Swelter Coffee Roasters is seeking a new market operator for the 2026 season. This part-time position is a fun way to enter into the coffee industry through a mission-driven small business.
Swelter Coffee Roasters is a small, mission-driven coffee brand featuring sustainably produced and ethically sourced from women coffee producers around the world. Since launching in 2020, we’ve been building relationships directly with coffee farmers and importers who share our values.
What We're Looking For
A people-person who loves good conversation, and doesn't mind an early start to Thursday mornings. Coffee curiosity and an interest in the supply chain are a plus, but not required.
Job Description
As the face of Swelter Coffee, you'll engage customers, share our mission, and connect people to the women who grew their coffee. Customers love hearing the origin stories — your job is to bring that to life while selling bags, brewing cups, and pointing people toward our newsletter and subscriptions.
Our farmers market stand is a very important part of the business. Its our only in-person, consistent presence for customers, and brings in a regular cashflow each week. Additional opportunities are available for in-person sampling at our retail partner location, and weekend pop-up markets as the holiday season begins. Both of these only offer sampling, where the farmer market offers brewed cups of coffee, and cold brew.
This role is autonomous, and requires dependability, and communication. You'll manage your time and tasks as needed to fit the event your working. We'll support you to ensure you have everything you need, and train you for any additional skills.
The Details
Every Thursday morning you'll set up at the La Grange Farmers Market — brewing coffee, selling beans, answering questions, and representing the brand. We'll make sure you have everything you need to show up feeling confident and prepared.
Farmers Market Tasks All necessary training will be provided.
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Manage the booth at the La Grange Farmers Market — Thursdays 7am–1pm, plus setup and breakdown
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Brew and sell coffee on site
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Operate a gas generator to power brewing equipment
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Promote and sell bagged coffee
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Set up one 10x10 ft tent, two 6ft tables, and display
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Clean up post-market and sanitize brewing and milk equipment
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Track inventory and flag any restock needs to Stephanie(owner)
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Meet weekly in Oak Park shared kitchen to replenish inventory and prep for the next market
Requirements
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Commit to every Thursday market, now through Oct 29, 2026. Opportunity to run the 2027 season as well (May-Oct).
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Ability to lift heavy bins, 5 gal water jug, and set up a 10x10 ft tent
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Valid food handler's certificate (required by the health department to serve food — can be obtained online)
Compensation
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$16/hr + tips
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Minimum 8-9 hours per week (average $162/week before tips)
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Additional weekend markets available, adding 8–16 hrs/week
Weekend Pop-Up Opportunities*
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$16/hr + tips
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1-2 day events on weekends, ~10am–4pm each day
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Samples only (no brewed cups); sell bagged coffee and coffee tour boxes
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Promote newsletter sign-up and general brand awareness
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Outdoor events: 10x10 ft tent + product display; indoor events: one 6ft table
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Setup and breakdown included in hourly pay; travel is not compensated
*The pop-up schedule is in the works, we'll check if you're interested/available.