AMQUI STATION FARMERS MARKET – FARMERS MARKET MANAGER POSITION
Job Description
The Amqui Station Farmers Market strives to further the spirit of community in Madison, TN by offering the space to gather together in a safe, friendly, positive environment to purchase locally grown and produced products directly from those who participated in their production. It is our desire to enrich our community by providing fresh, nutritious and wholesome foods and improve our local economy by supporting our farmers and other local vendors.
The mission of the Amqui Station Farmers Market is: to provide a reliable source of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and related agricultural products; to help foster a sense of community; to educate the public about relevant topics, including nutrition and the benefits of eating fresh foods and buying locally. The Amqui Station Farmers Market requires all market vendors to “make it, bake it, raise it, or grow it”.
Manager Position
The Market Manager is a part time position with primary responsibility being the day-to-day operation of the farmers market. This will include an on-site presence at the market during all market hours, as well as off-site work during non-market hours. Weekly market hours are 10am-1pm every Sunday from May through October, and we host an annual Winter Market event in December. The manager will report to the Board of Directors of Amqui Station/Discover Madison Inc, who will set all market policy. In addition, the manager will represent the market to the market’s vendors, sponsors, the consumers and to the community.
Duties—in season
● Enroll farmers/vendors in the market
● Make sure all vendor forms are completed and retained properly
● Use social media platforms to engage the public and bring customers to the market
● Collect all vendor fees owed, make accurate accounting, and deposit with the treasurer
● Arrive prior to market vendors arriving and remain throughout the market day
● Properly place vendors in spaces, including assigning market spaces to daily vendors
● Place market signs and parking signs
● Set up market information booth and event/music equipment
● Ensure all rules and regulations are adhered to
● Answer questions for vendors and consumers and resolve any disputes that may arise
● Develop positive relationships with vendors and customers
● Operate volunteer check in/market manager’s booth
● Have education or promotional materials to distribute
● Act as liaison to the market’s board of directors, providing accounting and performance reports
● Communicate market policies, activities and rules to vendors, keeping them informed throughout the season
● Bring suggestions from vendors back to the market board
● Conduct customer counts as often as possible to assess the level of growth in market usage
● Assure the market site is clean and locked once the market is closed and the vendors have left for the day
● Maintain database of farmers, vendors, their contact information, and any licenses or permits each vendor possesses based on the products they are selling
Duties—off season
● Vendor, hot food vendor, musician, and market volunteer recruitment
● Potentially attend a conference/training for market managers if possible
● Recruit market sponsors from the community
● Create plan and budget for promotion of the market – signs, social media posts, etc.
● Update farmers market information on website
Qualifications
● Good communication skills with many different groups—farmers/vendors, customers, Board members, community groups, etc.
● Ability to think creatively
● Leadership skills—ability to make quick, sound, fair decisions for the good of the market
● Organizational skills
● Marketing skills helpful
● Some financial knowledge helpful: i.e. budgeting
● Self-motivated
● Passionate about the community and value of local, fresh food and direct marketing
Compensation
This position is paid 5% of weekly market vendor fees with a minimum of $150/week during in season. The Manager position is for an independent contractor and does not include benefits.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references by email to execdirector@amquistation.org. This position is open immediately.

Celebrate at the Station
Interested in renting Amqui Station for your holiday party, wedding, or celebration? We have dates available now!
Contact our Events Manager Jenifer Grady at events@amquistation.org for more information.

Preserving Railway History

The Amqui Tennessee Passenger Station and Signal Tower was built by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in 1910. Typical of southern station designs found in the region, it had deeply over-hanging eaves supported by triangular knee braces, had an agent-operator’s office and baggage room, engine room, battery room, second-story signal operator’s room, and segregated waiting rooms for black and white passengers.
Johnny Cash often visited the signalmen at Amqui Station during the 1970s. He acquired the old train station in 1979, saving it from demolition. Today, it has been restored for a museum and educational center. A visitors center and pavilion have also been added for special programs and events, such as our Farmers Market every Sunday, May-October 10am-1pm!
Please contact our office at execdirector@amquistation.org or 615-854-8811 with any questions or requests for additional information. Amqui Station and Visitors Center is located at 303 Madison St. Madison, TN 37115.
Wheels of Progress: Museum Funding
Discover Madison, Inc. is a 501c3 Nonprofit that oversees the historic Amqui Station and Visitors Center. Your donations go toward programming, education, events, and operating expenses.