Farmers Market Program Coordinator

Job Title: Farmers Market Program Coordinator
Location: Chester County, PA (Hybrid: 3 remote days / 2 onsite market days)
Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday (occasional Sunday events)
Position Type: Full-Time

About Growing Roots Partners

Growing Roots Partners works to strengthen the local food system by connecting farmers, small food businesses, and communities through vibrant farmers markets and community events. Our markets support regional agriculture, expand access to fresh food, and create welcoming spaces where neighbors gather and local businesses thrive. Through this work, we help build a more connected, resilient, and locally rooted Chester County.

Position Overview

Growing Roots Partners is seeking a full-time Farmers Market Program Coordinator to support the planning, administration, and onsite execution of our weekly farmers markets and related community events. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about local agriculture, community building, and food access, and who is excited to contribute to a mission-driven organization that supports farmers, food businesses, and vibrant public spaces.

The Farmers Market Program Coordinator plays a key role in the day-to-day operations and continued growth of Growing Roots farmers markets. This position blends logistics, vendor coordination, community engagement, marketing support, and onsite operations, requiring someone who is organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working both behind the scenes and in public-facing settings. The ideal candidate enjoys building relationships and working closely with farmers, food producers, community partners, and shoppers.

Job Responsibilities

Farmers Market Planning & Vendor Coordination

  • Support the planning, administration, and day-to-day coordination of Growing Roots farmers markets under the direction of a supervisor.

  • Manage vendor communications, seasonal schedules, weekly attendance changes, and related documentation.

  • Oversee vendor applications, onboarding, compliance requirements, and ongoing relationship management.

  • Understand, communicate, and help enforce market policies and vendor expectations.

  • Create and adjust weekly market layouts based on vendor participation, weather, and operational needs.

  • Support vendor recruitment efforts and help identify new farmers, food businesses, and other mission-aligned participants.

  • Assist with sponsorship outreach, onboarding, activation, and relationship maintenance.

  • Support market-related financial administration, including fee tracking, receipts, deposits, and nutrition program recordkeeping.

  • Maintain accurate internal records, logs, and operating documents, and support process improvements as needed.

  • Monitor weather conditions, communicate updates, and help implement contingency plans and safety measures when necessary.

Onsite Market Operations

  • Provide active onsite support during weekly markets to ensure a safe, organized, and welcoming experience for vendors, shoppers, and community partners.

  • Oversee market setup and ensure vendors are placed according to the market map.

  • Manage vendor arrivals, absences, and onsite issues, and document key operational notes.

  • Set up and maintain market tents, signage, promotional materials, and other shared market equipment.

  • Administer SNAP/EBT and related nutrition incentive programs with a helpful and customer-friendly approach.

  • Enforce market policies, respond to shopper and vendor concerns, and escalate major issues when needed.

  • Monitor safety, cleanliness, traffic flow, and overall market conditions throughout the day.

  • Collect and record vendor fees and maintain accurate onsite financial documentation.

  • Support breakdown, cleanup, storage runs, inventory organization, and equipment maintenance.

  • Maintain and update market operations and training materials over time.

Marketing, Outreach & Community Engagement

  • Support marketing and promotional efforts for Growing Roots farmers markets through digital and print channels.

  • Update website content, draft newsletters, and create social media content for Instagram and Facebook.

  • Organize photos and other promotional assets for ongoing market storytelling and outreach.

  • Support customer engagement initiatives, including loyalty programs, educational programming, and community partnerships.

  • Build relationships with local businesses, organizations, and community groups to strengthen market visibility and participation.

Special Events Support

  • Provide onsite staffing support for Growing Roots Partners events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals and special programs.

  • Follow event run-of-show documents, anticipate onsite needs, and contribute to smooth event execution.

  • Represent Growing Roots Partners professionally in all interactions with vendors, guests, and partners.

  • Assist with event-related content creation, administrative support, and planning efforts as needed, including support for key annual events such as Good Food Fest.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $18-22/hour commensurate with experience

  • Paid Time Off: 5 days (Year 1), 7 days (Year 2), 10 days (Years 3-5)

  • Paid Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (half day), Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve (half day), New Year’s Day

  • Market Grocery Stipend:

    • $500 annually (Year 1)

    • $750 annually (Year 2)

    • $1,000 annually (Years 3-5)

Required Skills & Abilities

  • Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on operational details

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

  • Strong interpersonal skills and comfort building relationships with vendors, partners, and community members

  • Problem-solving ability and adaptability in a live market environment

  • Ability to balance day-to-day logistics with broader program goals

  • Interest in local food systems, community development, and/or sustainable agriculture

  • Professionalism, reliability, and a positive, proactive approach

Preferred Experience

  • Experience in food and beverage, retail, hospitality, events, or other public-facing operational environments

  • Familiarity with digital marketing, social media content creation, and audience engagement

  • Experience in nonprofit programs, community-based programs, farmers markets, or food systems work is a plus

  • Experience in vendor coordination, community outreach, partnerships, or development is a plus

  • Experience using tools such as Google Workspace, Canva, Slack, Instagram, Facebook, Squarespace or similar website platforms, and basic photo/video editing tools is a plus

  • High school diploma or GED required; additional education, training, or relevant experience is a plus

Working Conditions

  • This is a hybrid role based in Chester County, PA, with regular onsite work at markets, meetings, events, and storage locations

  • Regular weekend work is required. Must be available on nights, early mornings, and weekends in accordance with Growing Roots market schedule

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during market operations and events

  • Ability to lift and transport market equipment and supplies

  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions

  • Reliable transportation and ability to travel independently to market sites, event locations, and storage facilities

Why Work With Us

Growing Roots Farmers Markets offers the opportunity to work directly with farmers, small food businesses, and community partners while helping build a stronger regional food system. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both hands-on event work and mission-driven community engagement.

How to Apply

Please use the link below to submit your application. Applications sent via email will not be considered.