Full-Time

Produce Assistant

Posted on 8/17/2026

Deadline 8/17/27
Natural Grocers

Natural Grocers

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides natural, organic groceries plus education.

Compensation Overview

$20/hr

Fargo, ND, USA

In Person

Category
Retail (1)
Required Skills
Inventory Management
Word/Pages/Docs
Customer Service
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Microsoft Outlook

Get referred to Natural Grocers

See people who can refer or advise you

Requirements
  • A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is preferred.
  • One year of experience in a grocery, retail, or produce environment is preferred; a natural foods background is a plus.
  • One year of experience supervising others is preferred.
  • Ability to pass required food safety training courses or certifications and maintain compliance with current certifications.
  • Ability to manage changing priorities and stay focused on assigned tasks.
  • Ability to complete tasks with a sense of urgency.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Strong organization and attention to detail.
  • Ability to take direction and follow through.
  • Cashier training and ability to count currency.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds constantly, 11–20 pounds frequently, 21–50 pounds occasionally, and 51–100 pounds occasionally with a team lift.
  • Ability to push or pull up to 15 pounds frequently and 16–100 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to use a computer for data entry and use a mouse occasionally.
  • Ability to continuously walk, stand, use fine motor manipulation, grip, bend, twist, turn, and reach outward throughout the work shift.
  • Ability to reach above chest frequently and sit, squat, kneel, and climb occasionally.
  • Ability to work frequently with sharp tools and equipment, dust, fumes, and a congested worksite, and occasionally with noise, cold, heat, wet, humidity, outdoor conditions, heights, and contact stress.
Responsibilities
  • Assist the Produce Manager with the successful operation and profitability of the produce department.
  • Provide customer service as a top priority.
  • Follow company policies while demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and excellence.
  • Create an inviting, full, and shopable produce department.
  • Assist the department manager with ordering and maintaining accurate inventory levels.
  • Assist with managing margin, cost of goods sold, and department profitability by minimizing shrink and maximizing effective purchasing.
  • Set and maintain the department daily, ensuring the produce rack remains fresh, full, and abundant throughout the day.
  • Cull, crisp, rotate, and properly handle and store produce.
  • Order and receive only certified organic produce.
  • Ensure in-stock products and conditions meet company standards.
  • Clean tools and equipment according to health department and company standards.
  • Receive incoming produce orders according to company standards.
  • Offer and follow up on special orders.
  • Assist with training and monitoring department personnel.
  • Conduct active and passive product demonstrations.
  • Work with the department manager to address department performance issues.
  • Handle register functions, including backup cashiering, customer returns, customer complaints, and register shift changes for scheduled breaks.
  • Maintain the safety and security of customers and employees.
  • Answer customer questions according to company standards and policies, including using Structure/Function statements and statements of nutritional support.
  • Increase product knowledge continuously.
  • Use email and information systems programs as needed.
  • Complete DSR and closing cash processes when no other qualified employee is available.
  • Work five days and 40 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and attend mandatory store meetings.
  • Perform limited Manager on Duty functions without serving as the overall store Manager on Duty.
Desired Qualifications
  • A natural foods background is a plus.

Natural Grocers offers more than 30,000 natural and organic groceries, supplements, body care, and household products at affordable prices. It also provides free science-based nutrition education, counseling, and cooking demonstrations led by knowledgeable staff. The company uses its in-store programs and literature to help customers access accurate nutrition information and healthier options. Its differentiators include a strong commitment to low prices, high standards for product quality, and ongoing education for the community, all aimed at helping people achieve wellness through nutrition. The goal is to empower the community to maintain a nutritious, affordable diet by combining product access with education.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Lakewood, Colorado

Founded

1955

Get referred to Natural Grocers

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Q3 fiscal 2026 sales rose 1.8% to $334.7 million, with comps up 1.2%.
  • Six fiscal 2026 openings, including Appleton and Redmond, extend growth into new markets.
  • July 2026 organic breads and steady $0.15 dividends deepen customer loyalty.

What critics are saying

  • Gross margin fell to 29.3% in Q3 fiscal 2026 from 29.9%.
  • Transaction counts dropped 1.8% in Q3 fiscal 2026, signaling weaker traffic.
  • UNFI-style distributor cyber disruptions threaten shelves, sales, and credibility again.

