We’re Hiring!

The Coquitlam Farmers Market invites applications for the Assistant Market Manager position. Reporting to the Market Manager, the Assistant Market Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth onsite operation of our weekly, outdoor farmers markets.

About the Coquitlam Farmers Market:
Coquitlam Farmers Market (CFM) is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization and is one of the longest running suburban farmers markets in the Lower Mainland, our beginnings rooted in a community economic development project initiated by SFU students in 1996.

On Market Day:
• May-October attends weekly Sunday markets (7am-3pm)
• November-April attends weekly Sunday markets (8am-3pm)
• Responsible for the set up and tear down of market site logistics, including: putting up directional
signs in the surrounding community, picking up and returning materials and product from storage,
setting up and taking down tents, tables, banners, and other market day materials.
• Acts as vendor contact when Market Manager is on vacation – loading in vendors, collecting fees,
answer inquiries.
• Manages market information tent and kids’ craft area
• Manages special events at market
• Manages workshop tent on workshop days
• Manages market staff and volunteers, community groups, and entertainers
• Positively handles concerns and queries
• Provides market information to shoppers and vendors
• Positively represents the Coquitlam Farmers Market to the community

Beyond Market Day:
• Organizes activities, and educational initiatives to be held at the market and beyond
• Develops, plans, and implements special events and workshops
• Manages membership program
• Manages volunteer program – including recruitment, scheduling and oversight, and recognition
• Maintains market equipment, including market van, to ensure all is in working order
• Manages and fulfills supply needs for the market, including but not limited to, items for coffee service,
craft materials, workshop supplies, and other miscellaneous items.
• Coordinates and recruits weekly entertainers and community groups
• Maintains CFM website – including event and workshop listings and vendor updates and weekly
activity updates
• Creates social media content including posts, vendor features, and event and workshop listings
• Composes and distributes monthly market newsletter
• Works from home office on projects for the season.

We are looking for someone who:
• Has excellent and creative event planning skills
• Enjoys working in a fast paced environment and being outside in all weather conditions
• Enjoys physical labor and getting their hands dirty
• Has strong time management skills and is detail oriented
• Has excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Is self directed, reliable, responsible, and flexible
• Can lift up to 10kgs of equipment
• Holds a valid BC drivers license with a good driving record and has the ability to drive the market van
to and from market, and store van during the week.

The ideal candidate will also have the following characteristics:
• An interest and/or experience in the local food movement, food security issues, and community • Familiarity with the Tri-Cities area is an asset
• Experience of familiarity with the not-for-profit sector

Terms of Contract:
• This is a salaried, part time position
• 24hrs/wk – $17/hr + 4% vacation pay

Please forward a cover letter and resume, describing how your background/experience meets the above criteria to info@makebakegrow.com.

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Rethinking the 3 R’s

Many of us grew up reciting the 3 R’s in the classroom, that is, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. However, as we have become more aware of our impact on the Earth that model has transformed into a waste hierarchy of 5 R’s to consider before considering disposing of an item into the landfill. (image retrieved from: https://www.nawma.sa.gov.au/education-partnerships/waste-hierarchy/)

Waste Hierarchy Pyramid:

Reduce – This is the best approach, reduce the amount of stuff you buy in the first place so that fewer things need to be recycled or taken to the landfill. Tip: Say no to single-use plastic.

Reuse – Whether it is you finding another use for an item you no longer need, or buying/giving from thrift stores, reusing an item is the next best approach. Tip: Check out the thrift store for that trendy top instead of resorting to fast fashion.

Repair – Instead of automatically throwing something in the recycling or garbage when it breaks, try repairing it first. Tip: You can also try taking it to a repair shop and have a trained professional help.

Recycle – This is level 4 on the hierarchy, as you can see Recycling has been pushed further down the list. Recycling of an item allows new items to be produced from the waste, though this is costly and doesn’t always result in a quality product. Tip: try to reduce, reuse, and repair to avoid the number of things needing to be recycled.

Recovery-  The final R in our hierarchy; this refers to taking the waste and transforming it into energy through processes such as incineration and landfill gas recovery. However, once this energy is used then it can’t be used again, and that is why it is so low on the hierarchy. Tip: since this R is out of your control as a consumer focus on Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle.

Dispose – The last place we want our waste to end up is in the landfill; not only is waste management very expensive for municipalities, but we are also running out of room in landfills (also, landfills can be harmful to the environment!). Tip: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle!)

On Sunday, September 15 our POP Club kids will be learning about reducing waste and doing an activity called Green Bin, Blue Bin, Black Bin. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!