Nixtamalero

Vallarta Supermarkets; Duarte (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental & Vision insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid vacation

Access to legal services

Paid sick time

Holiday pay

Scholarships

Savings marketplace

Recognition programs

Job summary

Vallarta Supermarkets in Duarte, CA seeks a Nixtamalero to produce corn and flour tortilla products through traditional methods while upholding quality, safety, and presentation standards. The role also supports stocking, merchandising, and delivering exceptional customer service in a fast-paced tortillería environment.

The position involves learning masa preparation, operating tortillería equipment, adhering to health codes, and assisting training of new staff.

Qualifications

• Learn tortilla production from dry corn through finished product (must acquire complete process).
• Familiarity with tortillería equipment or willingness to learn.
• Professional, positive attitude.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic English proficiency.
• Must be able to transfer to other store locations within a reasonable commute.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with tortilla orders and provide friendly service.
• Prepare masa, cook and grind nixtamal, fry tortillas, and follow recipes for consistency.
• Clean nixtamal cooking tanks, equipment, and work areas.
• Rotate, replenish, and display tortilla products with freshness and accurate signage.
• Package flour and corn tortillas, transport to/from storage.
• Follow health code regulations and Vallarta Tortillería Safety Program.
• Assist coworkers and support training/new employees.
• Perform additional tasks as directed to support department operations.

Skills

Teamwork

English basics

Learning ability

Work authorization

Tools

Tortillería equipment

Job description

Join the Vallarta Supermarkets Family!

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we’re more than just a grocery store, we’re a vibrant part of the communities we serve. We’re seeking friendly, service-oriented individuals who take pride in delivering extraordinary customer experiences and thrive in a fast-paced, festive environment. If you’re passionate about fresh, quality baked goods and love making people smile, we’d love to meet you!

About the Role:

The Nixtamalero is responsible for producing corn and flour tortilla products from start to finish using traditional methods while maintaining Vallarta’s high standards of quality, consistency, and food safety. This role also supports the department by stocking, rotating, and merchandising products, ensuring freshness and presentation, and providing extraordinary customer service.

What You’ll Do:

• Customer Service: Smile, greet, and assist customers with tortilla orders, ensuring friendly and professional service.

• Production: Prepare masa, cook and grind nixtamal, fry tortilla products, and follow company recipes for consistency in quality and weight.

• Sanitation: Clean nixtamal cooking tanks, equipment, and work areas using “clean as you go” principles.

• Stocking & Merchandising: Rotate, replenish, and display tortilla products attractively, ensuring freshness and accurate signage.

• Operations: Package flour and corn tortillas, transport products to/from storage, and follow schematics provided by the manager.

• Safety & Compliance: Follow health code regulations, food safety practices, and Vallarta’s Tortillería Safety Program; report unsafe conditions or equipment immediately.

• Teamwork: Assist coworkers, support training and apprenticeship of new employees, and maintain open communication with the Tortillería Manager.

• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as directed to support department operations and customer satisfaction.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and walk for long periods (6–8 hours/day).

• Frequently bend, squat, twist, and reach above/below shoulders.

• Frequent hand use for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.

• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally (dry corn, maseca).

• Heaviest item carried: 50 lbs.; longest distance: 10 feet.

• Work near cooking equipment, fryers, and tortilla machinery.

• Exposure to dust, gas, fumes, heat, and humidity.

• May be required to perform tasks at elevated levels (placing or retrieving items).

• May operate forklifts, carts, or other moving equipment.

What We’re Looking For:

• Ability to learn tortilla production from dry corn through finished product.

• Familiarity with professional tortillería equipment, tools, and ovens (or willingness to learn).

• Responsible, professional, and positive attitude.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• Basic understanding of English language.

• Must be able to transfer to other store locations within a reasonable commute.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced retail tortillería setting with direct customer interaction.

• Exposure to perishable products, cooking equipment, and changing conditions.

• Team-oriented, collaborative environment.

• Must work flexible schedule: afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits:

Full-Time Team Members:

• Health medical plan: $25/week, plus free dental & vision.

• Free $25,000 Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan.

• Paid vacation.

• Access to legal services.

Part-Time & Full-Time Benefits:

• Paid sick time.

• Premium pay for holidays.

• Scholarship opportunities.
• Savings marketplace & credit union membership.
• Recognition programs (birthdays, years of service, spirit days, etc.).

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we believe our culture drives execution. If you’re passionate about tortillas, teamwork, and delivering great service, we invite you to apply today to join our team as a Nixtamalero!

Explore Exciting Job Opportunities

We offer positions to match your lifestyle and career goals. Whether you’re seeking part-time or full-time, Vallarta Supermarkets provides a dynamic and rewarding workplace with real opportunities for growth.