Produce Cooperator - Nights and weekends

Produce Cooperator FT - Nights and weekends

Lawrence Store - Produce Cooperator FTJob Description

Join to apply for the Produce Cooperator FT - Nights and weekends role at The Merc Co+op
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Job Summary

Cooperators are entry level positions at the co-op. They work closely with department Specialists and Managers to consistently meet the needs of shoppers in a fast‑paced service environment. Produce Cooperators report to the Produce Manager and are responsible for pricing, culling, preparing, displaying, and rotating a wide variety of produce, floral and department products in compliance with established practices and standards.

This role focuses on evening and weekend coverage, including Saturday and Sunday closing shifts (typically 1:30 PM – 10:00 PM with a 30‑minute unpaid lunch). Flexible and reliable shift coverage ensures the produce department is clean, organized, and set up for the next morning.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Collaborate with department Specialists to execute daily tasks including opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned.
• Provide exceptional, prompt, and friendly service in person and over the phone.
• Comply with safety procedures, identify and report unsafe conditions, and report all safety risks to store management.
• Support training of new staff members by modeling best practices and established department procedures.
• Assist with ordering, inventory, and other duties as assigned.
• Gain and maintain knowledge of cooperative ownership and business model practices.
• Gain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the store and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products.
• Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special promotions and ads.
• Report to work as scheduled and on time.
• Stay up to date on storewide and department communications, including digital communication, and engage appropriately.

Department Duties

• Receive, price, cull, prepare, display, and rotate produce and department products in compliance with established practices and standards.
• Prioritize and re-prioritize tasks to ensure that the sales floor is clean, abundant, and welcoming.
• Actively participate in department promotions, including daily sampling.
• Build, stock, and rotate displays in an aesthetically pleasing way to ensure a sense of abundance.
• Ensure all department signs are accurate, in good condition, and clearly visible.
• Serve and assist customers, explain products, flavor, taste, and preparation.
• Follow Safe Food Handling practices and safe equipment use including knives, production equipment, pallet jacks, and stocking carts.
• Assist with management of inventory and ensuring products are fresh and high quality.
• Ensure that all production, inventory, prep, and display racks are properly stored, labeled, and rotated.
• Maintain neat and clean department, including coolers, backstock, and other storage spaces.
• Communicate effectively with co‑workers, engage in huddles and discussions of sales reports.
• Act as first response to correct mechanical and equipment failure and communicate maintenance needs to supervisor.

Physical Requirements, Working Conditions + Equipment

• Work requires standing/walking for 90% of a shift.
• Work requires the following motions: lifting up to 50 lb., bending, twisting, squatting and reaching; hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Exposure to temperatures: 90 °F.
• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• Must be able to work with various cleaning solutions, safely use sharp tools, and carefully operate all production equipment.

Qualifications and Skills

• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Past work record reflects dependability and integrity.
• Flexibility of schedule to adapt and respond to the needs of the department.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Proven ability to follow through on commitments, prioritize and reprioritize as necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills.
• Must have the ability to read written and interpret verbal or demonstrated…