FAIR FOOD FARMSTAND: RETAIL ASSOCIATE

Mission: Fair Food is dedicated to bringing local food to the marketplace and promoting a humane, sustainable agriculture system for the Philadelphia region.

Objective: Working under the supervision of the Farmstand Operations Manager, Retail Associates assist in the daily operation of Fair Food’s retail location at the Reading Terminal Market. Actively engaging customers and providing excellent customer service are key aspects of this retail position.

Background: The Fair Food Farmstand carries a variety of fresh produce, meats, poultry, dairy, eggs, cheese and value-added products from organic and sustainable farms within a 150-mile radius of Philadelphia. We emphasize local and seasonal foods and products from small-scale producers. Open seven days a week and assisted by volunteers, the goals of the Farmstand are to educate consumers about the benefits of buying local, to provide the region with a point of access to sustainably-raised food, and to support farmers by providing a market for local products.

Responsibilities

• Work a variety of shifts at the Farmstand weekly, including opening, closing and mid-day shifts, with reliability and punctuality
• Operate registers and responsibly handle a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit/debit, gift cards and coupons
• Handle all Farmstand products, including receiving, stocking and displaying, organizing, and inventorying of produce, meat, dairy, value-added products, retail and paper goods, cutting and slicing of cheese and meats, and tracking waste/spoilage
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of the Farmstand retail space and walk-in refrigerator
• Direct volunteers and assist with questions and procedures during all shifts
• Document needs for maintenance, repairs, and issues that need attention or correction, and communicate these to Farmstand Operations Manager and Product Manager
• Attend and participate in staff meetings as scheduled, check Fair Food email regularly

Customer Service Values and Standards

• Act as an ambassador of Fair Food and be prepared to talk with customers about Fair Food’s mission
• Drive Farmstand sales by actively engaging and interacting with all Farmstand visitors and customers, including answering Farmstand phone
• Demonstrate and model highest levels of customer service
• Work in a fast-paced workplace environment, while striving to eliminate customer waiting times at registers and cheese counter
• Create and maintain a customer experience and perception that reflects a clean, pleasant, and safe environment
• Document customer requests for new products and special orders, and communicate these to Farmstand Operations Manager and Product Manager

Support programmatic goals of Fair Food

• Represent the Farmstand as the physical representation of Fair Food’s vision
• Commit Fair Food mission to memory, as starting point for customer interaction
• Self-educate about Farmstand products and local producers in order to better educate and inform customers
• Maintain visual merchandising displays that promote clarity of Fair Food’s mission
• Familiarize oneself with Fair Food’s programs, events, and initiatives, and stay up-to-date via organizational emails and other communication
  • Work with other staff to support consumer education, membership, events and producer relationships
  • Administer Double Dollars and Philly Food Bucks programs through efficient, sensitive and discreet customer interaction
  • Support and participate in off-site and off-hours events, as needed

Qualifications

• Retail sales and/or service experience required; food handling experience beneficial
• Interest in and commitment to Fair Food mission
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced work environment while delivering a positive and pleasant customer experience
• Ability and willingness to engage and interact with a diversity of colleagues, farmers, and customers
• Flexibility in shift coverage to meet changing needs of business
• Weekend and holiday availability required
• ServSafe Certification beneficial

Relationships: Reports directly to Farmstand Operations Manager, with additional guidance and supervision provided by Farmstand Product Manager.

Candidates: Complete application online or at the Fair Food Farmstand at Reading Terminal Market. Please send application, cover letter and resume to Anne Steelman, Farmstand Operations Manager, at asteelman@fairfoodphilly.org. No phone calls please.

Compensation and Benefits: Starts at $9/hour with initial review after 90 days; paid holiday for Thanksgiving; eligible for pro-rated health insurance after 90 days.

Fair Food is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of diverse backgrounds.

About Fair Food: Fair Food is dedicated to bringing healthy local food to the marketplace and supporting a sustainable, humane agriculture system for the region. Fair Food envisions a thriving and growing marketplace for fair food: food that is healthy, safe, local and regional, and sustainably and humanely produced with fair business practices.

Fair Food was founded in 2001 as a program of White Dog Community Enterprises, and spun off as an independent 501c3 organization in 2009. Our primary focus is on connecting farmers and producers to wholesale markets and building demand for local food. We do this through a variety of programs and initiatives, as well as through a membership comprised of food businesses and institutions. Additionally, we own and operate the Fair Food Farmstand in Reading Terminal Market, a year-round local foods grocery store. Through the Farmstand business we: support local growers and producers through purchasing their products and providing technical assistance; provide access to local food to a diverse customer base; educate consumers about a broad range of food and agriculture issues; and increase access to healthy food to low-income consumers through a Double Value Coupon Program linked to SNAP sales (food stamps)

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Office Intern Description
Fair Food is seeking an office intern to work approximately 15 hours per week from May – August, 2013.

Job Responsibilities: The intern will provide general support within the office. Tasks will generally include:
•    Update and organize Fair Food’s database
•    General office tasks to include copying, mailing and filing
•    Assist with planning & coordinating Fair Food’s staff & buyer farm tours
•    Assist with research & communications for Fair Food’s membership campaign and Local Food Guide
•    Update Fair Food’s member map
•    Perform short-term research projects as needed
•    Represent Fair Food at community events

Qualifications
•    Ability to self-direct & manage multiple ongoing projects and duties
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office, database software, internet research and social media / marketing tools
•    Extremely well-organized and detail oriented
•    Strong writing skills and articulate phone manner
•    Creative problem solving skills
•    Enthusiasm for & knowledge of our local food system!

Benefits: The internship is unpaid but interns do receive the employee discount at the Fair Food Farmstand in Reading Terminal Market as well as opportunities to attend special events as a representative of Fair Food.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to info@fairfoodphilly.org.  Please, no phone calls.

Fair Food is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit.  We want to have the best available individuals in every job.  Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by law.