Job in a Nutshell: 

The Bulk Material Handler - Manual is responsible for the daily setup and product preparation for manual packaging at the Natural Grocers Distribution Center. The Material Handler position is responsible for setup and operation of packaging equipment, maintaining GMP’s and housekeeping, and completing applicable food safety documentation. 

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

01/14/2025

Main Ingredients: 

1. Verify daily schedule with production lead
2. Perform daily setup, operation, and breakdown of processing equipment
3. Assist with staging packaging materials and other supplies for the shift
4. Ensure accuracy and quantity of staged raw material prior to opening containers
5. Inspect raw material during the preparation process and report quality concerns to QA
6. Break up and distribute raw material to packers in a sanitary and efficient manner
7. Maintain flow of product to bagging stations throughout each production run
8. Maintain complete and accurate records of raw materials entering production
9. Assist with bagging, labeling, and case packing product as time allows
10. Maintain the segregation of allergen, non-allergen, organic and non-organic products
11. Lead quick and efficient changeovers to minimize down time
12. Complete necessary documentation for changeovers, cleaning, and product specs
13. Clean and sweep work area regularly to maintain a sanitary environment
14. Follow all SSOP’s and HACCP standards.
15. Perform all tasks in a manner that promotes safety

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.

Recipe for Success: 

1. Previous experience in food manufacturing environment preferred
2. High School diploma or equivalent education is required
3. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions as provided
4. Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in food production preferred
5. Must become familiar with allergen categories and required segregation and cleaning for allergens and organic products
6. Good attention to detail; communication, accuracy and thoroughness a must
7. Exposure to 5s and Lean manufacturing methodologies a plus
8. Ability to work with others in a fast-paced team environment
9. Must be reliable and on time every day
10. Able to work in seasonally warm or cool environment 

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:

Physical 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 occasionally lift or carry up to 50 lbs.

Must have the ability to occasionally push or pull up to 30 lbs.

Must be able to constantly use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.

Must be able to constantly sit, use fine motor manipulations, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.

Must be able to frequently grip, bend, twist, and turn.

Must be able to occasionally walk, stand, squat, kneel, and reach above chest as needed.

Environmental Requirements:

Must be able to work occasionally with cold, heat, sharp tools and equipment, noise, contact stress, dust, fumes, and congested worksite.