Countryside Farmers' Markets
Volunteer Opportunities

JOIN OUR TEAM OF MARKET VOLUNTEERS

The success of our Countryside Farmers’ Markets relies on a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. As our markets grow, so does our need for volunteers. Serving on our Market Volunteer Team is a great way to get involved in and learn more about farmers’ markets, sustainable agriculture and the local food movement in Northeast Ohio.

All members of our Market Volunteer Team are required to complete a Volunteer Intake Form, and participate in a volunteer orientation with the Countryside Conservancy. Volunteers are invited to all market potlucks and other special events hosted by the Countryside Conservancy. Each volunteer will also receive a copy of the Countryside Harvest Guide. Written materials, market maps and weekly updates are provided to each volunteer.

Skills Required: Excellent customer skills, positive can-do attitude, a great smile, ability to handle challenging customers with courtesy and a smile; ability to stand for 3 hours (with breaks). An interest in food, farming, cooking and sustainability is helpful but not necessary. Additional skills may be required for certain positions and are outlined below along with minimum time commitments.

MARKET INFORMATION BOOTH
(2 people for each market, Peninsula & Akron):
Market Information Booth volunteers serve as resident market experts answering a variety of questions from customers such as: Where can I buy baby eggplants? Are all these vendors organic? Where is the bathroom? How can I become a vendor at the market? Where is the Towpath? If you want to learn about the inner workings of the market, hang out in a beautiful place, and chat with interesting people, this is the job for you.

Market Information Booth volunteers also handle sales of Conservancy memberships, merchandise, collect contact information for our Friends of the Market program, and promote Countryside Conservancy programs, campaigns and events. Market Info Booth staff may also be called upon to give market tours . Minimum Time Commitment: 3 hours at Peninsula, Saturdays, 9am-noon; 3.5 hours at Akron, Thursdays, 3:30-7pm.

MARKET MUSCLE TEAM:
Assist Market Manager with set up, tear down and storage of Market Info Booth tent and materials, picnic area tents, tables, chairs and other tasks. Skills Required: Ability to lift 50lbs.

Minimum Time Commitment :
Peninsula: Saturdays, 7:30-9:30am and/or 11am-1pm. Akron: Thursdays, 2:30-4:30 and/or 6-8pm.

GUERILLA MARKETING TEAM
Everyone can be a member of our Guerilla Marketing Team. Help Countryside Conservancy staff spread the word about Countryside Farmers’ Markets and the benefits of local food and farming in Northeast Ohio. Deliver postcards and posters to area businesses, schools, churches and community groups located in targeted communities. Flexible hours and time commitment.

COUNTRYSIDE CHEFS AT THE MARKET
Countryside Market Chefs are scheduled throughout the season to showcase seasonal ingredients and enlighten market patrons about the pleasures of local food and seasonal eating. Chefs will work with Market Staff to purchase food from market vendors and demonstrate at least one recipe that utilizes the locally grown foods purchased that day. The market supplies equipment and basic ingredients such as olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, etc. Chefs may wish to bring their own knives. If possible, chefs are asked to submit their recipe in advance so copies can be printed for distribution to market patrons. Skills Required: Chefs and staff of local restaurants throughout the region are encouraged to participate. Please wear chef whites. To schedule a date, please contact Market Manager. Minimum Time Commitment: 1-2 hours between 9am and noon on Saturdays in Peninsula or 3:30 and 7pm on Thursdays in Akron.

View  more Volunteer Opportunities.