At Downtown Yakima Farmers Market it is our mission to contribute to the success of local food growers and producers, to share the understanding that we as farmers, makers and consumers all carry the responsibility for developing a more sustainable food system and create a space for vibrant community gatherings. We want all Yakima Valley residents to have access to farm-fresh food and to offer a space to learn, build, nourish and be part of an inspired community. We thrive on making positive personal connections with our neighbors, community partners, and farmers. All this would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers!
How to Get Involved:
Together with our community members, we strive to make the Farmers Market a place to build community, learn about food and sustainability. If you want to join us in supporting and building relationships with your community, review the job descriptions below and then fill out a volunteer application form here.
Volunteer Requirements
Available to volunteer 5-9 hours a month May-October.
Able to commit to scheduled volunteer times.
Able to squat, bend, twist, lift and stand for long periods of time with break. Accommodations can be made.
Work well with people – all volunteer positions work directly with the public, staff, and other volunteers.
— Volunteer Roles —
Market Setup
Help set up for the musicians, vendors, special programs, community table and DYFM booth.
Skills required: Good physical health, easy-going attitude. This position may require some heavy lifting.
Time commitment: Shifts are typically 2.5-3 hours each. We ask that you commit to 5-8 hours per month onsite at the market May- October.
Market Breakdown
Help with closing up shop. Assist with breaking down canopies, tables, signs, stacking chairs.
Skills required: Good physical health, easy-going attitude. This position may require some heavy lifting.
Time commitment: Shifts are typically 1-1.25 hours. We ask that you commit to 3-5 hours per month onsite at the market June- September.
Information Booth
Where can I buy a baby artichoke? Are all these vendors organic? Where is the bathroom? How can I become a vendor at the market?
These are just a few of the questions the volunteers at the information booth answer, in addition to directing customers to market vendors, selling market merchandise and giving breaks to vendors.
Skills required: Excellent customer service skills, positive can-do attitude, a smile, being courteous to all shoppers, ability to remember a variety of facts, and the ability to stand for up to 3 hours (with breaks). This position involves interaction with the public and our vendors.
Time commitment: Shifts are typically 2.5-4 hours. We ask that you commit to 5-8 hours per month onsite at the market May- October.
Translator
DYFM has both “office tasks” and “at market” translator opportunities available.
Office Task – Help with translation (primarily English to Spanish) of paperwork, marketing materials, and other necessary items. This is at random and unable to determine time commitment.
At Market – Help translate and answer questions for those attending the market who may not have the ability to speak English (primarily Spanish speaking community members). Tasks could also include items mentioned in the “Information Booth” section above.
Skills required: Excellent customer service skills, positive can-do attitude, a great smile, being courteous to all shoppers, ability to remember a variety of facts, and the ability to stand for up to 4 hours (with breaks). This position involves interaction with the public and possibly our vendors.
Time commitment: Shifts are typically 2.5-4 hours. We ask that you commit to 5-8 hours per month onsite at the market May-October.
Special Events Ambassador
DYFM occasionally hosts celebrations and other one-time events, as well as participating in others’ events. Events bring chefs, musicians, speakers, children’s activities, contests, and special demonstrations to the regular shopping atmosphere. This position may involve some early hours depending on the market event.
Skills required: Experience interacting with children and the general public, ability to think on your feet and move in a fast pace environment, creative and fun-loving attitude. The ability to stand for up to 3 hours (with breaks). This position involves interaction with the public and our vendors.
Time commitment: Shifts are typically 4-6 hours depending on event.
Jack & Jill of All Trades (JOAT)
Jack or Jill of All Trades volunteers arrive at the market and help with whatever needs done- hence the name! Duties are varied but can include giving vendors bathroom/lunch breaks, customer counting, helping with current programming, folding brochures, and much more. Duties change each week! Of course, any duty assigned is not required: if a volunteer is unable to perform or uncomfortable performing any task, they are highly encouraged to let staff know.
Skills required: Willingness to perform a wide variety of duties, ability to walk and stand for up to 2-4 hours (with breaks), excellent communication and customer service skills.
Time commitment: Shifts are typically 2-4 hours, and can be tailored to the individual volunteer. We ask that you commit to 6-9 hours per month onsite at the market May-October.
Photography, Social Media & Blogging
Interested in being a market reporter? DYFM is hot on Facebook, and Instagram and needs someone like you to find newsworthy facts about the market. Which produce is in season? What new products are at the market?
We are also interested in photographers. If you like to spend time behind the lens, then this is a job for you!
Skills required: A keen and creative eye, excellent written communication skills.
Time commitment: You decide!
Entertainment Masters
Enjoy the entertainment aspect of the Farmers’ Market? Help us procure those who perform. DYFM has both “office tasks” and “at market” translator opportunities available.
Office Task – Help call and procure local musicians, schools and local clubs, write biography/information on entertainment to be used on website, social media and other sources of advertising, and update Google Entertainment Calendar. This is at random and unable to determine time commitment
Skills required: A keen and creative eye, and written communication skills.
At Market – DYFM currently borrows sound equipment from The Season’s Performance Hall. Prior day, pick up equipment. Day of market, set up sound system by 8:30am. This position may involve some early hours depending on scheduled events.
Skills required: Ability to lift ~40 lbs. Experience working with music equipment, intereacting with children and general public, ability to think on your feet and move in a fast paced environment, creative and fun-loving attitude.
Time commitment: Shifts are typically 4-6 hours depending on event.
— Apply Here —
Volunteer Form
Volunteer Form