How does the role of a Produce Assistant in Ruidoso, NM differ from similar positions in larger cities??

In Ruidoso, NM, Produce Assistants typically engage more closely with local community preferences and organic produce standards, reflecting a smaller market's demand. The role emphasizes hands-on customer service and inventory management tailored to the region's seasonal and cultural produce trends, unlike in bigger urban centers with broader product assortments.

What unique challenges might a Produce Assistant face when working at Natural Grocers in Ruidoso compared to other grocery stores??

Working at Natural Grocers in Ruidoso involves adhering strictly to certified organic produce standards, which requires vigilance in ordering and handling. The seasonal variability and the community’s focus on health-conscious shopping create a dynamic environment where maintaining freshness and inventory accuracy is crucial for profitability.

Are there specific certifications or food safety trainings preferred for Produce Assistants in New Mexico??

New Mexico often requires food handlers to complete state-approved food safety certifications. For Produce Assistants, maintaining up-to-date compliance with these certifications ensures legal adherence and helps uphold company standards, especially when dealing with organic produce that demands strict quality control.

What career progressions are typical for someone starting as a Produce Assistant in the grocery sector??

Starting as a Produce Assistant opens pathways to supervisory roles like Produce Manager or Department Lead. Developing expertise in produce selection, inventory control, and customer engagement can lead to advancement opportunities, especially within companies valuing organic and specialty food knowledge.

How competitive is the hiring market for Produce Assistant positions in Ruidoso, NM??

Ruidoso's smaller size means fewer job openings, but also less competition compared to metropolitan areas. The upcoming Natural Grocers store opening in 2025 is generating local interest, making it a timely opportunity for candidates with produce or retail experience seeking roles in a community-focused environment.

What benefits does Natural Grocers offer to Produce Assistants that set it apart from other employers in the area??

Natural Grocers stands out by providing benefits like vitamin bucks for store credit, paid nutrition education, and comprehensive health plans for full-time crew. Their emphasis on employee wellness and career development reflects a commitment to supporting Produce Assistants beyond typical grocery roles in Ruidoso.

Could you explain the expected hourly wage for a Produce Assistant position at Natural Grocers in Ruidoso??

The position offers a starting wage around $16.00 per hour, aligning with regional standards for retail produce roles. This pay rate reflects the responsibilities of maintaining organic produce standards, customer service excellence, and operational support vital to Natural Grocers' produce department success.

What daily tasks should a Produce Assistant anticipate at Natural Grocers in Ruidoso??

Daily duties include stocking fresh organic produce, assisting with inventory management, supporting the produce manager in ordering, and ensuring the department remains inviting and well-organized. Customer interaction is key, alongside compliance with health and safety standards throughout the shift.

In what ways does being a Produce Assistant at Natural Grocers involve teamwork and leadership??

Though not a full managerial role, Produce Assistants collaborate closely with managers to monitor department performance, help train new staff, and address operational issues. This role requires initiative and the capacity to support leadership in maintaining department profitability and quality.

How does the local Ruidoso environment impact the physical demands placed on a Produce Assistant??

Ruidoso's retail settings require Produce Assistants to frequently lift and handle fresh produce, sometimes in varying weather conditions. The physical nature of stocking, rotating items, and maintaining displays is consistent with community expectations for a hands-on approach to organic produce care.

Produce Assistant

Company : Natural Grocers

Location : Ruidoso, NM, 88345

Job Type : Full Time

Date Posted : 30 December 2025

Salary Range

USD $16.00/Hr. -

Overview

The Job in a Nutshell

The Produce Assistant is responsible for assisting the Produce Manager in the successful operation and profitability of the produce department.

Natural Grocers is excited to come to the Ruidoso community.

Our Grand Opening date is scheduled for February 2025 but is subject to change.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended.

12/05/2025

Responsibilities

Main Ingredients:

Providing World Class Customer Service as a number one priority.

Exemplifying integrity, responsibility, and excellence and adhering to all policies.

Creating an inviting, full and shopable produce department.

Assisting the produce department manager in ordering for the department and maintaining accurate inventory levels.

Assisting the department manager in managing margin, COGs and overall department profitability including minimizing shrink and maximizing effective purchasing.

Setting and maintaining the department on a daily basis including ensuring that the produce rack is consistently fresh, full and abundant throughout the day.

Culling, crisping, rotating and properly handling/storing produce.

Ensuring only certified organic produce is ordered and received.

Ensuring all in-stock products/conditions meet company standards.

Ensuring that all tools and equipment are cleaned in accordance with health department and company standards.

Receiving all incoming produce orders per company standards.

Offering and following up on special orders.

Assisting in training and monitoring department personnel.

Conducting active and passive demos.

Working with the department manager to address performance issues within the department.

Handling register functions including backup cashiering, managing customer returns, addressing customer complaints, and covering register shift changes, including those for scheduled breaks.

Maintaining the safety and security of customers and employees.

Answering customer questions per company standards and policies, including the use of Structure/Function statements and/or statements of nutritional support.

Continually increasing product knowledge.

Utilizing email and IS programs as needed.

Completing DSR and the closing cash processes may be required absence of any other qualified employee.

Working a schedule based on store needs which includes evenings, weekends, holidays. Position requires working five days, 40 hours per week and attending mandatory store meetings.

This position has limited Manager on Duty functions but is never intended to be the overall Manager on Duty for the store.

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:

High School diploma, GED or equivalent preferred.

1 year of experience in grocery, retail or produce environment preferred; natural foods background is a plus.

1 year of experience supervising others preferred.

Ability to pass food safety training courses and/or certifications as required by law and maintain compliance by keeping certifications up to date and registered if applicable.

Ability to manage changing priorities and to stay focused with the task at hand.

Possess a sense of urgency in the completion of tasks.

Possess excellent customer service skills.

Highly organized with great attention to detail.

Ability to take direction and follow through.

Must be cashier trained and able to count currency.

Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook

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 them 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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