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Zero Waste Project Assistant (Ithaca Farmers Market)
Ithaca Farmers Market
545 3rd street
compensation:
$20 per hour
employment type:
part-time
experience level:
entry level
job title:
Zero Waste Project Assistant
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Overview: These temporary part time positions will run from April through early November 2026 at $20 per hour. There are 2 available positions. Shift times may vary depending on the needs of the program, but all are on Saturday and Sunday.
Work is outdoors at the Steamboat Landing location of the Ithaca Farmers Market at 545 3rd St, Ithaca, New York. The last three hours (4-7 PM) will occasionally be completed indoors in a dish room at a nearby commercial kitchen. After the market, you will participate in the transportation of the dishes in an IFM-owned vehicle. A good driving record is required.
Who We Are: The Ithaca Farmers Market, located along the Cayuga Lake waterfront in downtown Ithaca, is a member-run cooperative market which has been providing Ithacans and visitors alike with access to locally produced goods since 1973. At present, our market is comprised of over 160 agriculture, food, and artisan vendors.
Our Mission: The Ithaca Farmers Market operates year-round, primarily from its anchor Steamboat Landing location, a community space and tourism destination, supplemented by satellite neighborhood markets. The Market emphasizes a direct connection between producer and consumer and promotes and strengthens local agriculture. The Market features sustainable practices and a diverse array of farm products, crafts, and prepared foods, all produced within a 30-mile radius of its waterfront site.
Description of Position and Duties : The ZWP Assistant will work closely with the ZWP Coordinator to implement waste reduction strategies which consist of a market-wide durable dish program and collection of vendor and customer food scraps to become compost. The ZWP Team will include three assistants, the coordinator, and Youth Employment Services (YES) teens in July and August.
Market runs from 9 AM - 3 PM on Saturdays from April to October and 10 AM - 3 PM on Sundays from May to October. November hours are 10 AM - 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Before the market opens at 7am on Saturdays, and 8am on Sundays, the ZWP Assistants distribute clean dishes and utensils to participating vendors and set up the dish return stations. During market hours, they will scrape and pre-wash dishes and check on customer compost and recycling. Please note that ZWP employees will come into contact with various types of food / food scraps including nuts, nut oils, gluten and meat. After market, they will pack up and help transport dishes offsite. They will work with another member of the team in a dish room from 4-7 PM to wash and sanitize all dishes. Training will be offered for all of the job duties. The work is outside and hands-on within a busy and friendly community environment. You will be making a real difference in reducing waste at Ithaca Farmers Market and you will thrive in this position if this is important to you.
Required Qualifications:
Ability and willingness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with dirty dishes and waste including trash, recycling, and food scraps is essential.
Ability and willingness to work on the weekend. (A weekend or two off can be requested with two-week advance notice.)
Ability to lift and carry 30-50 pounds repeatedly.
Ability to walk, carry items, and/or stand for most of your shift.
Attention to detail and ability to follow standard protocols in a dish room.
Interpersonal skills to interact with customers and vendors from a variety of backgrounds.
Interest in participating in fast-paced, hands-on work, and engaging with customers and vendors.
A strong commitment and interest in implementing collective solutions to reduce waste.
A valid driver's license held for at least three years, with a clean driving record.
Compensation: $20/hr.
How to Apply:
Please email a letter of interest, your past work experience, or your resume if applicable, about your interest and availability to joeygates@ithacamarket.com.
We will begin reviewing applications as soon as possible and continue reviewing applications until the position(s) is filled.
The deadline is rolling but we are looking to hire someone as soon as possible. Please send in your application materials as soon as possible for consideration!
Questions about this position or how to apply: Can be addressed to joeygates@ithacamarket.com.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.