Summer 2017 Seacoast Eat Local Stipended Position: SNAP Services Ambassador
Join the Seacoast Eat Local team for the 2017 Market Season and help us make healthy, local foods accessible to all individuals!
This is a seasonal, stipended position from May 22, 2017-November 6, 2017 which is geared towards an immediate post-graduate or individual seeking part-time, temporary work. The position is 30 hours per week, with hours that will reflect farmers’ market schedules, and will include Saturdays and Sundays.
Background: Seacoast Eat Local is a non-profit organization focusing on expanding the accessibility of local foods to all people throughout the greater Seacoast. Over the past 4 years, SEL has expanded SNAP acceptance services at farmers’ markets. Colloquially known as food stamps, SNAP benefits are accepted at farmers’ markets SEL coordinates with, and SNAP customers are able to take advantage of two different incentive programs to help extend their ability to purchase local foods at farmers’ markets. Extensive information on our history and programs can be found on our website: www.seacoasteatlocal.org.
This is a young, dynamic organization with lots of potential for autonomy and growth. The staff person for this position will be part of a high-energy team and expected to be strongly self-motivated and independent. All ideas and initiatives will be open for discussion and this could be an exceptional learning opportunity for a young professional to spread their wings!
Qualifications:
This position is geared towards an immediate post-graduate, although all applicants will be considered equally. Candidates must have strong verbal skills, attention to detail and be comfortable in public and retail settings. A background in agriculture, nutrition or human services is preferred. Applicants must have access to a working vehicle and should be able to lift up to 50lbs and be willing to transport market supplies in their vehicle.
Position Description: This is a 30 hour/week position providing SNAP services and incentives programs at participating summer markets. The staff person will be responsible for attending participating summer markets at various locations throughout our service region over the duration of the market season. They are ‘the face’ of our services at markets and must be able to build strong, mutually respectful relationships with vendors, volunteers, market managers and SNAP recipients. They should be friendly and welcoming of all individuals and able to answer, with training, questions about SNAP participation. This staff person will run all SNAP transactions, provide market incentives, keep records regarding vendor reimbursement and follow protocol surrounding data tracking for SNAP/USDA guidelines. Attention to detail and record keeping skills are a necessity.
Hours and Compensation: This is a 30 hr/week, short term position, but commitment to the position through November 4 is required. The vast majority of hours will be completed at markets, located across our service region from Exeter, NH to Kittery, ME. A flexible schedule is a must, as most markets extend into the evening hours or are held on weekends. However, hours will remain consistent from week-to-week once set. A smaller portion of hours will be spent performing record keeping and market outreach.
The total paid compensation for this position will be $7,300, or $10.00 per hour. An additional $200 in market dollars will be provided.
To Apply: To apply for this position, please send a resume, cover letter and two contacts for reference to Jillian Hall, Seacoast Eat Local Director of Programs, at [email protected]. The priority application date for this position is May 1, 2017. Applicants should expect to interview in person, in Dover, at least once.