EXPERIENCED PREP COOK

Overview

We are looking for an experienced professional to join our team! The Roots Kitchen is a production kitchen, and new team members will be involved with food preparation, cooking, packaging and labeling, kitchen organization, and cleaning. Our ideal candidate will be an effective communicator with a can-do attitude and ability to work well in individual and team settings. Reliability and positivity a must! 

Job Responsibilities 

• Execute food production following recipes and provided prep lists 

• Package, label, and date all prepared items 

• Ensure that kitchen cooler on store floor is continuously stocked and kitchen-prepared items are accessible for customers

• Observe weekly inventory of grocery and food in kitchen, as well as paper goods, packaging, labels and cleaning products and report to Kitchen Communicator when items are running low 

• Wash dishes as needed throughout the shift 

• Maintain all food preparation and storage areas according to VT  Dept of Health guidelines 

• Communicate with and receive feedback from kitchen team, Kitchen Coordinator, store team, and Store Owner when needed or required

• Help maintain a positive workplace culture by being responsive to staff suggestions and concerns, and work as a team to resolve problems 

• Maintain effective working relationships with all Roots Market employees ​

 

Job Qualifications 

• Must have experience working in a professional kitchen (production kitchen preferred) 

• Has experience processing farm produce and whole food ingredients 

• Lifting 20+ lbs regularly, work in a standing position for duration of shift, comfortable working with knives and hot cooking temperatures 

• Must be reliable, professional, great at communicating, organized, and efficient 

• Demonstrated passion for teamwork, local food, and the community 

• Have references that confirm applicant's reliability and skill set 

• Able to work during our kitchen hours (7a.m. - 3p.m.)

• Ideal candidates must be able to work 3-5 shifts per week depending on their availability and our scheduling needs

 

Compensation 

• $18-22 per hour depending on experience 

• 15% discount on store items 

• Accrued Paid Time Off 

• 2nd quality vegetables 

• Shift lunch & drink

To apply for this position, please send a brief letter of interest and availability,  an updated resume, and three work related references to karin@therootsfarmmarket.com

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Dishwasher/Prep Cook 

 

Primary Job Responsibilities 

• Clean dishes in a thorough and timely manner

• Dry dishes and return to proper storage location 

• Assist with basic food prep, including chopping, juicing, sorting, mixing

• Package, label, and date all prepared items 

• Maintain all food storage areas using Dept of Health guidelines

• Stock food inventory as well as paper goods, packaging, labels, and cleaning products for the kitchen

• Maintain effective communication, be responsive to staff suggestions and concerns and work to resolve problems

• Maintain effective working relationships with all Roots Market employees

Job Qualifications 

• Be able to lift 30+ lbs regularly, work in a standing position for duration of shift, comfortable working with knives and hot cooking temperatures

• Must be reliable, professional, organized, and efficient

• Have references that confirm applicant's reliability, attitude, and skill set 

Compensation 

• $16-17/hour 

• 15% store discount

• 2nd quality vegetables 

• Shift lunch & drink 

• Accrued PTO depending on number of hours worked

 

We are seeking both full or part-time employees. To apply, please submit a brief letter of interest, a resume, and three relevant references to: karin@therootsfarmmarket.com 

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Lead Produce & Meat Buyer 

Overview: 

Roots Farm Market (founded in 2019) is a farmer-owned, year-round market dedicated to showcasing the highest quality locally grown produce and thoughtfully sourced foods. Our mission is to strengthen Vermont’s regional food system by building lasting partnerships with local farms and offering exceptional seasonal products in a warm, community-centered retail environment.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and driven Lead Produce & Meat Buyer to oversee all fresh produce procurement and maintenance. This mid-level leadership role owns the vision, planning, and execution of our produce program, with a strong emphasis on local farm relationships, seasonality, quality standards, and financial performance.

