Job Description

Site Manager - Duncan Farmers' Market

The Duncan Farmers' Market (DFM) is located in historic downtown Duncan in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Every Saturday, year-round, you will find a sea of tents in the market square on Craig Street and down Ingram Street under which more than 100 vendors sell their wares. As a true farmers' market, we give priority to farmers and growers, and we also play host to an amazing array of local artisans and makers offering the unique and unusual.

We aim to create a welcoming and inviting event where the best of what's local, creative, and community-focused can thrive.

Position Summary

The Site Manager works in close collaboration with Market Assistants and the Market Director to ensure smooth, safe, and professional market-day operations. This role is highly team-oriented: while the Site Manager serves as the main point of accountability for site operations, the work is shared across the team. The Market Director routinely checks in on-site to support problem-solving, alleviate stressful situations, and assist as needed. Tasks are delegated as needed among the Site Manager, Market Assistants, and Market Director, reflecting the market's commitment to teamwork and shared responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Site Operations

Oversee and participate in market set-up and tear-down with Market Assistants. Coordinate site maintenance needs (e.g., snow removal, minor incidents), in consultation with the Market Director. Assist with management of musicians and on-site performers. Operate the Market Information Tent collaboratively with Market Assistants, providing services and support to vendors and customers. Provide excellent customer service to market visitors.

Staff Guidance & Rules Enforcement

Provide on-site guidance to Market Assistants throughout market operations. Assist with enforcement of rules and procedures as needed. The Site Manager has authority to enforce market rules and address vendor non-compliance immediately, including advising vendors to correct issues or ordering them to leave in accordance with governing procedures. Decisions made by the Site Manager are backed by the Market Director, who will step in if a situation escalates or becomes too heated, ensuring issues are resolved without overburdening the Site Manager. Provide on-the-ground feedback to the Market Director to inform staff annual reviews, as requested. Formal performance management and staff evaluations are handled by the Market Director. Both the Market Director and Site Manager share responsibility for training new staff -- the Site Manager provides training if time allows, and the Market Director ensures coverage as needed.

Vendor & Financial Support (Team-Based)

Collaboratively provide on-site vendor support, fee collection, and promotions with Market Assistants and the Market Director. Support collection and reconciliation of vendor fees and preparing deposits, as directed. Sell and redeem gift certificates. Help coordinate the BC Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program on-site.

Communications & Reporting

Respond politely and firmly to vendor or customer issues as they arise. Report operational issues, incidents, or vendor non-compliance to the Market Director -- in person, by phone/text if urgent, or in the daily communications binder. The Market Director reviews and determines long-term solutions, equipment or material needs, or procedural updates as applicable. The Site Manager contributes input to develop appropriate solutions.

Qualifications

Strong skill in delegating tasks effectively to Market Assistants or the Market Director as needed. Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills. Ability to remain calm and professional in a busy outdoor environment. Physically able to participate in market set-up and tear-down (lifting, carrying, tent assembly). Comfortable handling cash and basic reconciliations. Previous experience in events, markets, or customer service an asset.

Schedule & Compensation

Year-round, Saturdays:

o Spring/Summer: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

o Fall/Winter: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Occasional Friday evening work for signage placement may be required for local candidates; this is not mandatory for applicants from outside the Duncan area. Compensation:

$23.08 - $24.52/hour plus vacation pay

. Year-round position. Initial

temporary contract until end of 2025

, with possibility of extension.

Immediate start available.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in this role to info@duncanfarmersmarket.ca

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 2.5 months

Pay: $23.08-$24.52 per hour

Expected hours: 7 - 9 per week

Work Location: In person