAP Market Operator
Position Description
The Market Operator works closely with the Food Access Manager, Food Hub Manager, and community partners and community members in the neighborhoods that our markets serve. The markets include the Mobile Market, LEAP Community Store, Grandin Village Farmers Market, and West End Farmers Market. These markets are community tools and resources to facilitate conversations about food, provide hands-on food education, and create space for community and health. The Market Operator position serves as a day-of operator of the mobile market, retail store, and/or fixed site farmers markets. The Market Operator also provides on-site management of interns and volunteers when they are supporting markets, and provides vital feedback to the Food Access Manager on program evaluation, implementation, and future growth. This position reports to the Food Access Manager.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of LEAP’s Mobile Market and the LEAP Community Store, including sales, product offerings, communications, and data tracking.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of LEAP’s fixed site farmers markets including market setup and breakdown, running our food access programs, and posting on social media.
- Establish and maintain strong, trusting relationships with customers, site hosts, community members, and other partners. Maintain clear and consistent lines of communication.
- Work with the food hub team to provide input on and share stories about the food available on the mobile market and at the retail store.
- Work with the food access team to continually improve market-based operations, logistics, and internal and external communications.
- 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 eaters throughout the Roanoke region.
- Work with the Food Access Manager and Communications Manager to collect and share feedback from customers and community members on a regular basis.
- Support the food access team in meeting program goals.
- Be an active member of the LEAP team and attend quarterly LEAP All Team meetings.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
- Experience with food, community engagement, education, and/or outreach across all abilities and age groups
- Experience working with adults from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds
- Detail-oriented and organized. Ability to multitask and handle retail transactions
- Ability to interact in a professional, courteous, and confidential manner with team members and the public
- Strong customer service skills
- Basic knowledge of locally grown produce and Virginia’s growing seasons
- 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
- Strong familiarity with Roanoke City neighborhoods is a plus
Additional Information/Requirements
- Bilingual and multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply (Spanish, Dari, Farsi).
- This is a part-time, hourly, year-round position.
- Hours are 25-35 hours/week from May-November and 10-20 hours/week from December-April.
- Must be able to work Saturdays and some evenings.
- Pay is $15-17/hour, depending on experience.
- Benefits include paid time off, matching retirement account, and discounts on local food.
About LEAP
Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) is a Roanoke-based 501c3 nonprofit. Founded in 2009, LEAP strives to nurture an equitable food and farming system that prioritizes health and abundance. LEAP programs include two farmers markets, a mobile market, a farm share, a food hub, a commercial kitchen, three community gardens, and robust nutrition incentive programs. LEAP will be opening a retail store in 2024 at its location in Roanoke’s West End neighborhood. LEAP is the fiscal sponsor for the Roanoke Foodshed Network, a community of partners from across the region working together on initiatives that promote farm to community and food system development, and for Virginia Fresh Match, a statewide network of farmers markets and retail stores that make fruits and vegetables more affordable for SNAP participants. Learn more about LEAP at leapforlocalfood.org, Roanoke Foodshed Network at roanokefoodshednetwork.org, and Virginia Fresh Match at VirginiaFreshMatch.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.
To Apply
- 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, farmers, customer service, sales, and fast-paced and detail-oriented work.
- A resume that supports your cover letter.
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of May 10.
- For questions and assistance, contact Kelly Key, kelly@leapforlocalfood.org or 540-492-5311.
