The Backyard Growcery Farmers Market Manager oversees the operations of the Backyard Growcery farmers market (downtown Gloucester's Farmers Market), operating Wednesdays from July 8th
- September 30th, 2:30
- 6:30, at Burnham's Field in Gloucester.
The role includes managing vendor, customer and partner relationships, on-site market logistics, food access programming, marketing coordination, and compliance. This role ensures the market is welcoming, well-run, and impactful, with a varied list of vendors and offerings. When requested, the Farmer's Market Manager offers administrative & programmatic support to ensure seamless organizational operations. This role reports to the Director of Programs & Operations. Key Responsibilities Farmers Market Manager Oversee the weekly operations of the Backyard Growcery, ensuring smooth setup, sales, and breakdown of the market. Maintain strong relationships with local farmers, food purveyors, community organizations and other vendors. Oversee vendor contracts, scheduling, and market placement. Ensure that all market activities comply with local health and safety regulations, as well as any other relevant guidelines or laws. Complete research and development for the Backyard Growcery in relationship to other farmer's markets. Ensure that all market logistics are organized, including layout, equipment setup, signage, and market materials. Foster positive relationships with customers, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Manage the provided Backyard Growery yearly programmatic budget. Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Outreach and the Director of Programs & Operations to execute the Backyard Growcery yearly marketing plan to promote the market, increase foot traffic, and highlight new or special offerings. Including weekly social media posting & engagement, updating and maintaining the Backyard Growcery webpage, creation of signage and promotional materials, and coordinating with local media. Oversee board and committee members and volunteers to assist in day-of operations. Report on the impact of programs, gathering metrics and feedback from vendors and customers to continuously improve services and initiatives. Administrative & Programmatic Support When requested, represent Backyard Growers at community events, collaborating with stakeholders and partner organizations to ensure the success of programmatic initiatives. Provide administrative support as requested by the Executive Director. Provide programmatic support as requested by the Director of Programs & Operations. Required Q ualifications At least 2 years of experience in event coordination, program management, or a related field. Experience in managing or coordinating a farmers market, community-based project, or similar initiatives is highly desirable. Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills. Experience working with diverse populations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable driving a large work van Must submit to a
CORI/SORI
check Must be ServSafe certified (Backyard Growers will manage this process) Passion for local food, sustainability, and community development. Proficiency with Google Drive, Google Suite, Slack and basic budgeting tools (Google Sheets, Excel, etc.). Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of local food systems and urban agriculture. Knowledge of Gloucester's neighborhoods. While there are no specific language requirements, knowledge of and some fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Arabic would be beneficial Physical Demands and Work Environment Ability to lift and move equipment (up to 30 lbs). Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. Benefits & Schedule Mondays 9:30am
- 3:30pm, Wednesdays 11:30am
- 7:30pm, Thursdays 9:30am
- 3:30pm, position available immediately through November 30th, 2026.
Potential for full-year employment based on performance and available program funding Yearly farm credit ($300 value) How to apply Email info@backyardgrowers.org with your resume and a cover letter. Backyard Growers will be accepting applications until this position is filled. Backyard Growers is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Organization summary Backyard Growers' mission is to cultivate healthy, connected, resilient communities and advance food sovereignty by empowering people to grow their own food. We provide resources and support to establish vegetable gardens at homes, housing communities, organizations, and schools, including the management of six community gardens. Founded in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 2010 as a grassroots response to economic hardship during the great recession, the organization began by building backyard gardens for neighbors and has since grown into a community-rooted organization serving Cape Ann. Today, Backyard Growers provides resources and support to establish vegetable gardens at homes, schools, housing communities, and partner organizations, while connecting youth education, community food access, and the local food system. Core programs include Gloucester Public School garden programs and youth education initiatives, community and residential garden programs, and the Backyard Growcery food focused farmers market, all designed to increase access to fresh food, strengthen local food systems, and create spaces where neighbors can connect, learn, and grow together.
Pay:
$29.00 per hour
Work Location:
In person
