Deputy Market Clerk - Temporary (Up to 5 Months) in Kingston upon Thames

Note this is a temporary position covering part-time hours for up to 5 months. The Deputy Market Clerk acts as a liaison with market vendors to ensure the Public Market By-Law is enforced and followed, and is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and administration of the Public Market. The Kingston Public Market is the oldest and longest-running public market in Ontario, featuring vendors selling fresh local produce and local crafts. The market is a picturesque gathering place for both the local community and visitors to Kingston. We collaborate with residents and community partners to strengthen social connections and improve access to resources. Our team leads initiatives like the Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan, Food Framework, and programs that support inclusion and local development.

What you’ll do...

• Ensure adherence and enforcement of the Market Square By-law (By-Law 206-118).
• Attend market on days of operation and act as the first point of contact for Market vendors.
• Collect, track, and organize vendor applications for the Kingston Public Market, including full lease holders and casual vendors and maintain records of attendance, comments and complaints.
• Allocate daily lease vendors into available spaces and address any issues in a timely and respectful manner.
• Respond to basic vendor inquiries related to application status, timelines, and required documentation.
• Work with Public Health to support compliance with applicable food safety, health, and sanitation requirements for market vendors.
• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant public health guidelines, food handling requirements, and market-related regulations as they apply to vendor operations.
• Participate in the Kingston Public Market application review process, including preparation of application materials for review and assist with documenting decisions, conditions, and follow-up actions.
• Participate in Market Vendor working groups and meetings.
• Assist with special functions and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a retail or customer service environment preferred; an equivalent combination of experience and skills will be considered.
• Basic computer skills and ability to work effectively with spreadsheets, word-processing tools and email platforms.
• Proven ability to handle customer inquiries, resolve issues, and maintain positive relationships with customers.
• Experience and knowledge of municipal by-laws considered an asset.
• Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong people and conflict resolution skills.
• Must be physically fit to be able to walk and stand up for 3 – 5 hours at a time.
• Seasonal position from April 1 to October 31, with the option to extend as needed.
• Days of operation are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; shifts are subject to change.
• Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (CPIC).

Benefits

• We provide our employees with a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, which may include extended health coverage, travel and life insurance, and long-term disability. Specific benefits can vary depending on your role and terms of employment.
• OMERS defined pension plan.
• Vacation entitlements.
• Employee wellness and assistance programs and resources.
• Ongoing training and education opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Corporate perks such as discounted transit and fitness passes.
• Learning & development resources and networks.
• Relocation assistance and local resources.

How to apply

Submit your online application by 11:59 PM on the job posting closing date. Applicants must demonstrate in their submission how they meet the minimum education and experience requirements of the position. Please include any relevant education documents (degrees, diplomas, or certificates) to your profile.

Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process to support a barrier-free experience for all candidates in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodations, please let us know. For more information, you can contact us at hrcity@cityofkingston.ca. Thank you to everyone who applies. While we value each application, only those advancing in the recruitment process will be contacted. All personal information will be handled in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The City of Kingston may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.

Our commitment

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land. Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation. Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.