Community Sales Associate at Urban Growers Collective Inc – Chicago, Illinois

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.

This position will be based between our South Chicago (9001 S Mackinaw Ave., Chicago, IL 60617) 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 the Fresh Moves bus or farm stand with fresh produce for daily marketssite visits and interact with customers to sell produce;

• Be friendly and engaging with customers.

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

• Execute organization strategies to maximize sales.

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

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

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

• Maintain clean, organized, and well-inventoried produce coolers;

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

• Drive Fresh Moves 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)

• Customer service experience

• Working knowledge of Square & TOTILPAY POS systems; (preferred)

• Knowledge of produce handling and wholesale and/or retail food operations

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

• Excellent organizational, communication, and follow-through skills

• Produce handling and quality control experience.

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

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

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

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

• REQUIRED: Must have a valid driver's license and the 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 required to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. 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

Part-time, 16-24 hours/week. Position ends 10/24 - Shifts will include:

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

• Weekdays between hours of 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm

• On-call opportunities to cover absences,

Working Locations may include:

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

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

• Locations may vary depending on Fresh Moves Mobile Market

Salary $25.00 per hour.