Briarpatch Food Co Op Jobs (NOW HIRING)

 Do you enjoy working behind the scenes to help a busy kitchen run smoothly? The Moscow Food Co-op is looking for dependable, hardworking, and team-oriented individuals to join our Kitchen Staff. This position plays an essential role in keeping our kitchen clean, organized, stocked, and operating efficiently while supporting the production of fresh, high-quality prepared foods. 

• Wash, sanitize, and organize dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment
• Operate the commercial dish machine safely and according to food safety standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary dishwashing area throughout your shift
• Stock kitchen supplies, dishes, and prepared food inventory throughout the department
• Receive deliveries, organize storage areas, and rotate product using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices
• Keep kitchen, storage, and back stock areas clean, organized, and ready for production
• Assist with cleaning projects, opening and closing duties, and other kitchen support tasks
• Work closely with the Kitchen, Deli, Bakery, Grocery, and Front End teams to support daily operations
• Help maintain food safety and sanitation standards throughout the department
• Assist other departments as needed to support the overall success of the Co-op

• Positive, dependable attitude with a strong work ethic
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Ability to follow instructions while working independently when needed
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary work environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Basic math and computer skills
• Ability to obtain an Idaho Food Safety Certification (if not already certified)
• Previous restaurant, kitchen, janitorial, warehouse, or food service experience is helpful but not required—we're happy to train the right person.

• Full-time: 35–40 hours per week
• Part-time: 20–29 hours per week
• Flexible scheduling, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and university breaks
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

We're a community-oriented, values-driven workplace offering a supportive environment, living wages, and excellent benefits. In a recent employee survey, staff overwhelmingly said they're proud to work at the Moscow Food Co-op!

• 20% store discount
• Employee Profit Sharing
• 401(k) retirement plan participation

• Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Accidental & hospital insurance
• Telemedicine & mental health support

• Dental insurance
• Short-term disability, accidental & hospital insurance
• Telemedicine & mental health support

Join our Kitchen team and help keep the heart of the Co-op running! Whether you're looking to start a career in food service or enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, you'll be part of a team dedicated to preparing fresh food and providing an exceptional experience for our customers and coworkers every day. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Kitchen Staff position supports the Moscow Food Co-op’s Prepared Foods Department by maintaining a consistent supply of clean and sanitized dishes, utensils, cookware, glassware, and equipment. This position also receives, stocks, rotates, and organizes kitchen supplies and prepared food ingredients to ensure cooks and other department staff have the products and equipment needed to complete daily production. 

Kitchen Staff follow established dishwashing, sanitation, stocking, receiving, and food safety procedures while maintaining clean, safe, and organized work areas. This position works closely with the Kitchen Manager, Prepared Foods Buyer, cooks, and Deli staff to support efficient department operations, excellent customer service, and department sales, labor, margin, and waste goals. 

Kitchen Staff are expected to work with a sense of urgency, complete assigned responsibilities accurately and efficiently, communicate supply or equipment concerns promptly, and leave work areas fully stocked, clean, and prepared for the next shift. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Service & Engagement

• Provide friendly, professional service to customers, coworkers, vendors, and delivery drivers.
• Assist customers with basic Prepared Foods questions or direct them to the appropriate team member.
• Prioritize customer needs while maintaining a welcoming and professional environment.
• Report on customer feedback or concerns to department leadership.

Food Preparation & Service

• Ensure cooks have clean dishes, cookware, utensils, and equipment available throughout the day.
• Complete assigned prep, packaging, and support tasks according to department procedures.
• Stock production areas with ingredients, containers, and supplies.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate products.
• Help prevent production delays by monitoring dish and supply levels.

Stocking, Merchandising & Department Presentation

• Receive deliveries and verify product accuracy and quality.
• Stock, rotate, label, and organize products using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices.
• Maintain clean, organized coolers, freezers, storage rooms, and back stock.
• Monitor supply levels and communicate shortages before products run out.
• Keep receiving and storage areas clean, organized, and accessible.

