We're looking for a new Market Manager

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JOB POSTING 

Organization: Powell River Farmers’ Market
Role: Market Manager
Hours of Work: Year-round part-time | 15–30 hours per week, including weekends (Sundays year-round; Saturdays May–September)
Compensation: $25–$30 per hour, depending on experience
Location: Paradise Exhibition Grounds
4365 McLeod Road, Powell River, BC V8A 0T1
Start Date: March 15, 2026
Application Deadline: NOON, February 28, 2026

The Powell River Farmers’ Market operates under the Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute (PRFAI) in the qathet Regional District. It is the longest-running farmers’ market in the region and has operated at its current location since 1987.

The market provides space for over 75 farmers, food processors, and artisans who make, bake, grow, or wild-harvest their products. It also offers young entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their crafts on Sundays during the summer season. During the winter months, the market operates on Sundays under the cover of a Quonset hut. In the summer, the market operates outdoors and features vendor booths, live music, Sunday Train Rides, and community partnerships, including Storytime with the Library and outreach opportunities for other non-profit organizations.

The Powell River Farmers’ Market is a proud member of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets(BCAFM) and participates in the BCAFM Nutrition Coupon Program giving low income families and seniors access to fresh local food.

About the Role: Market Manager

Reporting to the Market Committee and the PRFAI Board, the Market Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the weekly farmers’ market. The Market Manager acts as an ambassador for the market and represents it within the broader community.

This role includes operational, administrative, financial, and communication responsibilities. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and numerical proficiency, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. A commitment to the local food movement, a professional and approachable manner, and reliability are essential to success in this role.

Full training will be provided and ongoing professional development through workshops and courses is available.

Responsibilities

Operational Market Management

  • Attend and manage all weekly markets

  • Fill in for the Vendor Coordinator as required (breaks, sick days, and vacation)

  • Enforce vendor rules and regulations, including tracking infractions and fines

  • Maintain positive and professional relationships with vendors and address conflicts as they arise

  • Liaise with community partners and the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets

Organizational Administration

  • Plan and coordinate activities throughout the season, including recruiting musical performers and non-profit or community groups

  • Collect, review, and process vendor applications

  • Maintain accurate records of vendors, community groups, and musicians

  • Manage permits, promotions, on-site management, and fiscal reconciliation with the bookkeeper

  • Work closely with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to understand and comply with food safety regulations

  • Act as scribe during quarterly Market Committee meetings, including preparation and distribution of agendas, minutes, and reports

  • Prepare and present annual reports to the PRFAI Board of Directors

  • Recruit, train, and coordinate seasonal contractors

Financial Administration

  • Collaborate with the Market Committee to develop and manage the market budget

  • Track expenditures throughout the season to ensure adherence to approved budgets

  • Manage vendor fees and issue annual sales receipts

  • Oversee financial records in coordination with the bookkeeper

  • Make bank deposits and reconcile weekly cash income with vendor sales reports

Marketing and Communications

  • Respond to email inquiries and maintain regular communication with vendors, partners, and the community

  • Plan and execute social media strategies and manage website administration

  • Develop and support marketing and partnership initiatives

  • Maintain relationships with other market managers and the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets

Experience

  • Minimum of five years of experience in a similar or related role preferred

  • Education or experience in management, community-building, communications, or related disciplines

  • Strong interest in and knowledge of farmers’ markets and the local food sector in BC

  • Foodsafe or Marketsafe certification encouraged

Knowledge, Skills, and Capacities

  • Demonstrated leadership skills to manage contractors and vendor relationships

  • Strong time-management skills to schedule and track workloads for the manager and contractors

  • Sound decision-making skills, including the ability to assess issues, evaluate information, and determine appropriate solutions

  • Analytical and problem-solving skills to synthesize information and collaborate with the Market Committee

  • Strong listening and reading comprehension skills to interpret policies, programs, and partnership agreements

  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to provide clear instructions, address concerns, and convey information to vendors and the public

  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, participate in on-site monthly work parties, and lift up to 40 lbs

  • General hands-on problem-solving ability to address minor on-site issues related to plumbing, septic, electrical, or carpentry

  • Valid BC driver’s licence and reliable transportation to and from the market

Additional Assets

  • Familiarity with the Powell River region

  • Experience or familiarity with the not-for-profit sector

  • Knowledge of non-profit governance and policies related to farmers’ markets

Deadline and How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining how your experience and background meet the above criteria in PDF format by NOON, March 13, 2026, to powellriverfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Please include “Market Manager Application” in the subject line.

Interviews may be conducted during the recruitment period. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Powell River Farmers’ Market values equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

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