Farmers Market Manager-in-Training
Farms In The Heights, Jersey City, NJ, United States
The Riverview Farmers Market, located in the Heights neighborhood of Jersey City, is preparing for its sixteenth season and is seeking a motivated, professional, and dedicated Market Manager to join our team.
The market operates every Sunday from
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM , beginning on the
first Sunday in May (5/3)
and continuing through the Sunday before Thanksgiving in November (11/22). Market staff are expected to be present from
7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
each Sunday to oversee market setup and breakdown. There is an additional Holiday Market that takes place on a Saturday in December (12/5/26) – the Manager-in-Training is expected to be present for that event date as well.
Each week the market hosts
anywhere from 40 to 60 vendors , as well as local musicians, free arts programming, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of food access initiatives.
About the Position We are seeking to hire a
Manager-in-Training
who will work alongside the current Market Manager during a transitional period prior to the current manager’s departure.
The Manager-in-Training will oversee a team of Assistant Managers responsible for the setup and breakdown of market equipment and infrastructure. The role also includes managing vendor relationships, overseeing day‑of market operations and flow, enforcing health and safety regulations, administering SNAP/EBT benefits, and addressing operational issues as they arise.
The Manager-in-Training will serve as the primary liaison between market vendors and the
Jersey City Health Department . Several training sessions will be conducted prior to the start of the market season in May to familiarize the selected candidate with the market’s programs and procedures.
The Manager-in-Training will report primarily to the
President of Farms in the Heights , the nonprofit organization that operates the Riverview Farmers Market, and will be responsible for supporting the success of the market, its vendors, programs, and business operations.
The Manager-in-Training will work with our bookkeeping to ensure processing of payroll and vendor payments.
Organization Mission and Market Vision In all responsibilities, the Market Manager (Manager-in-Training) must be committed to advancing the mission of Farms in the Heights and supporting the vision for the Riverview Farmers Market.
Mission To provide access to local food systems, strengthen the local economy, and promote environmental stewardship for the benefit of all members of the Jersey City Heights community.
Vision To operate a community‑supported, thriving, producer‑focused farmers market offering a wide range of vendors and products that serve the entire community while particularly supporting small, local family farmers.
Job Responsibilities
Manage weekly market operations from
9:00 AM vendor setup through 3:00 PM vendor breakdown , with additional hours as required on special event days (on‑site hours are 7:30AM - 3:30PM)
Ensure vendor compliance with Farms in the Heights bylaws and Jersey City ordinances
Review and enforce the Riverview Farmers Market Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct
Foster positive relationships with vendors, customers, and community members
Assist in coordinating market activities, including purchasing and maintaining necessary supplies and conducting periodic inventory organization
Ensure all daily market setup and shutdown protocols are followed
Collect vendor stall fees and maintain accurate accounting records
Ensure the market grounds are left clean and orderly after vendors depart
Maintain regular communication with the Farms in the Heights Board President and board members as needed
Mediate disputes between vendors and/or customers when necessary
Respond to and manage emergencies in accordance with established protocols
Ensure all market staff wear Riverview Farmers Market apparel each Sunday
Attend monthly meetings with the Farms in the Heights Board President regarding market operations and job performance
Attend or facilitate monthly check‑ins with market vendors during the market season
Assist in hiring Assistant Market Managers, including managing job postings and conducting interviews
Supervise market assistants and volunteers recruited by the board
Oversee the SNAP/EBT token program and maintain required grant compliance documentation
Coordinate market events organized by the Farms in the Heights Board in collaboration with staff and other market personnel
Perform other duties as assigned
Position Requirements Education:
Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant management experience.
Experience:
Minimum of
two years of people management experience , including personnel supervision, operational oversight, and budget responsibilities
Minimum of
four years of applicable work experience , e.g. with the public in retail, community programming, or other customer service environments
Upon hiring, the selected candidate must complete the
ServSafe Food Manager Certification .
This role requires the ability to:
Lift and move equipment weighing
up to 50 pounds
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Remain on your feet for extended periods
Move throughout the park to install equipment (including bending or crouching)
Visually inspect vendor inventory and setups for compliance
Complete tasks in a noisy and active outdoor environment
Follow established operational protocols and respond promptly to issues
Additional requirements include:
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States
Professional‑level proficiency in spoken and written English
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build effective relationships with staff, vendors, contractors, and the public
Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities
Exceptional attention to detail
Quick to learn new technologies and interfaces
Intermediate proficiency of
Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive
Preferred Qualifications
Passion for local food systems, nutrition, health, and wellness
Advanced knowledge of QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, or Google Workspace
Experience with grant accounting and grant management
Interest in sustainable agriculture
Access to a personal vehicle
Conversational‑level proficiency in Spanish
Reliable access to a computer and printer/scanner
The Market Manager position pays
$24.00–$28.00 per hour , depending on experience and qualifications.
The manager will oversee each market day during the season ( 30 Sundays in the 2026 season ). The expected duration of a market day is 7-8 hours of work. In addition, the manager‑in‑training will be compensated at the same hourly rate for program support, grant management, and other administrative activities outside of market hours, estimated at
approximately 3–6 hours per week .