What makes Natural Grocers unique

  • Natural Grocers sells only USDA-organic produce and strict clean-label private brands.
  • Its 71-year family ownership and 174-store, 22-state footprint support a loyal niche.
  • Value positioning through always-affordable pricing separates it from pricier natural grocers.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Hybrid Work Options

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellness Program

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Medical Leave

Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance

Employee Referral Program

Advancement Opportunities and Career Development

Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases

Vitamin Bucks

Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed

Paid Nutrition Education

good4u Crew Member Discount

{N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program)

Company News

Yahoo Finance
Aug 14th, 2026
Natural Grocers posts 1.2% Q3 comp sales growth amid challenging consumer environment

Natural Grocers reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings, showing comparable store sales growth of 1.2%, up from 0.5% in the previous quarter. Co-President Kemper Isely attributed the positive performance to continued economic uncertainty and consumer focus on value, trends consistent across the grocery retail sector. The company experienced strong membership growth in its {N}power Rewards programme during the quarter. Chief Financial Officer Richard Hallé was scheduled to provide detailed financial results and discuss full-year guidance during the earnings call. Natural Grocers operates as a natural and organic grocery retailer. The company noted that third-quarter results came despite challenging consumer conditions affecting the broader grocery industry.

PR Newswire
Aug 10th, 2026
Natural Grocers hiring for new Appleton store, offering up to $62K for assistant manager role

Natural Grocers is hiring for multiple positions ahead of opening its second Wisconsin location in Appleton this autumn. The family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer is recruiting cashiers, department managers, and store leadership roles. Pay ranges from $16 to $20 per hour for most positions, with the assistant store manager role offering up to $62,000 annually. The company is recruiting 12 cashiers alongside produce and dairy managers. Natural Grocers operates 174 stores across 22 states and employs over 4,000 staff members. Benefits include competitive pay, birthday bonus wages, store discounts up to 30%, and comprehensive insurance packages for full-time employees. The Appleton store follows the opening of Natural Grocers' Lake Geneva location in June 2026.

PR Newswire
Aug 6th, 2026
Natural Grocers reports $334.7M Q3 sales, up 1.8%, with 1.2% comparable store growth

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage reported third quarter fiscal 2026 results, with net sales increasing 1.8% to $334.7 million. Daily average comparable store sales rose 1.2%, accelerating from 0.5% growth in the second quarter. Net income was $11.1 million, with diluted earnings per share of $0.48. The company opened three new stores and relocated one during the quarter. Gross margin decreased to 29.3% from 29.9% year-over-year, driven by lower product margin due to unfavorable sales mix, higher merchandise inventory shrink, and freight costs. The retailer opened two additional stores after quarter-end, bringing its total to 174 stores across 22 states. Natural Grocers declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, payable 2 September. The company refined its fiscal 2026 outlook, now expecting 6 to 7 new stores and daily average comparable store sales growth of 1.5% to 2.0%.

Arizton
Jul 23rd, 2026
Vita Coco, Harmless Harvest, and ZICO are betting big on packaged Coconut Water market - The data shows why.

