Produce Stocker

The Ecology Center; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan participation

Paid sick leave and PTO

Employee discounts at the Farm Stand &

Cafe

Professional growth in a collaborative

Job summary

The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA, is seeking a Produce Stocker to join our Farm Stand team. This role blends front-of-house hospitality with back-of-house stocking to create a fresh, welcoming shopping experience for visitors and members.

You will maintain organized displays of seasonal, local produce, support daily operations, and collaborate across departments while upholding safety standards and our mission to nourish community and environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years retail sales, service or related customer facing experience.
• Valid Driver's License; Food Handlers preferred.
• Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills when useful for the role.

Responsibilities

• Support farm stand and customer shopping experience with friendly service.
• Stock, organize, and present fresh produce daily.
• Follow safety, sanitation, and PPE guidelines in all tasks.
• Collaborate with Farm Stand, Farm Operations, Culinary, Marketing & Creative teams.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Upselling

Teamwork

Bilingual English/Spanish

Professionalism

Tools

Email

Slack

Point of Sales

Job description

The Ecology Center is a nonprofit community farm and cultural center located on a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified farm in San Juan Capistrano, California. Through regenerative agriculture, ecological education, nourishing food, and community engagement, we cultivate practical solutions for a healthier, more abundant future.Our work is grounded in a shared commitment to collaboration, stewardship, and meaningful impact.POSITION SUMMARYAs a Produce Stocker, you will play an integral role in creating a positive and memorable experience for our Farm Stand customers. As a blend of Front of House and Back of House, you will be responsible for maintaining an abundant, fresh, and organized shopping environment for our customers.In this role, you will have a full understanding of the importance of shopping and eating local, organic, and seasonal produce, as well as, the importance of providing a frictionless hospitality experience and positive first impression for our community.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESGuest Experience & Community HospitalityGrocery store produce department; Farmers markets; Produce farming; Kitchen or food-service; Other demonstrable and relatable experience; Bilingual (Spanish).Willingness to uphold our company values.Possesses the ability to collaborate and make decisions with teammates.Thrives in an agile and emergent environment.Farm Share & Daily Retail OperationsTakes personal responsibility and possesses a curious mindset.Takes initiative to proactively communicate.Willingness to uphold our ongoing efforts toward diversity, equality, and inclusion.Ensures a safe workplace and addresses safety issues as they arise.Maintain a professional work environment that fosters a collaborative team spirit with respect for each individual.Product Quality, Inventory & PresentationTo support a safe workplace, the Produce Stocker must be able to:.Push/pull carts and move product using safe body mechanics.Stand and walk for extended periods; bend, squat, reach overhead, and climb step-stools/ladders safely.Work in variable conditions, including outdoors, coolers, and warehouse environments.Teamwork, Safety & Shared StewardshipFollow all safety expectations including:.Keeping aisles/exits clear and reporting slip/trip hazards immediately.Using gloves or PPE as assigned for handling produce/cleaning tasks.Following food safety, sanitation, and safe equipment practices (e.g., carts, pallet jacks if trained).SUPERVISION, COLLABORATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTIONThis position reports to FARM STAND and PRODUCE MANAGER. The role provides the operational support, coordination, leadership, or supervision specifically assigned to the position. Formal hiring, discipline, performance evaluation, and other employment decisions apply only when expressly authorized.Key collaborators include Farm Share and Farm Stand teams; Farm Operations; Culinary; Marketing & Creative; and volunteers or seasonal staff, when applicable.Employees are expected to communicate respectfully, address concerns constructively, practice active listening, and contribute to a workplace grounded in trust and shared stewardship. Unresolved concerns should be elevated through the appropriate management or Human Resources channels.RequiredExperience: A minimum of 2 years retail sales, service or related customer facing experience.Skills: Positive attitude, maturity, ability to upsell, great verbal and written communication, organized, greets guests genuinely and warmly, work with a sense of urgency, and professionalism.License or Certification: Valid Driver’s License, Food Handlers (Preferred),.Specialized Skills: Email, Slack, Point of Sales.Weekend Availability: Must be able to work weekends.Relevant experience, training, or demonstrated ability related to produce stocker responsibilities.Ability to perform the essential duties of the position safely, accurately, and reliably.PreferredExperience in a nonprofit, regenerative farm, mission-driven, or community-centered workplace.Familiarity with farm-based retail, seasonal produce, hospitality, and community service.Experience collaborating with teams across multiple departments.Relevant certifications, specialized training, or technical skills related to the position.Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills, when useful for the role.Comfort using the tools, equipment, software, or communication systems required for the position.WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThis position works in a farm-based environment that may include retail, produce, stocking, and guest-facing spaces.Physical Requirements: Ability to safely lift moderately heavy equipment and boxes (a minimum of 35 lbs.) and operate equipment within safety standards.Safety & Physical Requirements (Required).Safely lift and carry items weighing up to 35 pounds, with assistance or reasonable accommodation when appropriate.Work in office, guest-facing, event, or farm-based environments as appropriate to the position.Use the tools, equipment, and communication systems associated with the position.The Ecology Center will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.CULTURE & CORE VALUESThe Ecology Center values a workplace rooted in care, connection, and shared responsibility. Team members bring our mission to life through collaboration, stewardship, and meaningful impact.Learn by DoingBe Part of the SolutionCollaborate for ChangeGive More Than We TakeBe Here NowBENEFITSEligible employees may have access to:Medical, dental, and vision coverage.Retirement plan participation.Paid sick leave and other applicable paid time off.Employee discounts at the Farm Stand and Cafe.Professional growth in a collaborative, mission-driven, farm-based environment.Benefits are subject to employee eligibility, applicable plan terms, and organizational policies.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYThe Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, individual qualifications, and job-related criteria without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.JOB DESCRIPTION ACKNOWLEDGMENTThis job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the position. It does not include every possible duty, and responsibilities may be adjusted based on organizational needs. Employment remains at will unless otherwise established through an authorized written agreement.