Market and Café Associate

Job Title: Market Associate

FLSA Status: Full Time

Reports to: Retail Manager

Work Location: Marion Barry Avenue Market (1303 Marion Barry Avenue SE)

Compensation: $21.63 - $22.95 per hour

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.

Dreaming Out Loud’s mission is to create economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized communities through building a healthy, equitable food system. We are rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise: increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low-income communities, and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family‑supporting wages and build wealth.

We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the “access” paradigm to a focus on community self‑determination and food sovereignty. Utilizing the food system as a catalyst, we are working to create an integrated pipeline to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth‑building for our most marginalized communities.

As a key team member in our community‑centered market and café, the Market Associate ensures a welcoming, safe, and efficient shopping experience. This role supports day‑to‑day retail and café operations by maintaining clean, well‑stocked shelves, delivering excellent customer service, and upholding food safety standards.

• Greet and assist customers to enhance the overall shopping experience.
• Answer customer inquiries regarding product locations, store policies, and promotions.
• Operate cash registers, process transactions accurately, and issue receipts.
• Provide friendly, responsive service when handling customer orders and feedback.

• Restock shelves, ensuring items are front facing, properly labeled, and within date.
• Perform regular stock counts and monitor inventory levels.
• Receive, unpack, and verify the accuracy of deliveries and shipments.
• Maintain cleanliness throughout the store including aisles, displays, and checkout areas.
• Rotate stock to ensure freshness and minimize waste.

• Prepare and serve beverages and hot, ready‑to‑eat meals following standard recipes.
• Take customer orders, process payments, and deliver high‑quality service.
• Maintain cleanliness in the café area, including counters, tables, and food equipment.
• Restock supplies such as cups, napkins, condiments, and other essentials.
• Monitor inventory of café ingredients and supplies; assist with basic food prep tasks.
• Open and close café area, including cleaning, restocking, and preparing for next‑day operations.

• Follow safety and sanitation standards in both the store and café, including proper food handling.
• Ensure compliance with local food safety regulations and organizational protocols.

The duties and responsibilities contained herein are representative of the essential functions of this position. The dynamic nature of our work requires flexibility and our collaborative environment necessitates cross‑functional support. Employees are expected to adapt to our ever‑evolving organizational and community needs and perform other duties as assigned to contribute to Dreaming Out Loud’s success.

• Prior grocery or retail experience preferred.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Familiarity with DC food safety and customer service standards is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Attention to detail, time management, and reliability are essential.
• Comfort and experience working and communicating with people from various backgrounds
• Independent and hardworking.
• Dependable.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform physically strenuous work including lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, and utilizing ladders and step stools.
• Ability to stand for 4 or more hours.
• Ability to wear a mask, gloves, and other protective wear for 4 or more hours.

• Generou…