 Cleanliness, Food Safety & Sanitation

• Wash, rinse, sanitize, and properly store dishes, cookware, utensils, and equipment according to food safety standards.
• Operate, clean, and maintain the dish machine and dish area.
• Sweep, mop, wipe surfaces, and complete assigned cleaning schedules.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, labeling, chemical handling, and personal hygiene procedures.
• Report on equipment, sanitation, or food safety concerns immediately.
• Maintain a current Idaho Food Safety Certification or obtain certification within the required timeframe.

 Teamwork

• Work cooperatively with Kitchen, Deli, Bakery, Grocery, and Front-End staff.
• Communicate supply, equipment, and operational needs promptly.
• Assist coworkers during busy periods and help prepare the department for the next shift.
• Follow directions from supervisors and assist other departments when needed.
• Maintain a positive, respectful attitude and accept coaching professionally.

 Productivity & Operations

• Complete dishwashing, stocking, receiving, and cleaning responsibilities accurately and efficiently.
• Prioritize work based on production needs, deliveries, food safety, and customer demand.
• Maintain adequate supplies of clean dishes and equipment throughout the shift.
• Complete required logs, receiving paperwork, and cleaning records accurately.
• Minimize waste, protect equipment, and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Seek additional productive work when primary responsibilities are complete.
• Support department sales, labor, margin, waste, and operational goals through dependable, efficient work.

Co-op-Wide Employee Standards

Customer Service & Communication

• Provide excellent customer service by creating friendly, welcoming, and helpful experience for every customer
• Remain approachable, attentive, and professional while assisting customers, coworkers, and vendors.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding customer concerns, product issues, and operational needs.
• Offer product suggestions and respond to questions with professionalism, patience, and respect for diverse customer needs and perspectives.
• Maintain a positive, solutions-oriented attitude and continuously build product and operational knowledge.

Teamwork & Professionalism

• Work cooperatively with all departments to support a respectful, inclusive, and team-oriented workplace culture.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other areas of the store, including cashier backup and cross-department support as needed.
• Follow the direction of the Manager on Duty (MOD) and contribute to department and store-wide initiatives.
• Assist with staff training and participate in Co-op meetings, inventories, and required training.

Operations & Accountability

• Maintain excellent attendance, punctuality, and scheduling flexibility, including arriving on time and following break and time-off policies.
• Follow established opening, closing, safety, and operational procedures.
• Maintain accurate use of scheduling and timekeeping systems and assist with shift coverage when needed.
• Ensure a safe, organized, and professional environment for customers and staff through attention to detail and follow-through.

Customer Service Expectations

Customer service is the top priority of this position. Co-op staff are expected to create friendly, welcoming, and helpful experiences for every customer. Employees should proactively greet customers (30 second rule), remain approachable and engaged on the sales floor, and respond to questions with professionalism and care.

 Staff should demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A positive and solutions-oriented attitude.
• Patience, professionalism, and respect for diverse customer needs and perspectives.
• A willingness to learn about products and continuously improve product knowledge.
• Consistent attention to detail and follow-through.

Required

• Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Moscow Food Co-op.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; retail, natural foods, dishwashing, stocking, or food service experience preferred.
• Positive, dependable, self-motivated team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Basic computer and math skills.
• Ability to safely operate commercial dishwashing and kitchen equipment.
• Current Idaho Food Safety Certification or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
• Willingness to adapt to changing department needs.
• Reliable attendance and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and university breaks.
• Ability to receive and apply coaching and feedback.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout the store and kitchen for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds; push or pull carts and racks up to 200 pounds.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, and reaching.
• Ability to work in hot, wet, noisy, and changing temperature environments, including frequent hand immersion in water.
• Ability to safely operate dishwashing equipment and work in close quarters with coworkers.

The duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive. The Moscow Food Co-op reserves the right to revise this job description and assign additional responsibilities as business needs change.