Coordinator - Farm 2 U Market

Job Overview

Reporting to the Agriculture Programming Director, the Farm 2 U Market Coordinator will plan, develop, establish, and manage the "Farmstand Finds Market" within the Farm 2 U Exhibit at the San Diego County Fair. The position will oversee the market from initial planning and vendor recruitment through daily operations, product sales, customer service, and post-event vendor settlements. The Coordinator will work closely with Fair departments, local agricultural producers, artisans, vendors, and temporary staff to create an engaging retail and educational experience that highlights products connected to San Diego County, Southern California, and California agriculture. The Coordinator helps ensure a wellorganized, engaging, and welcoming experience for all participants through strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and manage a project timeline covering vendor recruitment, contracting, product delivery, market setup, daily operations, settlement, and return of unsold merchandise.
• Collaborate with Farm 2 U Coordinators and Agricultural Programs staff to recruit local and regional farmers, food producers, artisans, and other vendors and select products that support the educational mission of the exhibit.
• In conjunction with the Concessions Department, develop and administer vendor applications and contracts outlining consignment terms, participation fees, insurance requirements, seller's permits, and other required documentation.
• Communicate vendor requirements regarding product eligibility, pricing, delivery schedules, inventory, demonstrations, and settlement procedures.
• Review product packaging and information for ingredients, allergens, expiration dates, and applicable Fair requirements.
• Arrange operational support, including electrical service, internet, security, custodial services, waste disposal, equipment, and storage.
• Coordinate product deliveries, vendor access, storage, inventory, restocking, security, and return of unsold merchandise, including monitoring refrigerated, frozen, and dry storage conditions.
• Establish and maintain accurate records for vendors, products, inventory, sales, and point of-sale transactions; monitor sales and inventory to support pricing, merchandising, restocking, and vendor reporting.
• Plan the market layout and obtain displays, props, fixtures, and other materials to create an attractive and engaging retail environment.
• Collaborate with Creative Services to produce educational signage connecting featured products and ingredients to San Diego County, Southern California, and California agriculture.
• Coordinate vendor participation in educational activities, guest engagement, product demonstrations, and stage presentations in conjunction with Farm 2 U programming.
• Hire, schedule, train, and oversee temporary staff responsible for all operations of the market, including but not limited to setup, inventory, daily operations, and teardown.
• Oversee daily market operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, inventory, customer service, and incident reporting.
• Reconcile sales with the Finance Department and prepare vendor settlements following the Fair.
• Oversee market teardown, inventory reconciliation, return of unsold merchandise, and removal of displays and equipment.
• Perform other duties related to the successful operation of the Farmstand Finds Market and Farm 2 U Exhibit as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous retail, market, or merchandising experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent customer service and working with the public.
• Background coordinating, supervising, or managing staff, vendors, or day-to-day operations preferred.
• Knowledge of California agriculture, agricultural products, and/or local and regional food systems preferred.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, cash handling, inventory management, and retail transactions.
• Food safety training or Food Handler Card, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire if necessary.
• Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors, staff, Fair departments, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, throughout the San Diego County Fair.
• Valid Driver's License.

Working Conditions

• Primarily indoor work in both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled environments, with occasional off-site work at farmers markets, local markets, vendor locations, and other community events or businesses.
• Moderate physical activity, including frequent standing and walking, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting or moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Combination of computer-based administrative work and hands-on market set up, merchandising, sales, and daily operations.
• Medium to fast-paced environment with large crowds, varying noise levels, and frequent interaction with the public, vendors, and staff.
• Temporary, seasonal position with increased hours and activity leading up to and throughout the San Diego County Fair.
• Must have a flexible schedule. Evening, weekend, and holiday work are required during the Fair, including extended hours for setup and teardown.