Farmer & Producer Engagement Coordinator Mill Street Market Farm Stop & Cafe, L3C — Hastings, Michigan Full-Time | Hourly Mill Street Market is looking for a Farmer & Producer Engagement Coordinator to help build and support the network of local farmers, growers, food producers, makers, and vendors who supply our Farm Stop. This is a relationship-focused position for someone who enjoys connecting with people, learning about what they grow and make, and helping local producers find opportunities to reach more customers. A major focus of this role will be recruiting and supporting local farmers and food producers, particularly those providing fresh, locally grown produce. What You'll Do Build Relationships with Farmers & Producers Identify and connect with farmers, growers, food producers, and makers throughout Barry County and surrounding communities. Recruit new producers to sell through Mill Street Market. Develop ongoing relationships with participating farmers and vendors. Serve as a regular point of contact for producers. Learn what our farmers grow and our producers make—and help connect those products with our community. Coordinate Local & Seasonal Products Stay connected with farmers about seasonal availability and upcoming harvests. Help identify products the Farm Stop needs and opportunities to expand our local offerings. Communicate with producers about availability, deliveries, pricing, and market needs. Help feature seasonal products, local farms, and new producers. Help Producers Get Started Guide new farmers and producers through the vendor onboarding process. Collect product, pricing, delivery, and other needed information. Help vendors understand Mill Street Market procedures and systems. Make the process of becoming a Mill Street Market producer approachable and supportive. Be Part of the Market & Community Help share farmer and producer stories with our staff and customers. Assist with farmer meetings, tastings, events, and producer activities. Attend local agriculture, food, and community events when appropriate. Provide support within the Farm Stop, particularly with produce and locally produced products. We're Looking for Someone Who Has a strong interest in local food, agriculture, farmers, and small food businesses. Is comfortable reaching out to new people and building relationships. Has strong communication and follow-through skills. Is organized and able to manage multiple relationships and conversations at once. Can work independently while being part of a collaborative team. Is comfortable using email, spreadsheets, and basic technology. Has a valid driver's license and can travel locally for farm visits and producer outreach. Experience with agriculture, produce, farmers markets, grocery retail, food production, or local food systems ishelpful, but not required. Physical & Scheduling Requirements This position includes working in a grocery and food-service environment and may involve standing, walking, bending, and helping move products. Candidates should be able to lift approximately 40 pounds. Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours may be needed for farm visits, deliveries, producer activities, or events. Benefits Benefits package Paid time off Professional development opportunities Why This Role Matters Mill Street Market is being built around the belief that stronger connections between local producers and local consumers strengthen our entire community. Success in this role means our farmers and producers feel welcome, supported, and connected; our Farm Stop continues to build a strong network of local suppliers; and our customers have access to an expanding variety of fresh, locally grown and produced food. At its core, this job is about relationships, getting to know our farmers and producers, understanding what they grow and make, and helping bring their products to our community. Apply through Indeed to join the Mill Street Market team.

Pay:

$20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Application Question(s): Are you comfortable reaching out to farmers, growers, food producers, and other potential vendors who may not already know Mill Street Market? Briefly describe any experience you have building relationships with farmers, vendors, small businesses, customers, or community partners. This role involves contacting new farmers and producers, following up consistently, and developing relationships over time. What about that type of work appeals to you? How comfortable are you managing multiple contacts, follow-ups, product information, and deadlines at the same time? Are you comfortable using email, spreadsheets, and basic computer systems to track producer information and follow-up? Why are you interested in working with local farmers and food producers through Mill Street Market?

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Hastings, MI (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person