Assistant Manager Job Description

Mercer Island Farmers Market Assistant Market Manager (AM)

Part-Time Hybrid Position | $20 to $24/hour (DOE)

Hours:

May – Mid-October + Half of November: 20–30 hours/week (on average)
Rest of the Year: 8–12 hours/week (on average)

This role requires access to your own laptop and phone for both remote and on -site duties.

About the Mercer Island Farmers Market (MIFM)

Founded in 2007, The Mercer Island Farmers Market is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to connecting growers, consumers, and local businesses to create a valuable and sustainable community asset. Our mission is to provide access to fresh, locally grown farm products while educating the community about the importance of local agriculture, healthy foods, and sustainability.

The market features a diverse mix of local farmers, food trucks, prepared food vendors, and artisans. More than a place to shop, MIFM is a community gathering space, offering live music, a kids’ activity table, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. With an average of 3,500 visitors each Sunday and more than 80 vendors, MIFM has become “the place to be” on Sunday mornings.

The MIFM is a member of the Washington State Farmers Market Association and operates adjacent to Mercerdale Park in the heart of Mercer Island’s town center. The market runs every Sunday from approximately May through ~October, including a special Harvest Market at the end of the season.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated Assistant Market Manager (AM) to support the Market Manager and MIFM Board in creating a successful market that helps farmers and vendors thrive, engages the community, and maintains a safe and professional environment.

The AM is responsible for supporting both on-site market operations and off-site administrative tasks. The role requires availability during all market days and hours and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, lift up to 50 pounds, and stand for 8+ hours at a time.

This role is not a “desk-only” job, and requires a high level of flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work calmly and confidently in the organized chaos of a live farmers market, where plans can shift quickly and problem-solving happens in real time. It also requires a willingness to get your hands dirty and jump in wherever needed, as this is an active, hands-on role that can be physically demanding at times.

The AM reports directly to the MIFM Board Executive Committee and is supervised by the Market Manager.

Responsibilities

Market Day Operations (On-Site)

Attend every market day (Sundays) from ~6:00am–3:30pm (or until all tasks are complete).
Train and supervise market volunteers.
Lead market setup and teardown, including tents and tables, vendor booth spaces, signage, trash/recycle/compost bins, and music equipment. This work includes lifting, moving, and organizing equipment, and directing volunteers to ensure the market is set up safely, efficiently, and on time. Teardown may include site clean-up and trash pickup.
Oversee the Information Booth as needed.
Assist in distribution of Market Bucks.
Ensure vendor compliance with health, fire, and safety regulations.
Assist with traffic control and overall market safety.
Oversee market equipment with consistent weekly attention, including inventory, ordering, upkeep, and organized storage. Ensure health and safety equipment are up to date, compliant, and properly stored. This responsibility may require on-site work outside of market days.

Market Preparation (Remote)

Collaborate with the Market Manager to:
- Update and prepare vendor applications, rules, and regulations.
- Assign booth space to vendors, sponsors, and community participants.
- Resolve conflicts and provide market-related assistance to vendors and consumers.
- Ensure required licenses and permits are obtained and maintained.
Manage the MIFM website and newsletters (monthly off-season, bi-weekly in-season)
Serve as a backup for the Market Manager when necessary.
Assist in fundraising tasks with sponsors and donors.
Assist in prep and on-site market programming.
Coordinate non-profit and sponsor booth dates.
Promote, recruit, and schedule market day volunteers.
Assist in both in-season and end-of-year reporting including statistics, stories, and photos for grants and sponsors.
Marketing & Community Outreach
- Support ongoing marketing efforts through hands-on execution and community presence.
- Represent the market at events by staffing promo booths and engaging/sharing info with the public.
- Distribute/post flyers throughout the community including local businesses, schools, and community organizations.
- Capture photos and short videos on market days for use in social media and other marketing materials.
- Help manage marketing materials and support vendor communication related to collabs, promotions, and special programs.

Desired Qualifications

Experience supporting farmers, local agriculture, and sustainable food systems.
Creative writing and volunteer coordination experience.
Interest in market development and community outreach.
Management experience (retail or otherwise).
Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and discretion with sensitive vendor information, including sales data, disputes, applications, and internal market decisions.
Proficiency in:
- Microsoft Office, Google Suite, OneDrive, Wix.
- Additional tech skills or willingness to learn is a bonus.
Bilingual in Spanish and/or Mandarin and/or Korean is a plus.

Competencies

Attention to Detail: Demonstrates a strong commitment to accuracy, organization, and follow-through in all tasks.
Project Management: Plans, prioritizes, and executes projects on time and within budget, balancing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Customer Service: Handles emotional, high-stress, or difficult situations with professionalism, empathy, and clear communication.
Cultural Awareness & Inclusion: Demonstrates cultural humility and awareness when working with a diverse vendor community, many of whom represent different nationalities, languages, and cultural practices. Communicates respectfully across cultural differences, remains open to learning, and actively fosters an inclusive, welcoming market environment.
Innovation: Proactively generates and implements ideas that improve market operations, vendor experience, and community engagement.
Regulatory Knowledge: Understands, interprets, and applies technical procedures, health regulations, and market policies accurately and consistently.

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to board@mifarmersmarket.org with the subject line: “Assistant Manager Application”

Learn more about us at https://www.mifarmersmarket.org/