JOB SUMMARY: To maintain and operate the produce department including the trimming and preparation of produce merchandise according to company and department standards; to ensure that the work shift contributes to the financial best interests of the store.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain a neat, well-groomed personal appearance at all times and observe company grooming standards and dress regulations.

• Adhere to all local, state and federal health and civil code regulations.

• Follow approved procedures for receiving, code dating, trimming, storing, price marking and restocking to ensure quality protection, accuracy and product rotation.

• Be knowledgeable in and able to differentiate between all of the various types of produce merchandise including taste, preparation method or use, and price differences between varieties of similar classes of products (e.g., different types of apples, potatoes, etc.).

• Assist in checking and verifying produce department receiving when required.

• Take received and prepared products to refrigerated storage, shelf and display areas.

• Handle damaged and spoiled products and assist in controlling the level of damaged goods.

• Control excessive use of utilities and water, and observe sound conservation practices. Assist in keeping display shelves and refrigerated cases properly stocked and faced at all times, according to product movement and department standards.

• Ensure a favorable department image with customers by contributing to a clean, attractive and friendly department; maintain good housekeeping and sanitation standards in compliance with store policy and state and local health regulations.

• Use and maintain equipment in good working order and report all malfunctions to the produce manager or store manager; immediately communicate temperature failure of cases/storage areas or of any maintenance or equipment problems to the manager or key person in charge.

• Assist in keeping display shelves and refrigerated cases properly stocked and faced at all times, according to product movement and department standards.

• Ensure a favorable department image with customers by contributing to a clean, attractive and friendly department; maintain good housekeeping and sanitation standards in compliance with store policy and state and local health regulations.

• Use and maintain equipment in good working order and report all malfunctions to the produce manager or store manager; immediately communicate temperature failure of cases/storage areas or of any maintenance or equipment problems to the manager or key person in charge.

• Maintain full compliance with all state and county government weights and measures laws.

• Perform any other work-related duties as assigned.

• Greet all customers and maintain good customer relations by providing them with prompt and courteous service or assistance.

• Observe security standards by staying alert and being aware of customer actions and behavior; report to manager or security any abnormal behavior.

• Assist in training associates when requested or assigned.

• Notify the department manager of personnel situation or policy violations affecting store operating performance or of situations requiring disciplinary action or that may potentially require such action.

• Comply with safety policies and procedures and read all safety posters and bulletins.

REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS:

Education/Experience

• High school education preferred; or equivalent education.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations

• (None required) 

Skills Required

• Ability to hear, speak and understand the spoken word in order to respond promptly to pages for assistance, to accommodate verbal requests from customers for information or assistance, to answer telephones, and to be able to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to read, write, analyze, interpret and understand the English or Spanish language with sufficient proficiency in order to read and understand instructions for operating electronic equipment and tools, company handbooks, policies and procedures, and other written job‑related documents including postings on company bulletin boards.

• Be thoroughly familiar with all products carried in the department including being fully knowledgeable in the differences (in price, taste, preparation or use) between the many varieties and types of products in different produce families (e.g. apples squashes, etc.).

• Be able to pass a standard drug test and qualify as being “drug-free” under the legal and medical guidelines permitted by the Drug Free Workplace Act in 1988.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

The physical demands and work conditions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and use the hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools or controls.

• The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 70 pounds.

• Successful performance requires specific vision abilities that include close vision and the ability to adjust focus including having sufficient visual acuity to check and verify invoices and other written documents.

• Be able to climb a ladder to retrieve items stored in overhead racks such as trays and wrapping material; be able to sweep and mop floors and lift and carry out trash containers to be emptied in an outside bin.

• Have sufficient physical mobility or agility to be able to respond quickly to fire or other emergencies and sufficient dexterity to disassemble and clean produce department tools and other equipment.

• Be able to work in an environment with fresh fruits, vegetables, house plants and flowers without negative allergic consequences that adversely affect performance.

• The work environment includes frequent exposure to, in, or around refrigerated storage areas and relatively damp and humid conditions including wet or slippery floor surfaces.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE

The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.

Northgate Markets is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Northgate Markets will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Ban the Box Law).

Pay Range: $17.25 USD - $21.00 USD