Produce Associate About Citarella Led by owner Joe Gurrera and his commitment to exceptional quality, Citarella has grown from a respected New York City fish market into a premier gourmet food destination, with locations across New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, Connecticut. As a family-run business, we're passionate about great food and delivering an outstanding guest experience. From premium seafood and prime dry-aged beef to chef-prepared specialties, handcrafted pastries, and international cheeses, we take pride in offering the very best. Join our team and become part of New York's vibrant food scene. Role Overview Citarella is seeking a dependable, enthusiastic, and guest-focused Produce Associate to join our Produce Department. In this role, you'll help maintain our exceptional selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, ensure attractive product displays, and deliver the outstanding guest service that defines the Citarella experience. The ideal candidate takes pride in quality food, enjoys working with people, and thrives in a fast-paced retail environment. You'll play an important role in maintaining product freshness, minimizing waste, and creating an inviting shopping experience for our guests.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional guest service by assisting customers with produce selections, answering product questions, and providing knowledgeable recommendations.
- Promote department sales through product knowledge, suggestive selling, and personalized guest interactions.
- Receive, unload, inspect, and organize produce deliveries, ensuring products meet Citarella's quality standards.
- Stock, rotate, replenish, and maintain attractive produce displays to ensure freshness, presentation, and product availability.
- Inspect produce regularly, removing damaged or spoiled items to maintain quality and minimize waste.
- Prepare, trim, cut, and package produce items as needed, following proper food handling procedures.
- Maintain proper product rotation, storage temperatures, and inventory organization.
- Clean and sanitize display areas, preparation stations, tools, and equipment in accordance with food safety standards.
- Safely handle produce-washing solutions, cleaning supplies, and department equipment according to established procedures.
- Collaborate with department associates and leadership to support daily operations and guest satisfaction.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications & Experience
- Previous experience in grocery, produce, food handling, retail, or customer service preferred.
- Strong guest service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Interest in fresh produce and willingness to learn about seasonal fruits, vegetables, and proper handling techniques.
- Basic knife-handling skills or willingness to learn proper produce preparation techniques.
- Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and product rotation practices, or willingness to learn.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Dependable, team-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical & Scheduling Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the shift.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull products and equipment as required by the position.
- Ability to work in refrigerated and temperature-controlled environments.
- Ability to safely use knives, preparation tools, and cleaning supplies.
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Benefits
Citarella offers competitive wages and a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, employee discounts, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, subject to eligibility. Equal Employment Opportunity Citarella is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.