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Costco Sampler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grind Clerk

Tracy, CA · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice. The jobs listed are examples of ... Records sampling results, brand name, metal detection, test results, and completes repair sheets as ...

Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice. The jobs listed are examples of ... Takes product samples to the lab for testing purposes. * Communicates with production employees for ...

... Costco in Livermore, CA . This role focuses on delivering engaging in-store experiences by connecting customers with products through live demonstrations and sampling. The position supports sales ...

... in Costco in Redwood City, CA . This role focuses on delivering engaging in-store experiences by connecting customers with products through live demonstrations and sampling. The position supports ...

... Costco in Livermore, CA . This role focuses on delivering engaging in-store experiences by connecting customers with products through live demonstrations and sampling. The position supports sales ...

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Costco Sampler information

What is a Costco Sampler?

Costco Samplers, also known as product demonstrators, are employees or contractors who offer free samples of food and other products to Costco shoppers. Their main role is to engage with customers, provide information about the products, and encourage sales by allowing people to try before they buy. Samplers often set up small stations in various aisles, prepare sample portions, and answer questions about ingredients or promotions. This position requires good communication skills, basic food handling knowledge, and a friendly attitude to create a positive shopping experience.

What does a Costco Sampler do during a typical shift?

A typical shift for a Costco Sampler involves setting up sample stations, preparing and presenting food or product samples, and engaging with customers to answer questions and encourage product trials. Samplers work closely with both Costco staff and product vendors to ensure compliance with food safety standards and effective promotional displays. The role requires strong communication skills, as you'll be interacting with a diverse customer base and often collaborating with other samplers to manage busy periods. Flexibility and a friendly attitude are key to creating a positive shopping experience and supporting overall sales goals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Costco Sampler?

To thrive as a Costco Sampler, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow food safety guidelines, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food handling equipment, basic point-of-sale systems, and adherence to safety certifications like a food handler’s permit is often required. Excellent communication, a friendly demeanor, and the ability to engage shoppers help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure a positive customer experience, maintain safety standards, and effectively promote products to drive sales.

What is the difference between Costco Sampler vs Costco Product Demonstrator?

AspectCostco SamplerCostco Product Demonstrator
CredentialsNone required or minimalTypically no formal certification, but some product knowledge helpful
Work EnvironmentIn-store, sampling food or products to customersIn-store, demonstrating products and engaging customers
Employer & IndustryCostco Wholesale, retail

Costco Samplers and Costco Product Demonstrators both work in retail environments, engaging customers with product samples. The main difference lies in their roles: Samplers primarily offer samples to promote products, while Demonstrators actively demonstrate how products work or are used. Both roles typically require minimal credentials and are seasonal or part-time positions within Costco stores.

How to become a Costco Sampler?

To become a Costco Sampler, you typically need to be employed by Costco in a related position such as a cashier or stocker, as the sampling role is often part of a broader employee team. No specific certification is required, but good customer service skills and the ability to handle food safely are important. Availability to work flexible hours and adherence to food safety standards are also necessary.

What job categories do people searching Costco Sampler jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Costco Sampler jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Costco Sampler jobs?

Cities in California with the most Costco Sampler job openings:

Infographic showing various Costco Sampler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$18 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Costco rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,922 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description


California applicants: Please click here to review the Costco Applicant Privacy Notice.
The jobs listed are examples of the typical kinds of positions that Costco may hire for when openings exist. The listing does not mean that any positions are currently open or available at Costco.
Position Summary
The Grind Service Clerk operates an industrial grinder to grind fresh and frozen meat products to produce patties, chubs and meatballs. Rotates between one of five positions every 2 hours at Grinder line, Filling, Batching, Fresh Grinding, Frozen Grinding, and Grind out. Works as an Organic Line Grinder, or Transport Driver for the lines.
Job Duties
  • Performs machine set up and break down, replacement of parts when clogged or dirty on the Grinders, Formax, and Beehive machines using hand tools, wrenches, and hoists
  • Operates computerized mixing stations to batch out proper fat content of meat. Fills out Daily Batching Report for tracking.
  • Operates fresh or frozen meat grinder machines. Assembles grinder mechanism at shift start and end using mechanical lifts and devices.
  • Ensures proper placement of packaging equipment for line machines including film rolls and paper.
  • Uses forklift or EPJ to transport raw fresh or frozen meat to lines. Removes and records license plate numbers from incoming bins, records weight, fat percentage, and time batched for each batch. Records sampling results, brand name, metal detection, test results, and completes repair sheets as needed. Certification Required.
  • Operates Formax, Kartridge-Pack (KP), microwave, and Rapid Pack machines which form patties or chubs depending on line assignment.
  • Conducts continuous visual and auditory inspection of product and equipment throughout the shift resolving and reporting any discrepancies or product issues.
  • Maintains workstation in a clean and safe condition including cleaning product/meat debris and hosing blood off floor.
  • Collects raw samples for testing, delivers to the lab, and performs routine fat testing on meat products.
  • Ensures proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Ability to operate vehicles, equipment, or machinery.
  • Assists with department duties as necessary.
  • Assists in other departments of the warehouse as necessary.

For additional information about pay ranges, click here.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance, health care reimbursement account, dependent care assistance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, AD&D insurance, life insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan to eligible employees.
Apart from any religious or disability considerations, open availability is needed to meet the needs of the business. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Job Description Posting Updated: July 2026 Job Code: 0568

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About Costco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With more than 800 locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Today, as the company evolves, it stays true to the qualities that helped attract and retain millions of loyal members around the globe: Commitment to quality. Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets. By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand, and features, the company can offer the best value to members.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Issaquah, WA, US

Year founded

1983