Dairy/Frozen Assistant
Company : Natural Grocers
Location : Salem, OR, 97302-3939
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Salary Range
USD $17.00/Hr. -Overview
The Job in a Nutshell:The Dairy/Frozen Assistant is responsible for assisting the Dairy/Frozen Manager in the successful operation and profitability of the Dairy/Frozen department. Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended.12/08/2025
Responsibilities
Main Ingredients:
Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.
Qualifications
Recipe for Success:
This job description is not an employment contract. It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities. The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice. Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to him/her by their Manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.
Here’s an overview of the benefits we offer our good4u Crew to help ensure the health and wellbeing of you and your family, now and well into the future:
All Crew Members
- Birthday Bonus Pay
- Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually)
- Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed
- Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure
- Paid Nutrition Education
- good4u Crew Member Discount
- {N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program)
- Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases
- Advancement Opportunities and Career Development
- Health and Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Referral Program
Full-Time Crew Members (30+ hours/week)
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance)
- Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
Diversity Statement
At the heart of Natural Grocers' commitment to our community and crew is this belief: All people should be empowered to experience health and wellbeing! We cannot be true to this conviction without honoring diversity and cultivating inclusion throughout every aspect of our organization.
At Natural Grocers, we honor our differences, embrace diversity, and cultivate inclusion because both individual and societal health are rooted in these principles. Our Crew is diverse not only in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, and age but also in cultural backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas. Celebrating our diversity refreshes, expands, and shapes our perspective, energizing our mission of equitable access to health and wellness for all. We welcome everyone who would like to join us in this mission, with gratitude for the unique life experience each person brings to the table. We’re committed to nurturing an ecosystem of diversity and inclusion in which our Crew can continue to thrive.
Physical Capabilities and Environmental Demands:
N = Never
O = Occasional; 1-33% of time
F = Frequent; 34-66% of time
C = Constant; 67-100% of time
Physical Requirements:
- Must have the ability to constantly lift or carry up to 10 lbs., frequently lift or carry 11-20 lbs., and occasionally lift or carry 21-50 lbs. Must also have the ability to occasionally lift or carry 51-100 lbs. with a team lift.
- Must have the ability to frequently push or pull up to 15 lbs. and occasionally push or pull 16-100 lbs.
- Must be able to occasionally use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.
- Must be able to constantly walk, stand, use fine motor manipulations, grip, bend, twist, turn, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.
- Must be able to frequently to reach above chest.
- Must be able to occasionally sit, squat, kneel, and climb as needed.
Environmental Requirements:
- Must be able to frequently work with sharp tools and equipment, dust, fumes, and congested worksite.
- Must be able to occasionally work with noise, cold, heat, wet, humid, outside, heights, and contact stress.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural Grocers emphasizes health and wellness alongside traditional retail tasks for their Dairy/Frozen Assistants. In Salem, OR, this role integrates customer education on nutrition with merchandising duties, making it more community-focused compared to conventional grocery chains that prioritize volume sales over product knowledge.
Starting as a Dairy/Frozen Assistant can lead to roles like Department Manager or Store Supervisor, particularly in health-focused stores. Gaining expertise in inventory control, customer service, and nutrition education in Salem’s competitive market can open doors to management and specialty food retail positions.
Yes, Oregon requires food handlers to complete state-approved food safety training. For Dairy/Frozen Assistants in Salem, maintaining up-to-date certification ensures compliance with local health regulations and enhances job eligibility within Natural Grocers and other regional grocers.
Salem’s moderate traffic and public transport options mean most Dairy/Frozen Assistants at Natural Grocers enjoy manageable commutes. Scheduling that includes evenings and weekends requires flexibility but offers opportunities to balance personal time with consistent 40-hour workweeks.
This role involves managing inventory levels, minimizing shrink, and assisting in margin control by effective purchasing. These tasks directly influence department profitability by ensuring shelves are well-stocked with fresh products, reducing waste, and aligning stock with customer demand.
Salem has a growing demand for retail assistants with food and nutrition knowledge, making Natural Grocers an attractive employer. The combination of health-conscious branding and competitive benefits draws numerous applicants, so showcasing relevant experience and certifications improves hiring chances.
Natural Grocers offers a starting wage around $17.00 per hour for Dairy/Frozen Assistants in Salem, aligning with regional retail pay scales. This competitive rate, combined with benefits like paid time off and employee discounts, supports a solid compensation package for entry-level retail workers.
Yes, employees receive training in food safety, inventory management software, and customer service techniques. Natural Grocers also encourages continual product knowledge development, which supports career growth and ensures Dairy/Frozen Assistants stay informed about nutrition and wellness trends.
While primarily supportive, this position assists department managers with tasks like ordering and supervising staff. However, it doesn't entail full managerial authority or being the overall manager on duty, focusing instead on operational support and customer service excellence.
Salem's community values sustainability and health, which is reflected in Natural Grocers’ inclusive and diverse work culture. This environment fosters teamwork and respect, encouraging Dairy/Frozen Assistants to engage authentically with customers seeking natural and nutritious food options.