Farmers Market Assistant

Company Description YLNI Farmers Market, relaunched in 2004 in partnership with the History Center, has grown from 5 vendors to more than 200 each week. The market is proudly producer-only, carefully vetting vendors to ensure all items are handmade or produced by the seller and sourced from Indiana, Michigan, or Ohio. YLNI Farmers Market celebrates the local community by featuring two local musicians every Saturday and supporting young shoppers through the self-funded POP Club, which provides kids ages 2–10 with a $2 token to spend with producer vendors. Visitors can enjoy food and beverages such as Bloody Marys, beer, or cider at Brunch on Barr, while shopping for a wide range of local goods at the market.

Now Hiring: Farmers Market Operations Intern (Paid)

Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) is seeking a motivated college student to join our team as a Farmers Market Assistant This position ($15/hour) offers hands-on experience in nonprofit management, event operations, community engagement, marketing, and vendor relations while supporting one of Fort Wayne's premier community farmers markets.

The intern will work alongside the Farmers Market Manager to help coordinate weekly market operations, support vendors and volunteers, assist with special events, create marketing content, and contribute to projects that strengthen the market and community.

This opportunity is ideal for students pursuing degrees in nonprofit management, business, communications, marketing, event management, hospitality, public administration, recreation, agriculture, or related fields. Flexible weekday hours are scheduled around academic commitments, with required availability on Saturdays during market season.

What You'll Gain:

Paid internship at $15/hour

Professional mentorship from nonprofit leaders

Experience in event planning, community engagement, and nonprofit operations

Opportunities to build your résumé and professional portfolio

Potential to earn academic internship credit through your college or university

If you're passionate about community engagement, local food systems, and creating memorable experiences for others, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today and help make the YLNI Farmers Market a welcoming destination for our community.

Position Title: Farmers Market Assistant

Organization: Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI)

Reports To: Farmers Market Manager 

Compensation: $15.00/hour

Schedule: Approximately 10–15 hours per week, including Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. during market season and occasional flexible weekday hours scheduled around academic commitments.

LOCATION: 

This position is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a hybrid work arrangement. While in-person attendance is required for market days, meetings, and special events, many administrative and planning responsibilities may be completed remotely.

Internship Overview

Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Farmers Market Operations Intern to support the planning and operation of the YLNI Farmers Market. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit management, event operations, community engagement, marketing, and vendor relations.

The intern will work closely with the Farmers Market Manager and other YLNI staff to help create a vibrant, welcoming experience for vendors, visitors, volunteers, and community partners. This internship is ideal for students interested in nonprofit leadership, event management, communications, marketing, business, hospitality, recreation, public administration, or related fields.

YLNI is happy to collaborate with colleges and universities to support academic internship credit when applicable.

Learning Opportunities

Throughout the internship, the selected student will gain practical experience in:

• Event planning and operations
• Nonprofit administration
• Community engagement
• Vendor and stakeholder relations
• Volunteer leadership
• Marketing and social media content creation
• Project coordination
• Professional communication
• Problem-solving in a live event environment
• Organizational planning and logistics

Key Responsibilities

Market Operations & Logistics

• Assist with weekly market setup and teardown, including tents, tables, signage, and vendor placement.
• Welcome vendors during check-in and assist with booth setup and operational questions.
• Help ensure smooth market operations throughout the day.
• Monitor market grounds for safety, cleanliness, and organization.
• Assist with merchandise sales and special market activities.
• Identify operational improvements and share ideas with the Farmers Market Manager.

Community Engagement & Volunteer Support

• Assist in coordinating and supporting volunteers during market operations.
• Serve as a welcoming and professional point of contact for vendors, customers, and community members.
• Help distribute market information, maps, and promotional materials.
• Escalate vendor or customer concerns to the Farmers Market Manager as appropriate.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for all visitors.

Administrative & Project Support

• Assist with attendance tracking, inventory management, and preparation of weekly market materials.
• Help review vendor applications according to established market guidelines.
• Maintain vendor lists, schedules, and operational documentation.
• Research and apply for free marketing and advertising opportunities.
• Assist with planning seasonal events, themed markets, and special initiatives.
• Participate in the Farmers Market Committee and other YLNI meetings as staff support when requested.
• Assist with collecting market data and preparing reports to evaluate market success.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the YLNI Farmers Market.

Marketing & Communications

• Capture photos and short-form videos during market events.
• Collaborate with the Events & Communications Coordinator to develop engaging social media content.
• Follow YLNI branding standards and photo consent guidelines.
• Help promote upcoming markets, vendors, and community events through digital channels.

Professional Development

As an intern, you will receive:

• One-on-one mentorship from the Farmers Market Manager.
• Regular coaching and constructive feedback.
• Exposure to nonprofit leadership and board governance.
• Opportunities to network with local business owners, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and community partners.
• Experience managing projects that strengthen your professional portfolio and résumé.

Required Qualifications

• Current college student or recent graduate preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Dependable, professional, and self-motivated.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Passion for community engagement and serving the public.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Availability to work Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during market season and occasional flexible weekday hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, marketing, hospitality, event management, public administration, recreation, agriculture, or a related field.
• Experience through campus organizations, volunteer work, customer service, or event support.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.
• Experience using Canva or social media platforms is a plus.
• Interest in supporting local food systems, entrepreneurs, and community development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, interns, volunteers, vendors, and community members.