Farm Market Associate Seasonal $16.00 per hour

General Summary

The farm market associate works with the retail manager in all aspects of the farm market operations, customer service and maintenance. Farm market associates are the frontlines of customer service. Farm market associates’ model high quality service keeping customer satisfaction & market presentation as the top priority. Farm market associates maintain a positive attitude, are friendly, enhance the customer’s shopping experience and are reliable.

Essential Job Functions

• provide stellar customer service to all patrons, sell products and merchandise directly to customers.
• ensure customers have a positive and productive experience while in the store by greeting customers, helping when needed, answering questions related to the merchandise / location of product, store policies and sharing the Cape Abilities mission.
• demonstrate upselling techniques to increase store sales.
• maintain the physical upkeeping of the store to assure cleanliness, orderliness and well-stocked presentable displays with signage.
• rotate product on the sales floor to ensure optimal presentation and representation of product. Ensure displays areas are fully stocked, neat, clean and organized. Remove products that are no longer suitable for sale.
• receive and process incoming merchandise and deliveries in an orderly manner according to retail procedures. Ensure that all received merchandise meets or exceeds standards, eg: best/sell by dates; freshness of produce.
• demonstrate a familiarity with POS (point of sale) systems and the ability to learn new technologies.
• work with job coaches to provide job training and mentorship for the individuals we serve.
• serve as mandated reporter for suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC).
• represent the core values of Cape Abilities in all interactions.

Farm Market Associates working with produce are responsible for additional job functions including:

• inspect, rotate, and store produce upon delivery. Immediately report unsatisfactory product to the retail manager.
• set up displays of perishable fruits & vegetables arranging items in an attractive & neat manner.
• make important decisions about the quality of the produce assuring freshness & controlling shrinkage in a timely manner. Track shrinkage.
• understands the processes and specifications related to quality of various types of produce (for example, taste, preparation method or use, seasonality)
• maintain product safety and follow sanitation guidelines by adhering to applicable laws, regulations and policies related to produce quality.
• help customers select specific types of produce by providing product knowledge and handling/preparation tips, (trim, crisp, package, scale) according to established standards.
• assure signage including the item name, price & origin are clearly posted per retail guidelines.
• maintain the produce reserve / cooler areas by dating and rotating all back stock items. Ensure the storage area is neat, clean, organized and condensed daily.
• Clean and sanitize all department equipment, display fixtures, and areas, including the produce cooler and refrigerated display cases. Maintain a clean workplace.

Farm market associates perform a variety of duties (eg: customer service, receiving, pricing, stocking, merchandising, produce, cashiering) that will shift day to day depending on both the needs of the store & the seasonality of the business (eg: working in other areas).

Farm Market Associates must have an ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends & holidays.

Farm Market Associates completes work assignments and priorities by using policies, data, and resources; collaborating with managers, co-workers, customers, and other business partners; identifying priorities, deadlines, and expectations; carrying out tasks; communicating progress and information; determining and recommending ways to address improvement opportunities; and adapting to and learning from change, difficulties, and feedback.

Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of this job.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• May assist with end of day banking procedures
• May assist with agency events
• Performs additional duties, as assigned

Working Conditions/Physical Demands*

• Frequent walking, standing, bending and twisting
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
• Ability to work with sharp instruments/tools
• Exposure to the elements

Competencies

• Leading/Directing Others: Exhibits confidence in self and others; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; lays out work in a fair, well-planned, and organized manner; inspires, motivates, challenges and provides support to others to perform well and fulfill the vision; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others; is a clear communicator.
• Total Quality Management: Is dedicated to providing the highest quality services, which meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers; is committed to continuous improvement through empowerment and performance management; creates a learning environment leading to the most efficient and effective work processes.
• Adaptability: Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; inspires others to be adaptable to change.
• Ethics, Values and Diversity: Promotes an appropriate and effective work environment and strives to ensure that the agency’s core values and beliefs are applied during all circumstances; genuinely cares about people; deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, lifestyle choices and genders; supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; adheres to and promotes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); advocates for the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities to maximize their potential in the programs and communities of their choice.
• Integrity and Trust: Is respectful, truthful, and transparent; keeps confidences; takes ownership and responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
• Problem Solving and Judgment: Probes all useful and constructive sources to find pertinent answers; can analyze issues, identify problems and work toward appropriate solutions; collaborates with others or as part of a team; displays willingness to make decisions; makes timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Oral and Written Communications: Speaks clearly, appropriately and effectively with a diverse group of individuals; is an active listener and gets clarification when necessary; participates constructively in meetings; is able to write clearly and succinctly; is able to communicate clearly in a variety of settings and situations.

Preparation, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior retail or farm market experience preferred.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in both verbal and written form with coworkers and supported individuals and read fluently.
• Valid driver’s license in the state of Massachusetts required.
• Successful completion of all state and Agency mandated trainings required upon hire.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner.
• Ability to teach and model occupational tasks.

Supervisory Responsibility

• No supervisory responsibility.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.