Vita Coco, Harmless Harvest, and ZICO are betting big on packaged Coconut Water market - The data shows why. Date: 2026-07-23 The packaged coconut water market is no longer defined by natural hydration alone. What was once positioned as a niche health beverage is increasingly competing within the broader functional hydration category alongside sports drinks, flavored waters, and wellness beverages. As a result, competition is shifting beyond product availability toward innovation, premium positioning, sports hydration, and stronger retail presence. According to Arizton, the global packaged coconut water market was valued at USD 4.97 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 11.66 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15.25% during forecast period. Consumer demand for natural hydration is no longer limited to health-focused buyers. Product innovation, premium positioning, and wider retail availability are expanding coconut water's appeal across mainstream beverage categories The biggest shift isn't how much consumers are drinking, it's what they're choosing to drink. Across developed and emerging markets, carbonated soft drinks and sugar-sweetened juices are increasingly giving way to beverages centered on natural hydration, clean-label ingredients, and minimal processing. With naturally occurring electrolytes, high potassium content, and a low-calorie profile, packaged coconut water is moving beyond its niche health image into the mainstream beverage market. Health and wellness awareness, rising fitness participation, product innovation, tourism growth, and expanding retail and e-commerce channels are further accelerating this transition. Why Are Sports Drink Brands Becoming the Real Competition? Sports hydration is emerging as one of the most active areas of competition. Rather than competing only in the health beverage segment, brands are positioning coconut water as a natural alternative to traditional sports drinks through athlete partnerships and performance-focused campaigns. This approach is reflected in Vita Coco's partnership with UK sports agency Nxtstride and the expansion of its sports hydration initiatives, while ZICO's "Unmatched Campaign" highlights how brands are using sports marketing to strengthen consumer engagement and brand recognition. The packaged coconut water category is expanding well beyond its traditional offering. Flavored variants, organic products, and beverages fortified with probiotics, vitamins, collagen, and adaptogens are becoming increasingly common as manufacturers respond to demand for multifunctional and wellness-focused drinks. Recent launches, including CoAqua's flavored range, Vita Coco's Piña Colada with Pulp, Karma Water's probiotic coconut water, and Hamdard's Refresh Nariyal Paani, reflect how brands are broadening their portfolios to appeal to a wider range of consumers while strengthening their presence in the premium beverage segment. Sustainability Is Becoming Part of the Purchase Decision Sustainability is becoming an important part of how brands position themselves in the market. Organic ingredients, responsible sourcing, and recyclable packaging are increasingly influencing product development as companies respond to changing consumer expectations. The launch of Natural Grocers' 100% Pure Organic Coconut Water and Good Nut by Tom Brady and Gopuff reflects growing interest in premium organic products. Meanwhile, brands such as Harmless Harvest and O.N.E. Coconut Water continue to expand the use of recyclable paperboard cartons, making sustainability a stronger part of their overall brand strategy. North America, Europe, and the Middle East highlights the category's growing global appeal. While Asia-Pacific (APAC) continues to lead the packaged coconut water market with its strong coconut production, processing capabilities, and domestic consumption, the strongest growth momentum is increasingly coming from international markets. Rising consumer demand for natural hydration, clean-label ingredients, and plant-based beverages is driving adoption across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and other emerging regions as consumers shift away from sugar-sweetened and carbonated drinks. This trend is particularly evident in North America, where premium and organic coconut water continues to gain traction, and across Europe, where growing health awareness and plant-based lifestyles are supporting market expansion. Similar shifts are also emerging across the GCC and several African markets, where demand for low-calorie, naturally sourced beverages is steadily increasing. As brands broaden their product portfolios and strengthen retail distribution, packaged coconut water is evolving from a regionally rooted beverage into a globally recognized functional drink. Competitive Landscape: How Leading Brands Are Positioning Themselves Vita Coco - Strengthening market leadership through an extensive retail network across North America and Europe while expanding sports hydration initiatives and leveraging its Southeast Asian sourcing network. Harmless Harvest - Reinforcing its premium position with organic, Fair for Life-certified, and minimally processed coconut water while expanding clean-label and flavored organic offerings. ZICO - Rebuilding brand visibility through refreshed branding, transparent product positioning, and athlete-led marketing to strengthen its presence in the sports hydration segment. C2O Coconut Water - Expanding internationally by combining premium Thai coconuts, UHT processing technology, and wider distribution across Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. PepsiCo - Broadening its better-for-you beverage portfolio by incorporating coconut water into its wider functional beverage strategy and responding to growing demand for natural hydration. What's Next for the Coconut Water Industry? The packaged coconut water market is becoming more competitive as brands move beyond selling hydration alone. Product innovation, sports hydration, premium offerings, sustainability, and wider distribution are shaping the next phase of growth. As companies continue investing across these areas, competition is expected to center on how effectively brands differentiate themselves in the fast-growing functional beverage market. Founded in 2017, Arizton Advisory & Intelligence delivers data-driven market research and strategic consulting that empowers clients to make informed decisions and drive growth. Combining quantitative and qualitative insights, Arizton provide in-depth analysis across industries including Agriculture, Consumer Goods, Technology, Automotive, Healthcare, Data Centers, and Logistics. Recognized by top-tier media, its expert team transforms complex market data into actionable strategies, helping clients anticipate trends, seize opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition. Contact Us Call: +1 312-680-2940

Baking Business
Jul 17th, 2026
Natural Grocers rolls out private label baked foods line.

Natural Grocers rolls out private label baked foods line. 07.17.2026 LAKEWOOD, COLO. - Natural Grocers has rolled out a new organic baked foods line under its Natural Grocers brand. The portfolio consists of English muffins ($4.49 per eight-count package), white and whole grain hamburger buns (both $4.49 per eight-count package), Hawaiian rolls ($5.99 per 12-count package), and white and whole grains hot dog buns (both $4.49 per eight-count package). The baked foods are non-GMO and kosher in addition to being made with certified organic ingredients and without synthetic colors and hydrogenated fats. Natural Grocers also said each product is "carefully selected to meet the company's rigorous grocery standards," which prioritizes ingredient transparency and exclude various additives and ingredients commonly found in conventional grocery products. "Bread is a staple in so many households, whether it's breakfast at the kitchen table, lunches on the go or meals shared with family and friends," said Raquel Isely, vice president of marketing at Natural Grocers. "We're excited to expand our Natural Grocers brand lineup with organic breads that deliver the quality, taste and value our customers expect. These products reflect our commitment to making high-quality food more accessible for families while staying true to the standards we've upheld for more than 70 years." Get better grain-based foods industry search results. Adding Bakingbusiness tells Google to prioritize Bakingbusiness.com stories.