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Produce Department Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

H Mart

Produce Procurement Associate

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Administrative works for the Produce department * Store visits for quality-assurance and sales status of produce Qualifications / Skills: * Associate or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Business ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Produce Backroom

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Title Produce Backroom Pay Grade Non-Exempt Major Department Produce Minor Department Produce Reports to Produce Department Manager, Store Manager Job Summary: Back room responsibilities include ...

Pete's Fresh Market

Produce Backroom

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Title Produce Backroom Pay Grade Non-Exempt Major Department Produce Minor Department Produce Reports to Produce Department Manager, Store Manager Job Summary: Back room responsibilities include ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/LEAD CLERK

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Communicate company, department, and job specific information to associates. * Establish ... Inform customers of produce specials. * Review/inspect products for quality and freshness and take ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/LEAD CLERK

Chicago, IL

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Communicate company, department, and job specific information to associates. * Establish ... Inform customers of produce specials. * Review/inspect products for quality and freshness and take ...

Mariano's

PRODUCE/LEAD CLERK

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Communicate company, department, and job specific information to associates. * Establish ... Inform customers of produce specials. * Review/inspect products for quality and freshness and take ...

Heinen's Grocery Store

Produce Associate

Barrington, IL · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

... produce. * Maintain a clean and safe work environment for all customers and associates ... Culls department for quality control, scans and records shrink. * Take and fill special orders for ...

Heinen's Grocery Store

Produce Associate

Barrington, IL · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

... produce. * Maintain a clean and safe work environment for all customers and associates ... Culls department for quality control, scans and records shrink. * Take and fill special orders for ...

Mariano's

Produce Clerk

Hoffman Estates, IL

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

Produce Clerk

Palatine, IL

$15 - $18/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/GM CLERK

Lombard, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

... department. Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent ... Produce experience * Promote trust and respect among associates. * Adhere to all local, state and ...

Food 4 Less

PRODUCE/CLERK

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Westchester, IL

$15 - $17.75/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Glenview, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Orland Park, IL

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Frankfort, IL

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Western Springs, IL

$15 - $18/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Mariano's

PRODUCE/CLERK

Des Plaines, IL

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... department and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

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All JobsProduce Department Associate JobsProduce Department Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Produce Department Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do produce department associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce department associate in Chicago, IL is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a produce department associate?

Produce Department Associates are retail workers responsible for stocking, maintaining, and displaying fresh fruits and vegetables in a grocery store's produce section. They ensure produce is fresh, rotated, and attractively arranged for customers. Their duties also include assisting customers with product selection, answering questions, and maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in the department. These associates play a key role in providing a positive shopping experience and helping reduce food waste by monitoring product quality.

What are some common challenges faced by produce department associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Produce Department Associates often face challenges such as maintaining product freshness, managing inventory efficiently, and ensuring attractive displays while adhering to food safety guidelines. Handling perishable items requires attention to detail and quick response to spoilage or damage. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is crucial for coordinating restocking and addressing customer inquiries. Developing strong organizational habits and staying updated on best practices can help associates manage these challenges and contribute to a positive shopping experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a produce department associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Produce Department Associate, you need basic knowledge of fruits and vegetables, safe food handling practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, scales, and inventory management tools is typically required. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These abilities are crucial for maintaining product quality, ensuring customer satisfaction, and supporting efficient store operations.

What is the difference between Produce Department Associate vs Grocery Clerk?

AspectProduce Department AssociateGrocery Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic food safety knowledgeHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service skills
Work EnvironmentFresh produce section, handling fruits and vegetablesGrocery aisles, stocking and organizing products
Employer & Industry UsageSupermarkets, grocery stores, fresh food marketsSupermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores

The Produce Department Associate primarily focuses on handling fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring quality and freshness, while the Grocery Clerk manages a broader range of grocery items, including stocking and customer assistance. Both roles require similar certifications and work in retail grocery environments, but their specific duties and product focus differ.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Produce Department Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Produce Department Associate job openings:

Produce Department Associate jobs near you

Produce Procurement Associate

H Mart

Lincolnshire, IL • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

H Mart rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

H Mart is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Produce Procurement Associate to join our team. This role is responsible for sourcing high-quality produce at competitive prices, managing inventory, and ensuring seamless product delivery. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to maintain efficient purchasing operations.
Responsibilities but not limited to:
  • Create a purchase order and sales order, and follow up until the product is successfully received
  • Source at the lowest possible price, while maintaining the highest quality standards
  • Check the quality and quantity of incoming products
  • Work with warehouse employees and suppliers on delivery problems, back-orders, and product returns
  • Manage produce inventories in a refrigerated storage
  • Assist with completing new item forms and sales templates for seasonal and special projects
  • Analyze purchases and sales data
  • Administrative works for the Produce department
  • Store visits for quality-assurance and sales status of produce

Qualifications / Skills:
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or other related field preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, etc.)
  • Great communication and negotiation skill
  • Must be able to communicate/negotiate effectively with produce item suppliers
  • Constantly work in low temperatures conditions under 38 ℉
  • Occasionally move produce boxes weighing up to 50 pounds while checking the quantity and quality of items
  • Must be able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machine and computer printer
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint
  • At least 1 year of relevant work experience
  • Bilingual in Korean and English preferred

Benefits:
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • FSA (Flexible Spending Account) & DCFSA (Dependent Care FSA)
  • HSA (Health Savings Account)
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Celebration & Condolence Benefits
  • 401K Retirement Plan (5% Matching)
  • GTL (Group Term Life Insurance)
  • BTA (Business Travel Accident Insurance) & AD & D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance)
  • 5% In Store Employee Discount
  • Company Resort
  • H Mart Holiday Gift Certificates

Work Hours: Mon - Fri : 8 am - 6 pm (45 hours)
Work Location: 550 Barclay Blvd, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Annual Salary: $55,000.00 ~ $60,000.00, FLSA Non-Exempt
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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