Market Assistant 

Elawa Farm is a historic, non-profit farm located in Lake Forest, Illinois.  Elawa Farm Foundation’s mission is to steward a historic farm that enriches greater Lake County as a center for experiential learning to broaden access to education, nutritious food, and our local food system. We gather community through food and agriculture with a sustainable farm, weekly market, learning kitchen, and educational programming for youth and adults. 

Elawa Farm Foundation is seeking a part-time, seasonal Market Assistant to support the Market Manager in operating the weekly Garden Market. The Market is held every Friday and Saturday from 8:00 to 1:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 2:00 from mid-May through late October. The Market features produce from Elawa Farm and local farms, food products from the kitchen and local vendors, artisan products, and garden-themed merchandise.

 Responsibilities

·      Assist Market Manager in the merchandising and pricing of products. Includes arranging products in the market area in an attractive manner.

·      Operate the register (using Square point-of-sale system) to run customer transactions and bag purchased items for customers.

·      Greet market customers in a friendly manner, answer questions, and provide details on market products.

·      Re-stock the market with merchandise before, during, and after the market.

·      Work with Elawa team, including Garden and Kitchen staff, to communicate information about their products and re-stock, as needed.

·      Assist the Elawa team with organizing and clearing the market area for special events, as needed.

·      Provide with an excellent customer service and hospitality.  

 Qualifications

·      1-2 years of experience in a retail, farmers market, hospitality, or related environment

·      Exemplary customer service and interpersonal skills

·      Strong visual aesthetic to merchandise in an attractive manner and align with Elawa Farm Foundation’s branding

·      Friendly and helpful disposition, knowing when to give space to customer and provide helpful information to ‘soft sell’ products

Physical Requirements

·      Frequently moves boxes of up to 25 lbs. to unpack, store, and merchandise market products.

·      Ascends and descends basement stairs to store and retrieve merchandise on a weekly basis.

·      Operates an electronic point-of-sale system and device as a register during the market.

·      Remains stationery at cash register for periods of time, while also moving about market area to assist customers and stock shelves.

·      The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

·      Comfort with working in seasonal weather conditions. Garden Market is in an enclosed space with a roof but does not have heating or cooling.

 Status: This position is part-time, seasonal, and at-will. 

Compensation: $15/hour for approximately 20 hours/week during Garden Market season. This position is eligible for a staff discount on our market offerings.

Schedule: This position is employed from April – early December for Garden Market season and Holiday Market. Must be available to work Thursdays – Sunday throughout the Garden Market season.

Reports to: Market Manager

Equal Opportunity Statement: Elawa Farm Foundation does not discriminate in the selection of its staff on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, income, marital status, or any other dimension of identity. 

Application Deadline: Please send resume and cover letter to Market Manager, Gaby Griffeth, at ggriffeth@elawafarm.org by April 16th.

Application Deadline:

Please send resume and cover letter to Market Manager, Gaby Griffeth, at ggriffeth@elawafarm.org by April 16th.