Specialty Clerk

The hiring establishment is a cooperative grocery store known for its commitment to community values, sustainability, and providing high-quality specialty food products. As a cooperative, the company operates on the principles of shared ownership and democratic decision-making, fostering a work environment centered on respect, customer service excellence, and ethical business practices. The Specialty Department within this cooperative focuses on offering a diverse selection of fine cheeses, wines, beers, and other specialty foods that cater to the tastes and needs of local customers who value both quality and sustainability. This store is part of a larger network of cooperatives that strive to support local producers, promote food safety, and maintain an outstanding shopping experience for all patrons. Employment with this cooperative offers a non-exempt position under Teamsters Local 150 union and reports directly to the Specialty Manager.

The Specialty Clerk plays a crucial role in enhancing the shopping experience for customers by upholding cooperative values and principles through exceptional customer service. This role specifically involves tasks related to cutting, wrapping, and stocking cheese, as well as stocking beer and wine. Beyond stocking and handling products, the Specialty Clerk is responsible for maintaining cleanliness, following food safety standards, and complying diligently with co-op policies and procedures. A key aspect of this role includes greeting customers warmly, offering personalized assistance, and making product recommendations based on customers’ preferences. The Specialty Clerk must have a thorough working knowledge of all items in the Specialty Department, including ingredients, sourcing information, and vendor relationships, to provide accurate answers to customer inquiries and facilitate tastings.

This role demands a high level of attentiveness to department operations, such as ordering, receiving, merchandising, and rotating products to ensure freshness and visibility. The clerk also processes price changes, maintains inventory, handles returns, and ensures sanitation standards are met. The Specialty Clerk must be proactive in managing time effectively to complete prep work, receiving, stocking, and cleaning duties while simultaneously providing top-tier customer service. Maintaining all department signage, adhering to dress codes, and participating in store-wide projects and meetings are additional responsibilities.

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and dependability. They must be proficient with basic math and computer skills, able to use email, website tools, and time clock software effectively. This role requires a high school diploma or equivalent certification and prior customer service experience. Preferred qualifications include knowledge and experience with beer, wine, spirits, and cheese industries, as well as proven vendor interaction skills.

The Specialty Clerk position is physically demanding, requiring frequent standing, bending, lifting (up to 50 pounds occasionally), and other movements, all in a busy retail environment exposed to varying temperatures, fumes, and noise. Safety and sanitation are paramount, with routine checks and adherence to policies essential for compliance with local, state, and federal food handling regulations. The cooperative values diversity and inclusivity and ensures reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Overall, this role is ideal for a motivated individual eager to contribute to a community-focused retail environment and passionate about specialty food products and excellent service.