Farmers Market Sales Associate/Intern Homestead Hill CSA

Hiring Organization: Bardenhagen Berries/Homestead Hill CSA
Employment type: Internship
Job Location: Lake Leelanau, MI
Application Due Date: March 31, 2025

Background: Bardenhagen Berries is a 180-acre centennial family farm, located in the heart of Leelanau County in scenic northern Michigan. With approximately seven acres of bearing strawberries, six acres of cherries (sweet and Balaton), and five+ acres of vegetables and cut flowers (marketed through our Homestead Hill CSA since 2015), the farm represents an opportunity to work on and learn about both diverse production methods and marketing strategies. 100% of what we grow is marketed and consumed locally through direct sales at farmers markets, our roadside farmstand, a 100+ member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and local wholesale accounts. The farm utilizes integrated pest management (conventional) for fruit, and organic growing practices for vegetables and cut flowers. The farm is verified by the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and is compliant with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Since 2018, a 128-panel solar array offsets 100% electricity of the used on the farm.
Description: Several individuals are needed (full-time or part-time) to assist with and be responsible for sales at one or more area farmers’ markets. Includes driving to market from farm, market set-up, positive customer relations, selling goods, tracking sales, making change, and cleaning up and packing up after the market. Great job for the right person that enjoys being around the public, is motivated to sell our farm’s produce and flowers with a smile. Must have current driver's license valid in the State of Michigan. Depending on interest and availability, this part-time position may be combined with other duties such as CSA packing and distribution, and/or assistance with other retail sales such as roadside farmstand. If interested in an internship, we will work with you to help meet your educational goals.

Hours: This is a part-time, seasonal position – but may be combined with other farm duties to create a full-time seasonal or year around position.
Possible dates/hours:
· Tuesdays in Glen Arbor, 7:00 am-3:00 pm (second week of June -second week of September)
· Wednesdays in Traverse City, 6:30 am – 2:30 pm (June through September)
· Fridays in Northport, 7:00 am—3:00 pm (first week of June -second week of September)
· Saturdays in Traverse City, 5:30 am-2:30 pm (May through October)
· Saturdays in Suttons Bay, 7:00 am-3:00 pm (mid-May – mid-October)
· Saturdays in Traverse City, 8 am-4 pm (Indoor Winter Market: November-May)

Responsibilities:
· Packing up & unloading van with produce & equipment.
· Driving van to and from market.
· Setting up attractive market display, stocking products
· Work as a team to complete all day-to-day operations at the market
· Customer service
Requirements:
· Genuine interest in local, sustainable agriculture
· Must be a good listener and take direction well
· Ability to work long hours in a fast-paced environment
· Ability to work independently or with others while staying on task
· Ability to lift 50 pounds consistently
· Must be organized and show attention to detail
· Ability to maintain a good attitude, positive work environment.
· Ability to give exceptional customer service and assist customers
· Reliable transportation & ability to arrive at work on time
· Driver’s License valid in State of Michigan.
Compensation: $18.50+/hr, negotiable, depending on previous experience and qualifications. Shared housing is available on farm at no cost to full time employees. We offer opportunities for pay increase with increased responsibility and demonstrated value to farm.
To Apply: Send an email letter and resume to bardenhagenberries@gmail.com with your interest, background, and availability. Suggested application window: January thru March.