Community Liaison

Position: Community Liaison (2)Reports To: Market Manager, Grand Lake Farmers MarketSupervision Requirements: NoneWork Unit: Programs-Farmers MarketsLocation: Grand Lake Farmers Market, Oakland, CA, every Saturday, 7 am to 3 pmHours: Part-time, hourly, non-exempt statusSalary Range: 22-$25 per hourMost new employees will be hired at the beginning of the pay range for their job classification. BACKGROUNDAgricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) is an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Rafael, California. AIM's mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, responsible farmers and producers as part of a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food system. We envision a responsible food and farming system that is environmentally beneficial, economically viable, and socially just. AIM serves 400+ farmers, food purveyors, and artisans from 40 California counties who participate in AIM's Certified Farmers Markets in the cities of Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Point Reyes, San Rafael, and San Francisco. AIM also provides hands-on and virtual education programs to thousands of children and adults, operates a farm audit program, runs a mobile market for older adults and underserved communities, curates a multi-farm produce box program, and operates CalFresh/EBT and Market Match services to create a healthier, equitable food system across the San Francisco Bay Area. DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONAIM embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.JOB SUMMARYAIM seeks a dedicated Community Liaison to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for farmers market customers and vendors at the Grand Lake Farmers Market. The ideal candidate advocates for community safety, excels in communication and conflict resolution, and adeptly de-escalates situations. The Community Liaison acts as a liaison between AIM, market attendees, and vendors, fostering positive interactions, resolving conflicts, and maintaining market harmony. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Conflict Mediation and Safety PreventionMonitor the market area for potential safety hazards.Collaborate with AIM staff to maintain a secure environment.Mediate conflicts between market customers and vendors.Use effective conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate situations. Community EngagementActively engage with market attendees, vendors and the local community.Provide information about vendors, products and market policies.Promote community through activities that encourage attendee interaction.Work with the market team to implement improvements based on feedback.CommunicationCommunicate market rules and regulations to customers and vendors. Report incidents and feedback to the market manager promptly. Participate in regular meetings with Grand Lake Farmers Market staff. Provide exceptional customer service, ensuring attendees feel valued and respected. QUALIFICATIONS Empathy, patience and a passion for working with the public. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of Oakland community dynamics. Proven ability to de-escalate situations under pressure. Availability to work Saturdays from 7 am to 3 pm on-site at the Grand Lake Farmers Market.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience, certifications, or training in conflict mediation, self-defense and de-escalation. Basic knowledge of farmers markets, agriculture, or related fields. Bilingual proficiency in English/Spanish or English/Cantonese. Connections with Oakland and Alameda County community organizations, schools and food/farming entities.PI244506734 Apply