The ideal candidate has direct experience buying fresh vegetables—preferably from local and organic farms in Vermont—and understands how to balance seasonality, margins, merchandising, and customer demand within a small-format retail environment. 

Position Summary: 

The Produce & Meat Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, forecasting, pricing, and merchandising all produce in the store, while also coordinating ordering and inventory maintenance for the store’s local meat selection.
This role acts as the primary link between Roots Farm Market in Middlesex, VT, and its founding farm, Bear Roots Farm (located in Williamstown and South Barre), as well as other regional producers. This buyer plays a key role in shaping the store’s identity through a vibrant, seasonal vegetable program and strong partnerships with local farms.
This is both a strategic and hands-on role, requiring time in the walk-in, heavy lifting, on the sales floor, and regular communication with growers and producers

Key Responsibilities: 

 

Produce Strategy & Seasonal Planning
- Develop and execute a seasonal produce sourcing plan aligned with regional crop cycles
- Forecast weekly and monthly produce needs based on sales trends and seasonal shifts
- Curate a diverse, high-quality vegetable selection with an emphasis on Bear Roots Farm produce and other local producers
- Monitor market pricing and adjust retail pricing to maintain healthy margins while remaining competitive
- Track shrink and implement strategies to reduce waste and increase sell-through

 

Farm & Vendor Relationships
- Serve as primary point of contact for local farm partners 
- Build & maintain strong, transparent relationships with growers 
- Identify and onboard new farm vendors to expand product diversity 
- Stay informed on crop forecasts, weather impacts, and regional agricultural trends 
- Visit farms and attend local food and buying events as needed 

 

Meat Program Coordination
- Coordinate weekly ordering of locally raised meats from regional producers and distributors
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels and monitor sales trends
- Ensure proper receiving, storage, and rotation in accordance with food safety standards
- Support pricing, merchandising, and product availability within the meat case

 

Ordering, Receiving & Inventory Management
- Place weekly and rolling orders according to vendor schedules 
- Create and manage purchase orders in POS/inventory system 
- Oversee produce receiving, ensuring quality, temperature compliance, and accuracy 
- Maintain organized, properly rotated walk-in storage (FIFO) 
- Analyze sales data and adjust ordering quantities accordingly 

 

Merchandising & Quality Control
- Lead produce display strategy to ensure abundance, freshness, and visual appeal 
- Maintain accurate pricing, farm signage, and product information 
- Establish and uphold quality standards for all produce on the floor 
- Train staff on proper handling, rotation, and storage protocols

 

Leadership & Collaboration
- Collaborate with management team on financial performance and category growth 
- Communicate produce updates, seasonality highlights, and changes to staff 
- Share photos, updates, or promotions with our marketing team 
- Support in-store promotions, tastings, and farm spotlight features 
- Step into customer-facing register role as needed to support store operations 

 

Qualifications
- 1-2+ years experience with buying or managing fresh produce in retail, farmers market, or food distribution center 
- Strong knowledge of vegetable farming, VT specific food system, and regional growing cycles 
- Must have experience working directly with farms or local food producers 
- Demonstrated ability to manage inventory, margins, and shrink 
- Excellent communication and organizational skills 
- Passion for local agriculture and sustainable food systems 
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs regularly and work in refrigerated storage environment 
- Positive, team oriented attitude 

 

What this role offers 
- Ownership over a dynamic, seasonal produce program
- Direct relationships with regional farmers
- Opportunity to shape the store’s identity through produce leadership
- Collaborative, mission-driven team environment

 

Schedule
- Full time 40 hrs/week 
- Mostly closing shifts 10AM-6:15PM with a few opening 8AM-4PM 
- One weekend day 

 

Compensation 
- $21-22/hour depending on experience
- Accrual based PTO 
- 15% Store Discount 
- Daily Staff Lunch
- Access to 2nd quality produce or store culls

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To apply for this position, please send a brief letter of interest and availability, an updated resume, and three work related references to karin@therootsfarmmarket.com