The Vashon Island Farmers Market operates from mid March through mid December. The Market Manager is responsible for the operation of the Farmers Market. This is a seasonal position, March-December, requiring approximately 10 hours/week with additional hours if the Wednesday Farmers Market is open (mid-July mid-October).

The key responsibilities of the Vashon Farmers Market Manager include:

At the Market:

• Manage existing vendors
• Secure necessary licenses and permits
• Assign vendor space following Vendor Guidelines
• Set up Market signs, market and music tents and equipment
• Ensure market looks attractive and welcoming
• Ensure compliance with Market and Vashon Park District rules - vendors and public
• Resolve problems with vendors, customers, public in a thoughtful, effective way
• Be a visible, welcoming presence thru-out market 'day'
• Hand out and collect vendor envelopes at end of day
• Remain on site until all vendors are gone and area is cleaned up

• Maintain records of market expenses and income
• Ensure all vendors have completed required forms, including copies of all required permits, licenses and insurance prior to selling at market and retain such records on site
• Maintain market records of attendance, market sales, table fees by vendor type, weather, temperature log, any written communication with vendors or customers
• Prepare monthly market reports for Board and Market Committee

Vendor and Customer Relations:

• Recruit new vendors and maintain current vendors
• Develop positive relationships with vendors and customers
• Invite, listen to and use input from vendors and others to improve the market
• Communicate with vendors and customers re: market rules, changes, etc.
• Arrange for jurying of new craft vendors
• Assist with Vendor Training

VIGA relationships

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with VIGA Board and Market Committee
• Work with Market Committee to improve market
• Provide information about what vendors and products are coming to the market on a weekly basis for promotional efforts
• Attend Board and Market Committee meetings to report on Market operations

Knowledge and Skills required:

• Excellent communication skills:
• The manager will need to be in communication with many different types of people: vendors, customers, VIGA Board members, Market Committee members, downtown business people, various community groups and members.
• S/he must be able to relate well with others, feel comfortable addressing groups, resolve conflicts effectively and create a welcoming environment at the Market.
• Strong Leadership Skills:
• The Market Manager must be able to make quick, sound decisions that are best for the market.
• S/he must ask for feedback and act on this to improve market operations. S/he must remain fair when managing conflict between vendors and/or customers.
• Organizing Skills:
• The manager must keep records, comply with regulations, ensure all vendors comply with required regulations and keep track of people and market sales.
• Must be proficient using Excel.
• Knowledge of Farmers Market Management:
• Will need experience, or the ability to quickly gain an understanding of the rules and requirements of the Farmers Market.
• Good Community Connections:
• The manager must develop and maintain a positive relationship with the Vashon community and know how to get support for the market
• Commitment:
• The manager must be committed to the Farmers Market and believe in the value of fresh, locally grown food, locally produced crafts and direct marketing.
• S/he must also be committed to the goals of the Vashon Island Growers Association, which is to promote local agriculture through education and the Farmers Market.