How do you become a produce associate?

1 Skills and education

To become a produce associate, you need to have some basic skills and education. You should have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as good communication, customer service, and math skills. You also need to be able to lift and carry heavy boxes, work in cold and humid environments, and follow food safety and sanitation standards. Some employers may prefer or require that you have previous experience in food handling, retail, or produce-related work.

2 Certifications and training

Depending on your employer and location, you may need to obtain some certifications and training to work as a produce associate. For example, you may need to have a food handler's card, a pesticide applicator's license, or a forklift operator's certificate. You may also need to complete some on-the-job training to learn how to use the equipment, tools, and systems involved in produce operations. Some employers may offer or sponsor additional training or education programs to help you develop your skills and knowledge.

3 Job duties and responsibilities

As a produce associate, your main job is to ensure that the produce section is well-stocked, clean, and attractive for customers. This involves receiving, inspecting, and storing shipments, as well as sorting, washing, trimming, and packaging produce items. You must also set up and maintain displays and signs, rotate, cull, and discard produce items, weigh, price, and label items. Additionally, you should assist customers with questions or purchases while handling cash registers and transactions. Finally, it's important to clean and sanitize produce equipment and areas.

4 Job outlook and salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for food manufacturing workers was $30,200 in 2020. However, this may vary depending on your employer, location, experience, and performance. The job outlook for food manufacturing workers is projected to decline by 1% from 2019 to 2029, due to automation and consolidation in the industry. However, there may still be opportunities for produce associates who can provide quality service and products to customers.

5 Career advancement and opportunities

If you’re looking to advance your career as a produce associate, you may need to pursue additional education, training, or certifications. Additionally, demonstrating your skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities in your work is essential. There are a few possible career paths for produce associates such as produce supervisor or manager, produce buyer or merchandiser, and produce specialist or consultant. As a produce supervisor or manager, you may be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the store or department's produce operations, staff, and budget. As a produce buyer or merchandiser, you may be in charge of sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing produce items from suppliers as well as planning and implementing marketing and sales strategies. Lastly, as a produce specialist or consultant you may provide expert advice, guidance, and training on produce quality, safety, and trends to customers, clients, or employers.