Lawrence - Bakery Cooperator FT

The Merc Co+op; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 20,664 - 23,419; Full time

Job summary

The Merc Co+op is seeking a Bakery Cooperator to join our bakery team. This entry-level position offers on-the-job training with no prior bakery experience required, though reliability and enthusiasm are essential. You’ll work early mornings starting as early as 5:00 a.m.

and help prepare, bake, package, and display a variety of bakery items. You will collaborate with friendly colleagues, learn product safety standards, and contribute to welcoming customer service.

Qualifications

• Dependability, strong work ethic and integrity.
• Teamwork and collaborative attitude.
• Exceptional customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Open/close duties with the team.
• Provide friendly, prompt customer service in person and over the phone.
• Follow food safety and sanitation procedures.

Skills

Dependability

Teamwork

Customer service

Adaptability

Follow instructions

Communication

Problem solving

Basic math

Food service experience helpful

Job description

Bakery Cooperator (Full-Time)Join Our Bakery Team!

Do you enjoy working with your hands, learning new skills, and creating delicious baked goods? The Merc Co+op is looking for a dependable, enthusiastic team member to join our Bakery Department!

Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new opportunity, we'd love to meet you. Previous bakery experience is not required—we're happy to train someone who has a positive attitude, enjoys working as part of a team, and is eager to learn.

This position requires early morning availability (as early as 5:00 a.m.) and a commitment to being reliable, punctual, and ready to help create the fresh products our customers love every day.

Position Summary

Bakery Cooperators are entry-level members of our bakery team who work alongside experienced Specialists and the Bakery Manager to prepare fresh baked goods, provide excellent customer service, and maintain a clean, organized department.

Every day is a little different—you'll learn how to prepare, bake, package, and display a variety of bakery favorites including breads, muffins, cookies, scones, pies, and more.

What You'll DoGeneral Responsibilities

• Work alongside other Bakery Cooperators, Specialists and Managers to complete opening, mid-shift, and closing duties.
• Provide friendly, prompt, and helpful customer service in person and over the phone.
• Learn and follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions, accidents, or maintenance concerns to store management.
• Help train and support new team members by modeling department standards.
• Assist with inventory, ordering, and other department projects as assigned.
• Learn about cooperative ownership, store products, and seasonal promotions.
• Arrive to work on time and ready to contribute.
• Be available to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Department Duties

• Prepare and bake muffins, scones, pies, breads, cookies, and other bakery products following department recipes and quality standards.
• Carefully and safely operate mixers, ovens, and other bakery equipment.
• Package, label, stock, and rotate products while keeping displays full and inviting.
• Assist customers by answering questions about bakery items, ingredients, flavors, and preparation.
• Take bakery orders in person and over the phone.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and cleaning procedures throughout every shift.
• Ensure products, ingredients, and supplies are properly stored, labeled, and rotated.
• Help manage bakery inventory and maintain fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Assist with production and packaging lists.
• Maintain a neat, clean, and safe bakery department, including equipment, coolers, backstock, and storage areas.
• Communicate effectively with teammates and participate in department meetings and daily huddles.

Pay & Benefits

Starting Pay: $15.16–$16.16 per hour, based on experience.

Benefits Include

• 20% Employee Discount
• Paid Vacation & PTO Accrual
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (30+ hours per week)
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance (30+ hours per week)
• Company-Paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match (up to 3%)
• Birthday & Service Anniversary Recognition

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Stand and walk for up to 90% of each shift.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds and perform bending, twisting, squatting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Work in temperatures ranging from freezers and coolers to hot bakery environments.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and wet environments.
• Safely work with cleaning solutions and sharp tools while following all safety procedures.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates dependability, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
• Has a positive attitude and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Provides exceptional customer service.
• Is flexible and able to adapt to changing department needs.
• Can follow written, verbal, or demonstrated instructions.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can prioritize tasks and solve practical problems.
• Can perform basic math, including counting, addition, subtraction, and recording information.
• Previous food service experience is helpful but not required.

Why Join The Merc Co+op?

At The Merc Co+op, we believe everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. As a community-owned grocery store, we invest in people—not shareholders. Our team works together to support local farmers, strengthen our community, and create an exceptional shopping experience for every customer.

When you join The Merc, you're not just starting a job—you become part of a team that values collaboration, learning, and making a positive impact every day. We believe in investing in our employees by providing hands-on training, opportunities for growth, and a supportive team environment where everyone contributes to our success.

About The Merc Co+op

Who says fresh, local, and organic has to be exclusive? Not us. At The Merc Co+op, we believe every parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, neighbor, and friend deserves access to affordable, healthy, and delicious food.

As a community-owned grocery store, we're guided by the needs of our owners and shoppers—not a corporate office hundreds of miles away. We proudly support local farmers, provide high-quality products, and reinvest in our community because we know that good food is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together.

Additional Information

The purpose of this job description is to provide a general overview of the essential responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Job duties may change based on business needs, department operations, or staffing requirements. Employees may be asked to perform additional responsibilities as needed. Advancement opportunities are based on successful job performance, business needs, and qualifications for available positions.