Z Farm Market Sales Associate

Sales Associate

Urban Growers Collective seeks a passionate, community-driven Sales Associate to support market operations at the Z Farm Plant Nursery & Farmstand. This is primarily a customer-facing, community-centered farmstand role with some light operations support. On a typical day, most of your time will be spent helping customers, managing sales, and keeping the stand stocked and welcoming.

The ideal candidate is personable, reliable, and committed to promoting local food access. Weekend availability and a valid driver's license are required.

Customer Experience (Primary Focus)

• Welcome and support customers with friendly, inclusive service
• Answer questions about produce, plants, and UGC programs in a conversational way
• Operate the register, handle payments, and close out daily sales
• Keep displays stocked, organized, and easy to shop
• Help create a warm, inviting farmstand experience that keeps people coming back

Market & Sales Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized market space, including produce areas and coolers
• Ensure products are labeled with accurate pricing and information
• Handle produce and plants according to food safety and quality standards
• Water and care for nursery plants as needed

Additional Support

• Work closely with team members to keep daily operations running smoothly
• Occasionally assist with transporting produce or materials between sites (for those comfortable driving)
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Represent Urban Growers Collective in a respectful and community-centered way

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Experience working with people in a customer-facing, community, or service-oriented role (retail experience is a plus, but not required)
• Strong communication skills and a friendly, approachable presence
• Ability to stay organized and follow through on tasks in a fast-paced, outdoor environment
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn and take initiative

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with produce, plants, or in food or retail environments
• Familiarity with point-of-sale systems (like Square) or basic cash handling
• Basic familiarity with tools like Google Workspace

Requirements, Physical Demands and Work Environment

• REQUIRED: Valid Driver's License and willingness to drive
• REQUIRED: Able to work weekends
• REQUIRED: Must be able to pass a background check
• Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds
• Frequent bending, lifting and standing for long periods
• Frequent interaction with customers
• Exposure to varying temperature changes when working in produce cooler and greenhouse
• Willingness to follow food safety and cash-handling protocols

Schedule (FIXED)

• Part-time, 18 hours per week.
• Saturday, 8:00-5:00 (required)
• Sunday, 8:00-5:00 (required)

Location: 1001 Glenwood Dyer Rd, Chicago Heights, IL 60411