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Produce Department Associate Jobs in Portland, ME

In the absence of the department manager and the assistant department manager, lead the department ... Develop produce product knowledge. * Assist in training other associates when assigned. * Maintain ...

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Produce Department Associate information

See Portland, ME salary details

$11

$16

$21

How much do produce department associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for produce department associate in Portland, ME is $16.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How to be a good produce department associate?

A produce department associate should prioritize maintaining fresh, clean displays, accurately weighing and labeling products, and providing friendly customer service. Attention to food safety standards and proper handling of produce are essential, along with teamwork and time management skills to ensure efficient store operations.

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 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 cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Produce Department Associate jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Produce Department Associate job openings:

Produce Manager- Shaw's Supermarkets - Portland, ME

Shaw's

Portland, ME

$36K - $37K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Shaw's rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 302 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

Company Description

Shaw's and Star Market is working to become the favorite food and drug retailer in every state it operates and is a proud member of the Albertson's family of stores. Shaw's is one of the oldest continuously operated supermarkets in the United States with its roots dating to 1860. Throughout five New England states, there are 155 store locations employing approximately 18,000 associates. For more information about Shaw's, please visit www.shaws.com or connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Shaws.

Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Produce Manager is responsible for the direct supervision of the Produce and Floral department operations including providing customer service and assuring that associates are following company policies and procedures. He/she is also responsible for achieving
production and budget objectives. This position includes performing stocking duties as needed. He/she must have excellent customer service skills, as he/she is the role model for other associates.


ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: This position reports to: Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager. Positions that report directly to this position: Assistant Produce Manager, Produce clerks, Salad Bar clerks, Floral clerks, and any other clerk working in the Produce Department.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Manage and accountable for all aspects of the operation and supervision of the
Department including, but not limited to: supervision of Department personnel; providing customer service; achieving sales, gross profit, labor, shrink and inventory goals set for the Department; product ordering, quality, presentation, merchandising, organization, pricing, stocking, shelf allocation, staffing, training, turnover and morale. Assure that all Company and Department specific policies and procedures are adhered to on a regular basis.

Perform job functions of other Department personnel in their absence and/or in addition to them. In the absence of the Store Manager, Assistant Manager and Evening Manager, the Department Manager may be in charge of the store.

Effectively supervise 2 to 20 associates in a fast paced and multi functional environment and take appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.

Operate various store computer systems.

Must be available to work 40 hours per week at peak business times.

 

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Conduct periodic reviews of work practices and provide information to Store
Management.

Achieve other objectives including, but not limited to food safety, workplace safety, and company audits.

Other duties as assigned by Store Management.

 

ASSIGNMENT, REVIEW, AND APPROVAL OF WORK:

Department Managers assign, review, and approve work of all clerks under his/her direct supervision. Department Managers must take the initiative to foresee work that needs to be completed
and see to it that it is completed in a timely fashion. Department Managers determine appropriate staffing levels for each shift based on
business needs. The Department Manager generally prepares work schedules on a weekly basis.

 

RESPONSIBILITY AND DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY:

Make recommendations on staffing the Department; interviewing and hiring of Department personnel; and promotion of associates; Assign work to, direct the work of and train Department personnel; Complete performance appraisals on all Department personnel;
Impose discipline and recommend termination; Schedule work hours and time off for Department personnel; Authorize and assign overtime; Accept valid excuses for absences, tardiness or leaving early. Responsible for the supervision of the entire department. Responsible for achieving goals established by the Store Manager. Responsible to know, understand, and support department specific policies and procedures. Ensure that associates perform their work in a safe and ergonomically correct manner. Department Managers must take action on unsafe working conditions when appropriate.

RELATIONS WITH OTHERS: Must be able to relate to the following in a courteous and professional manner: Customers, Supervisors, Subordinates, Co-workers, Store Management, Vendors, Other people with whom they have contact while on duty

 

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND BACKGROUND REQUIRED: Must be at least 18 years old. Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast paced environment. Problem solving ability. Experience as an Assistant Department Manager or equivalent. Some on the job training is provided.

KNOWLEDGE AND BACKGROUND DESIRED: Leadership qualities including, but not limited to: good listening skills; the ability to motivate others; respect for and tolerance of others; the ability to communicate pleasantly and effectively with customers, vendors, Store Management, other Store and Company personnel; Thorough understanding of Company and Department specific policies and procedures. Good judgment, the ability to make sound decisions and to solve any problems arising in the course of performing the work of the Department Excellent customer service skills. Ability to understand customers needs and ask questions to expedite the handling of requests. High school diploma or better.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Stores are usually open 7 days a week. Department Managers usually work 40 hours a week. Retail store conditions are generally dry with moderate temperature. Freezer conditions are generally very cold. Cooler conditions are generally cold. Requires the performance of repetitive tasks. Exterior conditions vary with the seasons and may be wet or dry, warm or cold. A hair restraint must be worn at all times. Associates in the Produce Department are usually scheduled according to peak customer times.

GENERAL: This position is a full time position. This is a supervisory position and subject to transfer to other locations. Food safety awareness is required in this position.

MISCELLANEOUS: It is important to understand that all Department Managers must have the ability to deal with, and resolve, some potentially difficult situations (such as dissatisfied customers, associate issues, or emergencies) to perform this position in a satisfactory manner.

EOE

Additional Information

Please apply online at www.shaws.com.


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