Set Production Assistant Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description

WHO WE ARE

We're a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We're looking for positive, self-motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.

Job Title: Production Team Member

Reports to: Prepared Foods Managers

Status: Non-Exempt, Union Classification Level 1

POSITION SUMMARY

Production team members ensure all food meets our standards for taste, freshness, safety, and presentation. This role also supports kitchen operations by assisting with receiving deliveries, stocking and rotating product, maintaining clean and well-merchandised displays, and occasionally helping with orders. As part of a collaborative and inclusive team, you'll contribute to a positive kitchen culture and provide excellent internal and external service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Production & Kitchen Support

• Prepare soups, salads, entrees, and other deli items for the service case, Grab & Go (GnG) case, and salad bar while following established Co-op recipes, portioning standards, and food safety guidelines.
• Cook and prep food in accordance with department procedures and safe food handling practices.
• Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized workspaces throughout all stages of production.
• Assist with kitchen prep, cleanup, and general production support as needed.

Merchandising & Inventory

• Stock, rotate, and face deli items in the service case, Grab & Go case, and salad bar to ensure freshness, safety, and visual appeal.
• Ensure accurate and clear signage, labeling, and pricing on all products.
• Receive deliveries, verify invoice accuracy, and store products properly according to food safety and department standards.
• Maintain back-stock areas in a clean, organized, and food-safe manner.
• May assist with placing orders at the direction of department managers.

Customer Service & Teamwork

• Provide friendly, helpful, and responsive service to customers and co-workers, even while working primarily in back-of-house roles.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and inclusive kitchen culture that emphasizes cooperation and clear communication.
• Communicate professionally with team members and supervisors to support smooth operations.

Additional Duties

• Stay informed about deli promotions, featured items, and product knowledge.
• Support front-of-house operations as needed, including restocking, maintaining displays, and interacting with customers.
• Uphold department sanitation, cleanliness, and workplace safety standards at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department and Co-op goals.

Requirements

• Willingness to be trained up to Co-op's kitchen standards. Previous kitchen experience is preferred, but not required.  
• Ability to provide excellent, friendly, face-to-face customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to learn about specialty and prepared foods and has an interest in gaining knowledge of natural and organic grocery industry. 
• Ability to remain calm, think quickly, prioritize effectively, and problem solve within established guidelines, while handling multiple demands.
• Ability to work well with others in a cooperative environment where teamwork, compassion and constant communication are essential.
• Ability to meet expectations of regular, predictable attendance.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, and weekends. 
• Ability to maintain current food handler card.
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in moderate and loud noise environments including, but not limited to paging, telephones, human voices, music, and machinery. 
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking.
• Ability to frequently reach, bend, twist, and rotate.
• Has regular fine motors skills working and gripping with hands.
• Ability to lift 30 to 50, occasionally.
• Tolerant of repetitive tasks such as stirring, chopping, cutting.
• Can withstand exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. 
• Can withstand exposure varying to temperatures: Coolers, freezers, ovens/stoves.

Benefits at the Co-op

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders 
• Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options (for full-time employees)
• 401(k) w/match
• Paid time off
• Pay on Demand
• Potential year-end bonus
• Access to employee assistance program
• This is a union-represented position under Teamsters Local 231

Equal opportunity Statement

The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Important Disclaimer 

Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.