Community Sales Associate - Part Time

Position Summary 

Urban Growers Collective is seeking a passionate and community-driven Sales Associate to support our Market Pathways program. This seasonal position will load and sell produce and plants at our Fresh Moves Mobile Market, Farmstands, and Plant Sales, as well as reconcile end-of-day sales and inventory.

As an extension of the farm, this role will connect community members with fresh produce from our fields and build customer relationships through daily sales interactions. This role will strengthen customer connections to our local food system and enhance their understanding of sustainable agriculture.

Evening and Weekend availability, and a valid drivers license is required. This position will be based between our South Chicago (9001 S Mackinaw) and Z Farm (1001 Glenwood Dyer Rd, Chicago Heights, IL 60411). This is a seasonal position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Market Pathways:

• Load and unload bus or farmstand with fresh produce for daily site visits and interact with customers to sell produce; 

• Be friendly and engaging with customers;

• Working collaboratively with teammates; 

• Communicate with all site-partners or supervisors when arriving on site;

• Assist in informing the surrounding neighborhoods about Fresh Moves, Farmstands, and other UGC Programs;

• Execute organization strategies to maximize sales;

• Conduct quality management and food safe handling of produce and plants;

• Open bank and submit daily sales data; adhering to all organizational financial protocols;

• Conduct quality management of produce;

• Maintain organized, labeled and well merchandised inventory during markets;

• Maintain updated labels and pricing for inventory; and

• Maintain clean, organized and well inventoried produce cooler;

• Share knowledge of locally grown produce; Including nutrition facts and recipes;

• Assist in creative signage to boost  product visibility

• Drive shuttle bus, van and/or Refrigerated Truck to and from partner or delivery sites;

• Work outside in all weather conditions;

• Maintain clean and organized vehicles;

• Represent UGC in a professional, inclusive and respectful way at all times

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Working knowledge of Square & TOTILPAY POS systems; 

• Knowledge of produce handling and wholesale food operations;

• Basic accounting and ability to follow through on cash-handling protocol; 

• Excellent organizational, communication and follow-through skills;

• On time and dependable;

• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries in working with co-workers and teens;

• Ability to think critically and creatively;

• Competency working with communities of color and diverse workplace; experience in dismantling racism and anti-oppression work is preferred;

• Customer service experience;

• Have knowledge of handling produce;

• Ability to problem solve, excellent communication skills, and must work well as a member of a team;

• Communicate individual needs respectfully with colleagues and customers

• Love for the community and passionate about social equity issues with ability to cooperate and communicate with diverse partners, including neighbors, supporters, funders and public officials;

• Willingness to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment, but have the ability to work unsupervised to complete the job;

• Basic familiarity with Google Workspace & GSuite, and/or willingness to learn;

• Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds; and most importantly a

• Passion for food justice, youth development and urban farming.

• REQUIRED: Must have valid Drivers License and ability to operate large vehicles daily

• REQUIRED:  Able to work evenings and weekends

• REQUIRED: Must be able to pass a background check.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions:

• Must be able to work in all weather conditions

• Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds

• Frequent bending, lifting and standing for long periods

• Frequent interaction with customers

• Frequent Driving of large vehicles

• Exposure to varying temperature changes when working in produce cooler

Schedule (IF FIXED)

• Part time, 16-24hrs/week. Position ends 11/1 - Shifts will include:

  • Saturday/Sunday between hours of 8:00-5:00pm

  • Wednesday and Thursday between hours of 4:00-7:00pm

Working Locations may include:

• South Chicago Farm: 9001 S Mackinaw Ave, Chicago IL

• Z Farm: 1001 Glenwood Dyer Rd, Chicago Heights, IL 60411