Retail Store Associate, Full-Time in Menomonie, Wisconsin at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Join Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Menomonie and become part of a team known for producing award-winning cheese while investing in employee success. We offer competitive wages, shift differentials, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for career growth, and a workplace committed to quality, safety, and employee development.

Why Join Our Team?

• Starting pay of $16.00 per hour, based on experience
• Pay increase after 120 days
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Training, cross-training, and career advancement opportunities
• A workplace committed to quality, safety, and employee growth

Schedule

• 8-hour shifts scheduled between 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM
• Every other weekend
• One dedicated day off per week

Position Summary

The Retail Store Associate is responsible for delivering an exceptional guest experience while supporting the daily operations of the retail store. This position serves as a knowledgeable and friendly resource for guests by assisting with product selection, answering questions, processing transactions, and maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming shopping environment.

The Retail Store Associate also supports food service and product preparation activities, including packaging cheese curds, preparing food items, and serving ice cream, while consistently following food safety, sanitation, and company standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional customer service by creating a welcoming, friendly, and memorable guest experience
• Welcome guests promptly, assist with product selection, answer questions, provide product knowledge, and make recommendations based on guest needs
• Accurately process sales transactions and other point of sale transactions while providing efficient customer service
• Resolve routine guest questions or concerns and refer more complex issues to management as appropriate
• Stock, replenish, and merchandise retail displays, coolers, and freezers to ensure products are well presented and readily available for guests
• Maintain a clean, organized, fully stocked, and welcoming retail environment that reflects company standards
• Monitor product quality, freshness, and inventory levels, reporting concerns promptly to management
• Assist with packaging and sealing cheese curds according to food safety regulations
• Support food service operations as needed, including preparing cheese curds, cut-and-wrap cheese, sandwiches, pizzas, and deep-fried cheese curds
• Prepare and serve ice cream products while providing friendly guest service and maintaining cleanliness of equipment and work areas
• Accurately complete required cleaning checklists, temperature logs, and production records
• Perform assigned opening and closing procedures
• Follow all company safety policies, food safety procedures, and safe work practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Work collaboratively with team members to assist in all retail store areas as needed
• All other duties as assigned to support operational needs and ensure continuity of coverage

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with guests and coworkers
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to learn and communicate product knowledge, including cheese, dairy products, and specialty retail items
• Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment while maintaining a positive attitude
• Basic computer knowledge preferred
• Retail, customer service, cashiering, or food service experience preferred
• Ability to obtain and maintain any licenses or certifications required to perform assigned job duties, including a Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server License and applicable food and safety certifications

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to frequently walk throughout the retail store
• Ability to use hands and fingers for grasping, handling, and operating retail and food service equipment
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to work in a refrigerated and heated food preparation area as needed

Work Environment

This position works in a retail food environment with frequent interaction with guests and regular exposure to refrigerated and heated work areas, commercial food preparation equipment, cleaning chemicals, and varying noise levels. Employees are expected to follow all food safety, sanitation, and safe work practices at all times.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug and alcohol screening
• General background check

Benefits

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities

About Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our team members are more than employees - you're family, and we want you to succeed. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years. Our Menomonie, Wisconsin production facility manufacturers several varieties of small-batch artisan cheese, including our award-winning Red Rind Muenster, Wisconsin Brick and Hot Pepper Jack.

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.