Cashier

Community Food Coop; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Medical/dental/vision

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Pay on Demand

Year-end bonus

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Community Food Co-op is seeking a friendly Cashier to be a key frontline representative. You will ensure accurate sales transactions, assist at the service desk, explain Co-op memberships, and support front-end operations in a fast-paced store environment.

The role emphasizes customer service excellence, reliability, and teamwork. Union-structured, non-exempt position with potential bonuses and benefits.

Qualifications

• Friendly, attentive customer service experience.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with multitasking.
• Strong attention to detail and transaction accuracy.
• Able to learn and recall PLUs, procedures, and Co-op policies.
• Experience with cash handling and POS systems preferred.
• Clear and confident communication; multilingual skills are a plus.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistently friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable service at the front end.
• Explain Co-op membership structure and benefits to shoppers.
• Process purchases using the POS system, handle cash, cards, EBT, and vouchers.
• Enter PLU codes accurately for produce and bulk items.
• Maintain clean, organized front-end areas and stock as needed.
• Assist with service desk, special orders, and light stocking.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

POS software

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Communication

Membership explanation

Multilingual

Tools

POS system

Job description

Description

WHO WE ARE

We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, self-motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.

Job Title: Cashier

Reports to: Front End Dept. Managers

Status: Non-Exempt, Union Classification Level 1

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cashier is a key frontline representative of the Community Food Co-op, responsible for creating a friendly, welcoming experience for shoppers. This role ensures accurate, efficient sales transactions while supporting smooth front-end operations. In addition to register duties, cashiers retrieve carts, tidy front-end areas, assist at the service desk, explain Co-op membership, take and retrieve special orders, and may occasionally support Center Store with stocking and product conditioning. Ideal candidates are personable, precise, and team-oriented, with a strong focus on providing excellent service in a fast-paced environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Service & Membership Support

• Provide consistently friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable service to all customers.
• Answer questions about products, store layout, and Co-op services.
• Clearly explain Co-op membership structure and benefits.
• Take and retrieve special orders for members, ensuring accuracy and timely communication.
• Assist customers with returns, member account updates, and inquiries at the service desk as assigned.

Register & Transaction Accuracy

• Accurately process purchases using the point-of-sale (POS) system, including handling cash, credit, checks, EBT, and vouchers.
• Memorize and enter PLU (price look-up) codes for produce and bulk items with speed and accuracy.
• Ensure all items are properly scanned and bagged with care.
• Monitor for and report pricing or labeling discrepancies.
• Follow all procedures for safe and balanced cash handling.

Front-End Operations

• Keep workstations clean, organized, and fully stocked with necessary supplies.
• Retrieve shopping carts from the parking lot and ensure cart area remains orderly.
• Lightly clean and maintain the front-end area, including check stands, bagging stations, and customer service counter.
• Follow shift-specific side work and closing routines.

Team & Store Wide Support

• As assigned, support center store by fronting, stocking, and conditioning shelves.
• Support smooth department communication, teamwork, and shift transitions.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and other staff development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to provide friendly, attentive customer service.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.
• Strong attention to detail with commitment to transaction accuracy.
• Ability to learn and recall PLUs, procedures, and Co-op policies.
• Experience with cash handling and POS systems preferred.
• Clear and confident communication skills; multilingual skills are a plus.
• Basic familiarity with natural foods or interest in learning.
• Ability to explain membership structure and support member-related processes.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift).
• Regularly bend, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
• Lift, carry, and move items weighing 10–40 lbs.
• Push/pull shopping carts from the parking lot.
• Perform physical tasks associated with bagging groceries, including frequent lifting, reaching, and repetitive hand and arm motions.
• Occasional ladder use.
• Work in an environment with moderate to high noise (paging, voices, music, equipment).
• Perform tasks using a computer keyboard and touchscreen regularly.

BENEFITS AT THE CO-OP

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders.
• Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options.
• 401(k) w/match.
• Paid time off.
• Pay on Demand.
• Potential year-end bonus.
• Access to employee assistance program.

UNION AFFILIATION

This position is represented by Teamsters Local 231. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the Community Food Co-op and the union.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be supplemented at any time to meet the needs of the Co-op without prior notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the Community Food Co-op reserves the right to revise or amend this description at any time.