Renton seeking Farmers Market Coordinator

My wife Cathy and daughter Susie enjoying crepes on opening day of the 2010 farmers market

Renton is seeking a Farmers Market Coordinator to nurture and improve on our already-well-established farmers market. The position is a part-time position which requires a very broad skill-set, including technical understanding of agriculture and markets, promotional skills, event planning, ability to recruit and inspire volunteers, and tact and patience. For the right person, the job could be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Apply at www.rentonwa.gov if you are interested.

Here is the listing:

City of Renton invites applications for the position of:
Farmers Market
Coordinator – Limited Term
An Equal Opportunity Employer
SALARY: $25.37 – $30.87 Hourly

OPENING DATE: 12/22/10
CLOSING DATE: 01/14/11 05:00 PM
UNION AFFILIATION: Non-Represented
DEPARTMENT: Community and Economic Development – Economic Development

BASIC FUNCTION:
PLEASE NOTE: This position is pending Council Approval. The position is currently a part-time
position with a limited term of one (1) year.
Under direction of an assigned supervisor, provide leadership, direction, organization, and
coordination of activities for the Renton Farmers Market in collaboration with volunteers.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

*Act as the Coordinator for the Renton Farmers Market, coordinating with volunteers,
vendors and City staff to ensure ongoing and long-term health of the Farmers
Market. Specifically, these duties include coordinating pre-market planning and postmarket
wrap up efforts and supervising all market functions including soliciting new
vendors, coordinating with local and regional farmers market organizations, managing
market logistics, internal and external communications, managing the market budget,
bookkeeping, volunteer recruitment and support, and maintaining and analyzing weekly
market statistics.

*Work with market stakeholders (vendors, customers, volunteers, Farmers Market
working group, sponsors, Chamber and City) to enhance existing market activities and to
resolve problems effectively.

*Develop and prepare program budgets with volunteer participation; monitor and
manage budgets including approval of expenditures; prepare and submit periodic budget
updates as requested.

*Help secure sponsorships and additional external financial support and coordinate
related agreements and relationships.

*Attend a variety of meetings and serve on City committees as requested; prepare and
deliver formal and informal presentations at City Council meetings and community
gatherings; provide staff support to the City Council, and boards and commissions as
assigned.

*Maintain communication and effective working relationships with City employees,
government agencies, community organizations and groups, and the general public;
coordinate operations with other departments.

*Develop and approve City and Farmers Market website content, features, and
information for areas of responsibility.

*Prepare publicity materials, including newspaper articles, brochures and flyers;
perform other program promotion as needed.

*Attend conferences and training.

*Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.

*Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; work flexible evening and/or
weekend hours as required; ability to travel as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.

*Denotes an essential function.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
General knowledge of agriculture and farmers markets, specifically Washington State
Farmers Market Association rules and regulations.

Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training.
Event planning, organization, and coordination.
Effective promotion, public relations, and marketing.
Contract negotiations and management.
Community and municipal resources.
Recruiting, selecting and supporting volunteers.
Budget planning, development and control techniques.
Community issues and concerns.
Oral and written communication skills.
Basic accounting and budgeting techniques.
Record-keeping techniques.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

ABILITY TO:
Develop, plan, organize and implement events.
Establish and maintain relationships with residents, volunteers, volunteer groups,
businesses, and civic organizations.
Promote and foster community interest through Farmers Market operations.
Prepare written correspondence, reports and presentations.
Promote and represent the department throughout the City.
Perform a variety of duties involving frequent and responsible public contact.
Handle multiple projects, perform a wide variety of tasks, and meet deadlines.
Deal with sensitive situations tactfully and with understanding.
Maintain project budgets.
Operate a computer and a variety of software programs.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Apply and explain policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Independently plan, organize, prioritize, and schedule work with minimal supervision.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with people from
diverse backgrounds and ages.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor’s degree and two years public relations experience or
special event planning involving extensive public contact, preparation of information, and volunteer coordination OR at least four years work experience in communications, public relations, or volunteer organizations, and/or special events.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State driver’s license.
Basic first aid and CPR skills including current CPR certification.
Health Department food handlers permit/card.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed in an office environment but considerable travel to meetings and other gatherings is required. May also require attendance at night meetings. Considerable walking and
standing, and some lifting and carrying are required. The majority of duties will be conducted
during the market season from June through September. Positions in this classification will be
required to be on site at the market from June through September from at least 11:00 am to 8:00
pm on Tuesdays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays. Additional pre- and post- season duties
will be conducted starting in February and ending in October.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
PLEASE NOTE: This position is pending Council Approval. The position is currently a part-time
position with a limited term of one (1) year.
Applicants whose experience and qualifications most closely meet the requirements of the position as determined by the application materials will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process consisting of an oral board interview weighed at 100% of the total score.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.rentonwa.gov

OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
425-430-7650
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Job #2011-CED