Have a passion for building equity in the food system, or know someone who does? We’re hiring a new Programs Assistant to support Crossroads Farmers Market and our Healthy Eating Program. To apply, please reply to the questions below and send a resume to Sara Servin at jobs@crossroadscommunityfoodnetwork.org.

Programs Assistant Position Description

Position Summary:

The Programs Assistant provides weekly support at the Wednesday farmers market as well as at nutrition and garden program activities and outreach events. This public-facing position will work with diverse members of the Takoma/Langley Crossroads community through a wide variety of activities. The varying support activities in this role are separated by program below:

Farmers Market: The Programs Assistant will support Crossroads Farmers Market activities every Wednesday, beginning April 27th until November 23rd, from 8am-3:30pm. The Programs Assistant will work directly with the Program Manager to set up and break down the market, lead volunteer activities, support Healthy Eating Program activities at the market, and other tasks as assigned. This is a physical, fun job that requires the ability to lift equipment up to 50lbs., set up tents, move tables, and carry large boxes. Working conditions include a mix of indoor, remote, and outdoor work (rain or shine).

Duties Include:

Day of Market: (7.5 hours / week)

• Assist with setup, breakdown, and cleanup/storage of large market equipment

• Coordinate volunteers before and during market day

• Help CSA Coordinator to set up CSA packing space (set up tents, tables, and boxes)

• Provide additional staff support at Fresh Checks table and to vendors when needed

• Educate shoppers and vendors on different methods of payment – SNAP, Fresh Checks, $5 tokens

• Assist Program Manager in collecting vendor sales data at end of market

• Use nonviolent communication techniques to resolve any issues that arise

• Understand and implement Emergency Procedures and COVID-19 safety protocols

• Manage the market when Program Manager is unavailable (approx 3-4 times per season)

• Other tasks as assigned by Program Manager

Additional Tasks: ( 3-4 hours / week)

• Assist Program Manager with pre- and post-market planning and outreach

• Assist with and potentially take on weekly market newsletter and social media posts

• Coordinate outreach, recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers for the organization

• Attend weekly staff meeting (currently remote though may transition to in-person when safe)

Healthy Eating Program: The Programs Assistant will support nutrition and garden education activities for people of all ages in virtual and in-person formats with Crossroads’ Healthy Eating Program. Work will include delivering educational programming, coordinating volunteers, and implementing cooking demonstrations in the community and at the farmers market.

Duties Include: (8 – 10 hours / week)

• Assist with leading healthy eating educational and/or gardening programming

• Coordinate volunteers during classes, including tracking SSL hours

• Collect and prepare class materials including food, equipment, and paperwork

• Administer class evaluations and data collection, including attendance

• Provide program feedback to Program Manager to enhance curriculum and program materials

• Assist with cultivating new and existing relationships to optimize the program, including external  meetings with community partners

• Implement garden/crop plans

Desired skills and experience:

• Familiarity with the Takoma/Langley Crossroads community

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish, English/Amharic, or English/French)

• Familiarity with federal nutrition benefits programs – SNAP, WIC, FMNP, P-EBT

• Experience working with diverse populations (age groups, income levels, cultural backgrounds)

• Interest in local food systems or community health

• Ability to work as part of a team and autonomously

• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs., including the use of stairs

• Interest in/experience with newsletter writing a plus!

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as this position will work extensively with the public

There is a lot of potential for the right candidate to expand this role to match their interests, skill sets, and availability. After training and onboarding, we see this team member taking on more responsibilities and exhibiting leadership within their specific areas of expertise and/or passion.

Crossroads Community Food Network is committed to racial justice and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, and national origin makes our team and community stronger. Applicants who live in or have lived in Takoma Park, Langley Park, or Silver Spring will be prioritized.

Compensation:

Payment: $20/hour for a range of 20-25 hours per week. Benefits include paid vacation and medical leave, phone reimbursement, a weekly CSA share, and retirement benefits after an onboarding period.

The ideal start date is late March. Work schedule is somewhat flexible but must be regular and meet the requirements of the farmers market and healthy eating program schedules, including occasional evenings and weekends. We strive to support the whole person and are committed to a healthy work-life balance.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and responses to the following three questions to jobs@crossroadscommunityfoodnetwork.org. Please include the best phone number and email address to reach you.

     1. In your opinion, do farmers markets play a role in addressing food insecurity? Please explain.

     2. Describe a situation in which you had to make a difficult decision on the spot. What did you do?

     3. If you had all the resources available to you, describe an activity or game that you would be excited to lead. Please share all necessary details, including number of participants, age group, length of time, materials, etc.

Application Deadline: February 25, 2022 at 11:59 pm. We will review applications on a rolling basis, therefore we may reach out before February 25 to schedule an interview if we think you’d be great at this position.