Upon becoming a full Manager, the hourly management outside of Sunday market hours will increase to
10-12 hours per week . Anticipated hourly work for the full year, for a full manager, can range between 400-600 hours.
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The market operates every Sunday from
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM , beginning on the
first Sunday in May (5/3)
and continuing through the Sunday before Thanksgiving in November (11/22). Market staff are expected to be present from
7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
each Sunday to oversee market setup and breakdown. There is an additional Holiday Market that takes place on a Saturday in December (12/5/26) – the Manager-in-Training is expected to be present for that event date as well.
Each week the market hosts
anywhere from 40 to 60 vendors , as well as local musicians, free arts programming, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of food access initiatives.
About the Position We are seeking to hire a
Manager-in-Training
who will work alongside the current Market Manager during a transitional period prior to the current manager’s departure.
The Manager-in-Training will oversee a team of Assistant Managers responsible for the setup and breakdown of market equipment and infrastructure. The role also includes managing vendor relationships, overseeing day‑of market operations and flow, enforcing health and safety regulations, administering SNAP/EBT benefits, and addressing operational issues as they arise.
The Manager-in-Training will serve as the primary liaison between market vendors and the
Jersey City Health Department . Several training sessions will be conducted prior to the start of the market season in May to familiarize the selected candidate with the market’s programs and procedures.
The Manager-in-Training will report primarily to the
President of Farms in the Heights , the nonprofit organization that operates the Riverview Farmers Market, and will be responsible for supporting the success of the market, its vendors, programs, and business operations.
The Manager-in-Training will work with our bookkeeping to ensure processing of payroll and vendor payments.
Organization Mission and Market Vision In all responsibilities, the Market Manager (Manager-in-Training) must be committed to advancing the mission of Farms in the Heights and supporting the vision for the Riverview Farmers Market.
Mission To provide access to local food systems, strengthen the local economy, and promote environmental stewardship for the benefit of all members of the Jersey City Heights community.
Vision To operate a community‑supported, thriving, producer‑focused farmers market offering a wide range of vendors and products that serve the entire community while particularly supporting small, local family farmers.
Job Responsibilities
Manage weekly market operations from
9:00 AM vendor setup through 3:00 PM vendor breakdown , with additional hours as required on special event days (on‑site hours are 7:30AM - 3:30PM)
Ensure vendor compliance with Farms in the Heights bylaws and Jersey City ordinances
Review and enforce the Riverview Farmers Market Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct
Foster positive relationships with vendors, customers, and community members
Assist in coordinating market activities, including purchasing and maintaining necessary supplies and conducting periodic inventory organization
Ensure all daily market setup and shutdown protocols are followed
Collect vendor stall fees and maintain accurate accounting records
Ensure the market grounds are left clean and orderly after vendors depart
Maintain regular communication with the Farms in the Heights Board President and board members as needed
Mediate disputes between vendors and/or customers when necessary
Respond to and manage emergencies in accordance with established protocols
Ensure all market staff wear Riverview Farmers Market apparel each Sunday
Attend monthly meetings with the Farms in the Heights Board President regarding market operations and job performance
Attend or facilitate monthly check‑ins with market vendors during the market season
Assist in hiring Assistant Market Managers, including managing job postings and conducting interviews
Supervise market assistants and volunteers recruited by the board
Oversee the SNAP/EBT token program and maintain required grant compliance documentation
Coordinate market events organized by the Farms in the Heights Board in collaboration with staff and other market personnel
Perform other duties as assigned
Position Requirements Education:
Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant management experience.
Experience:
Minimum of
two years of people management experience , including personnel supervision, operational oversight, and budget responsibilities
Minimum of
four years of applicable work experience , e.g. with the public in retail, community programming, or other customer service environments
Upon hiring, the selected candidate must complete the
ServSafe Food Manager Certification .
This role requires the ability to:
Lift and move equipment weighing
up to 50 pounds
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Remain on your feet for extended periods
Move throughout the park to install equipment (including bending or crouching)
Visually inspect vendor inventory and setups for compliance
Complete tasks in a noisy and active outdoor environment
Follow established operational protocols and respond promptly to issues
Additional requirements include:
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States
Professional‑level proficiency in spoken and written English
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build effective relationships with staff, vendors, contractors, and the public
Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities
Exceptional attention to detail
Quick to learn new technologies and interfaces
Intermediate proficiency of
Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive
Preferred Qualifications
Passion for local food systems, nutrition, health, and wellness
Advanced knowledge of QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, or Google Workspace
Experience with grant accounting and grant management
Interest in sustainable agriculture
Access to a personal vehicle
Conversational‑level proficiency in Spanish
Reliable access to a computer and printer/scanner
The Market Manager position pays
$24.00–$28.00 per hour , depending on experience and qualifications.
The manager will oversee each market day during the season ( 30 Sundays in the 2026 season ). The expected duration of a market day is 7-8 hours of work. In addition, the manager‑in‑training will be compensated at the same hourly rate for program support, grant management, and other administrative activities outside of market hours, estimated at
approximately 3–6 hours per week .
Upon becoming a full Manager, the hourly management outside of Sunday market hours will increase to
10-12 hours per week . Anticipated hourly work for the full year, for a full manager, can range between 400-600 hours.
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