Cheese & Dairy Retail Associate | $18/hr + Benefits

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Inc.; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Career Growth

Cheese Education

Guest Service

Job summary

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Wisconsin is seeking a friendly Retail Store Associate to provide welcoming, knowledgeable service while supporting daily store operations. You will help guests select products, process purchases, and maintain an inviting retail space.

You’ll stock shelves, assist with cheese packaging and ice cream service, ensure product quality and safety, and follow all sanitation and PPE procedures. This role starts at $18.00 per hour with benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Friendly, positive attitude and strong customer service.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to learn about our products and share product knowledge with guests.
• Retail, customer service, cashier, or food service experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to obtain required licenses and certifications as needed.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests and provide exceptional customer service.
• Answer product questions and make recommendations.
• Process sales and other transactions accurately.
• Stock, replenish, and merchandise products.
• Assist with cheese packaging, food preparation, and ice cream service.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming store.
• Monitor product quality, freshness, and inventory.
• Complete required cleaning, temperature, and production records.
• Perform opening and closing procedures.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, safety, and PPE requirements.
• Work as part of a team and assist in other areas as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team player

Fast-paced environment

Basic computer skills

Retail/food service experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS system

Job description

Description

Starting Pay: $18.00 per hour. Applicants under the age of 18 will start at $14.00 per hour.

Part Time and Full Time Opportunities!

Love working with people, great food, and a team that takes pride in what they do? Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and help create memorable experiences for our guests while showcasing our delicious Wisconsin cheese and dairy products.

Why Join Our Team?

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance*
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company-paid life insurance*
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Learn about and share Wisconsin cheese, dairy products, and specialty foods
• Work directly with guests in a fun, team-oriented environment
• Be part of a cooperative organization that values employees, members, guests, and our community

Position Summary

The Retail Store Associate provides friendly, knowledgeable service while supporting the daily operations of our retail store. You'll help guests select products, process purchases, maintain an inviting store, and assist with food service offerings.

What You'll Do

• Welcome guests and provide exceptional customer service
• Answer product questions and make recommendations
• Process sales and other transactions accurately
• Stock, replenish, and merchandise products
• Assist with cheese packaging, food preparation, and ice cream service
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming store
• Monitor product quality, freshness, and inventory
• Complete required cleaning, temperature, and production records
• Perform opening and closing procedures
• Follow food safety, sanitation, safety, and PPE requirements
• Work as part of a team and assist in other areas as needed

Certain duties, including food preparation and alcohol service, may be subject to minimum age requirements under federal and Wisconsin law. Employees who do not meet applicable age requirements will be assigned alternative duties consistent with applicable laws.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Friendly, positive attitude and strong customer service skills
• Good communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Willingness to learn about our products and share product knowledge with guests
• Basic computer skills preferred
• Retail, customer service, cashier, or food service experience preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability to obtain required licenses and certifications, including a Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server License and applicable food safety certifications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to grasp, handle, and operate equipment
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to work in refrigerated and heated food preparation areas

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

This is an active retail food environment with frequent interaction with guests and coworkers. The position may involve working in refrigerated and heated areas, around commercial food equipment and cleaning chemicals, and in varying noise levels. Food safety, sanitation, safety procedures, and proper PPE are required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug and alcohol screening
• General background check

About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees — you're family, and we want you to succeed. Our culture has contributed to the longevity of our team, with careers spanning 10, 20, and even 50 years.

Our Ellsworth, Wisconsin facility specializes in producing our world-famous Cheese Curds, including natural and flavored varieties, as well as Cheese Curd Crumbles and sweet whey powder.

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*indicates full time status benefits