Produce Clerk

Community Food Coop; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Health benefits

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Pay on demand

Year-end bonus

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Community Food Co-op in Washington is seeking a Produce Team Member to support daily operations in the produce department, assist with ordering, receiving, stocking, rotation and display of fresh produce, and deliver friendly customer service.

This full-time role reports to the Produce Managers, requires weekend availability, and offers a union shop environment with benefits, paid time off, and opportunities to grow knowledge of seasonal and organic produce.

Qualifications

• Friendly, reliable, customer-focused in fast-paced settings.
• Basic knowledge of produce handling, storage, and seasonal availability.
• Familiarity with organic standards (USDA Organic, Non-GMO) preferred.
• Experience in produce, grocery, farm, or food co-op is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly, knowledgeable customer service.
• Stock, rotate, display, and label produce per standards.
• Maintain department cleanliness, safety, and organization.
• Receive deliveries and verify invoices; occasionally place orders.
• Operate equipment safely (pallet jack, baler, walkie) and report hazards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Produce knowledge

Organic standards familiarity

Communication skills

Tools

Pallet jack

Walkie

Baler

Forklift

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: Produce Team Member

Reports to: Produce Managers

Status: Non-Exempt, Union Classification Level 1

Shift: Full-time, weekends availability required

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Produce Team Member, you’ll support the daily operations of the produce department by assisting with ordering, receiving, stocking, rotation, and display of fresh produce. You’ll help maintain department cleanliness and safety while delivering excellent customer service to shoppers, coworkers, and vendors. This position offers opportunities to grow your knowledge of seasonal and organic produce in a collaborative team environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming customer service.
• Stay informed about store promotions and featured items.
• Stock, rotate, face, and display produce according to department standards.
• Merchandise product to enhance the customer experience and maximize sales, ensuring accurate signage and pricing.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization in the department and back stock areas.
• Follow food safety and sanitation practices that meet health department standards, including regular cleaning of tools, equipment, and work areas.
• Monitor product quality and promptly remove damaged or spoiled items.
• Receive product deliveries and verify invoice accuracy.
• Occasionally place orders as directed by department managers.
• Accurately catalog invoices, file paperwork, and separate special orders.
• Operate equipment safely and according to procedures (e.g., pallet jack, baler, walkie).
• Report safety hazards or equipment issues to management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Friendly, reliable, and customer-focused with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask effectively.
• Basic knowledge of fruits and vegetables, including handling, storage, and seasonal availability.
• Familiarity with organic standards and natural foods preferred (e.g., USDA Organic, Non-GMO).
• Previous produce, grocery, farm, or food co-op experience preferred.
• Eagerness to learn about produce operations and the natural foods industry.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to interact clearly and effectively with customers and team members; multilingual abilities are a plus.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Requirements

• Ability to work in environments with moderate to loud noise (e.g., phones, music, conversations, machinery).
• Regularly required to stand, bend, twist, push/pull carts, perform repetitive motions, and lift 10-50 pounds.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, reaching, holding, and performing repetitive movement.
• Comfortable operating equipment such as pallet jacks, walkies, balers, and forklifts.
• Ability to tolerate cold and varying temperatures (coolers, freezers, outdoor weather).
• Occasionally required to climb ladders.

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 OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

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.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:

Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.