ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cheese Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Citarella

Cheese Associate

Bronx, NY · On-site

Cheese Associate Led by dynamic owner Joe Gurrera (and his commitment to superior quality) Citarella has grown from a respected NYC fish market into a full-scale, Ultimate Gourmet Market with ...

Farmer Joes Market LLC

Cheese Associate

Cape Coral, FL · On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

Will help Gourmet cheese to maintain area or anything requested by department manager. ? Perform other duties as assigned by the department manager. Salary Description 13-17.50

harmons

Cheese Sales Manager

Lehi, UT · On-site

$65K/yr

This person will train and mentor all cheese associates and know all aspects of the department. This person will also determine production and inventory levels for the specialty cheese department.

harmons

Cheese Sales Manager

Farmington, UT · On-site

$65K/yr

This person will train and mentor all cheese associates and know all aspects of the department. This person will also determine production and inventory levels for the specialty cheese department.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRetail JobsGrocery JobsCheesemonger JobsCheese Associate Jobs

Cheese Associate information

See salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do cheese associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese associate in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cheese associate?

Cheese Associates are retail employees who specialize in the selection, care, presentation, and sale of cheeses within grocery stores, specialty shops, or markets. They assist customers by providing recommendations, sharing knowledge about different types of cheeses, and sometimes offering samples. Cheese Associates are responsible for maintaining product freshness, restocking displays, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. They play a key role in educating customers about cheese pairings and storage methods. The position often requires excellent communication skills and a passion for artisanal foods.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to excel as a cheese associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cheese Associate, you need knowledge of cheese varieties, food safety, and basic retail or food handling experience, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications, and cheese cutting tools is usually required. Strong customer service, communication, and teamwork skills help you engage customers and work efficiently with colleagues. These skills and qualifications ensure proper cheese handling, excellent customer experiences, and compliance with health regulations in a retail food environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cheese associates, and how can they be overcome?

Cheese Associates often face challenges such as keeping up with a wide variety of products, managing proper storage conditions, and providing knowledgeable recommendations to customers. Staying organized and regularly updating product knowledge are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating with team members and seeking guidance from more experienced staff can also help ensure consistent product quality and excellent customer service.

What is the difference between Cheese Associate vs Cheese Clerk?

AspectCheese AssociateCheese Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food handling certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food handling certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentGrocery stores, specialty cheese shops, supermarketsGrocery stores, supermarkets, specialty food stores
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, stocking cheese products, providing product knowledgeAssisting customers, stocking cheese, cashier duties
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail food environmentsCommonly used in retail grocery settings

The main difference between a Cheese Associate and a Cheese Clerk lies in their job scope. Cheese Associates often focus on customer service and product knowledge, while Cheese Clerks may also handle cashier duties. Both roles typically require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but the Cheese Associate role emphasizes product expertise and customer interaction.

What cities are hiring for Cheese Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Cheese Associate job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cheese jobs?

The most popular types of Cheese jobs are:

What states have the most Cheese Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cheese Associate jobs include:

Cheese Associate jobs near you

Cheese Associate

Citarella

Bronx, NY • On-site

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Citarella rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Cheese Associate

Led by dynamic owner Joe Gurrera (and his commitment to superior quality) Citarella has grown from a respected NYC fish market into a full-scale, Ultimate Gourmet Market with locations across New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, Connecticut.

A family-run business, we're driven by a passion for great food. We delight customers with the finest selection of fresh seafood, prime, dry-aged beef, chef-prepared specialties and handcrafted pastries, international cheeses, imported groceries, and more. Join our team of seasoned professionals and become a part of the fabric of the New York food scene.

Role and Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for cutting, trimming, and packaging cheese products with precision and care. You'll work closely with a team to ensure cheese is prepared to exact specifications and ready for delivery. This is a hands-on, physically active position in a fast-paced, refrigerated environment.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Cut, wrap, label, and pack a variety of cheese types according to company standards
  • Trim rinds, mold, and sediment from cheese using a knife
  • Examine cheese for defects in color, texture, and body
  • Grate cheese as required for store or customer orders
  • Pull cheese orders for store fulfillment
  • Confirm expiration dates and rotate inventory to ensure freshness
  • Pack cheese into milk crates and organize on pallets for delivery
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe work area
  • Perform additional duties as directed by the manager

The described functions are among the essential job functions for this position but are not exhaustive of the essential functions of the job or of the tasks that an Associate may be required to perform. Associates may be assigned additional responsibilities as necessary. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require Associates to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations, or the work environment change.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • Strong knife handling and cutting skills
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
  • Eagerness to learn about different types of cheese and their handling
  • Clear and effective communication skills
  • High attention to detail and quality
Preferred Skills
  • Ability to stand for extended periods in refrigerated environments
  • Able to lift up to 80 lbs independently and 200 lbs with team assistance
  • Flexibility to work varying schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays

What Citarella employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply