The Store Cooperator Role

Our Cooperators are the energetic team that greets and serves our owners and customers. Their productivity fuels our cooperative business mission - to operate our grocery store as a destination for healthy food and community well-being. Our Cooperators are flexible, dependable, and adaptable to change. They are keen to learn every aspect of the natural foods business. Cooperators are cross-trained to work anywhere in the store: from cashiering and stocking shelves, to prepping produce and serving deli customers. They take personal responsibility for their work. Our store promotes teamwork, empowered customer service, and the Co-op Culture. We operate within a cooperative business model of ownership by the community, and we follow our End Goals. 

We have needs for Cooperators in the following areas: 

• Customer Service/Cashier
• Deli

Benefits: 

• $14/hour, with potential for advancement
• Medical Benefits for full time
• Dental and Vision Benefits for part time and full time
• Short term disability and Life insurance for full time
• Paid Time Off Accruals (3 weeks equivalent per year)
• Two Paid Holidays for full time
• 20% store discount
• Employee Assistance Program (free anonymous counseling)

There are full- and part-time positions available, with shifts between 7am and 8:30pm. 

Weekend availability is required for at least one weekend day/week. 

Shifts generally start at 7/8am, 12pm, or 2pm.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. Create a warm, welcoming, informed shopping experience through interactions with customers.
2. Provide outstanding customer service; uphold our Customer Service Commitment.
3. Communicate customer needs that you cannot answer to Manager on Duty (MOD).
4. Provide a proficient, accurate experience at the Point of Sale (POS).
5. Complete daily cleaning tasks, cleanup/upkeep of personal areas, and other periodic cleaning.
6. Maintain familiarity with all areas of the store in order to best assist customers.
7. Use appropriate phone/intercom etiquette
8. Communicate in a clear, direct, and respectful manner.

STORE OPERATIONS

1. Be dependable: show up/clock in on time, look good, be prepared to do your job, be adaptable to change.
2. Read the employee newsletter, departmental journals, and check in with the MOD to find out your role for your shift.
3. Adhere to the Attendance and Break policies.
4. Adhere to the Staff Agreement.
5. Complete your department task list or production schedule.
6. Complete training events, meetings, and self-evaluations as assigned.
7. Keep accurate records as directed.
8. Keep workspace and common areas clean and organized.
9. Follow cleaning schedules for the area(s) in which you work, to ensure the store is clean and orderly, and meets customer service and health department standards.
10. Communicate equipment needs or maintenance concerns to Coordinators and Managers.
11. Adhere to store safety and conflict resolution procedures.

MERCHANDISING & PROMOTIONS

1. Display proficiency on Autoscale for accurate and timely results
2. Pull out-of-date or damaged products; record losses according to department protocols.
3. Work with Managers and Coordinators to ensure reception of orders and alert them in situations where a credit is needed.
4. Participate in periodic inventory counts.
5. Stock area floor plan and display areas as directed.
6. Maintain attractive displays of product and accurate shelf/bin tags
7. Offer samples, suggestions, and product information to customers.
8. Work with Coordinators and Manager to ensure accurate, up-to-date product signage, including shelf/bin labels and sale signs.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Work in a retail grocery store.
• Work in temperature extremes (walk-in freezer, frozen or hot parking lot, hot kitchen, etc.).
• Utilize hand trucks, pallet jacks, grocery carts, knives, box cutters, electronic ordering devices. 
• Utilize office machines, cash registers, tablets, computers, fax machines, scanners, photocopiers, telephone and intercom systems.
• Utilize commercial kitchen equipment.
• Utilize Google Workspace, Point of Sale, and payroll software.
• Properly handle hazardous cleaning materials according to MIOSHA protocols.
• Tolerate moderate noise level.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Ability to analyze data.
• Mathematical - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; ability to compute rate, ratio and percent. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and standard kitchen measurements.
• Comprehension - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Reasoning - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed. 
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; remains open to others and ideas and tries new things.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; supports Co-op’s goals and values.
• Judgment & Decision Making – Displays willingness to make decisions; supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
• Independence & Interdependence - Ability to work independently, as part of a team, coordinating within the department to ensure goals are met.
• Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; works well in group problem solving situations; has a cooperative spirit.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
• Computer Literacy - Ability to regularly use computers for organizational content on shared drives.
• Oral Communication – Responds well to questions; participates in meetings. Ability to speak effectively to groups of customers or employees of the organization. 
• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures.
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time.
• Flexibility - Ability and willingness to learn and meet the changing requirements of the job. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 17 years of age. If a minor under 18, must provide a Valid Work Permit per the State of Michigan Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) prior to the first day of employment.
• Willingness and ability to learn and perform the requirements of the job.
• Able to work at least one weekend day/week, early morning, late evening,
• Bright and cheery disposition

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• At least one year of experience in a retail, natural foods, or cooperative environment.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to use computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, and office equipment continuously.
• Ability to lift and carry between 20 and 50 pounds frequently.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder height, and climb stairs/ladders occasionally.
• Ability to use fine motor skills for typing, grasping, manipulating objects with fingers.
• Ability to write or type reports, and complete checklists in written or digital format.
• Ability to read and interpret small print and alphanumeric product codes.
• Ability to work overnight, weekend and non-business hour shifts as required.

Disclaimer

This job description is a representative, but not exhaustive list of job functions that an employee may be required to perform. It is not intended as an employee contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances of its business or work environment change, regardless of job title or routine job functions.