Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Vision insurance
Job Title: Market Associate
FLSA Status: Full Time
Reports to: Retail Manager
Work Location: Marion Barry Avenue Market (1303 Marion Barry Avenue SE)
Compensation: $19.00-$20.00 per hour
Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.
Dreaming Out Loud’s mission is to create economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized communities through building a healthy, equitable food system. We are rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise: increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low-income communities, and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family-supporting wages and build wealth. We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the “access” paradigm to a focus on community self-determination and food sovereignty. Utilizing the food system as a catalyst, we are working to create an integrated pipeline to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building for our most marginalized communities.
Position Summary
As a key team member in our community-centered market and cafe, the Market Associate ensures a welcoming, safe, and efficient shopping experience. This role supports day-to-day retail and cafe operations by maintaining clean, well-stocked shelves, delivering excellent customer service, and upholding food safety standards
Key Responsibilities
Customer Service & Retail Operations
Greet and assist customers to enhance the overall shopping experience.
Answer customer inquiries regarding product locations, store policies, and promotions.
Operate cash registers, process transactions accurately, and issue receipts.
Provide friendly, responsive service when handling customer orders and feedback.
Store Maintenance & Inventory
Restock shelves, ensuring items are front-facing, properly labeled, and within date.
Perform regular stock counts and monitor inventory levels.
Receive, unpack, and verify the accuracy of deliveries and shipments.
Maintain cleanliness throughout the store including aisles, displays, and checkout areas.
Rotate stock to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
Café Operations
Prepare and serve beverages and hot, ready-to-eat meals following standard recipes.
Take customer orders, process payments, and deliver high-quality service.
Maintain cleanliness in the café area, including counters, tables, and food equipment.
Restock supplies such as cups, napkins, condiments, and other essentials.
Monitor inventory of café ingredients and supplies; assist with basic food prep tasks.
Open and close café area, including cleaning, restocking, and preparing for next-day operations.
Compliance & Safety
Follow safety and sanitation standards in both the store and café, including proper food handling.
Ensure compliance with local food safety regulations and organizational protocols.
Qualifications
Prior grocery or retail experience is preferred but not required.
Ability to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Familiarity with DC food safety and customer service standards is a plus.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Attention to detail, time management, and reliability are essential.
Required Skills and Experience
Experience and Education
High school diploma or equivalent required
Interpersonal Skills
Comfort and experience working and communicating with people from various backgrounds
Work Ethic
Independent and hardworking.
Dependable
Physical Demands
Experience engaging in successful teamwork
Ability to work in various weather conditions.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physically strenuous work including lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, and utilizing ladders and step stools
Ability to stand for 4 or more hours.
Ability to wear a mask, gloves, and other protective wear for 4 or more hours.
Availability Requirements
Flexibility in working Weekends, Weekdays and Evenings
*The duties and responsibilities contained herein are representative of the essential functions of this position. The dynamic nature of our work requires flexibility and our collaborative environment necessitates cross-functional support. Employees are expected to adapt to our ever-evolving organizational and community needs and perform other duties as assigned to contribute to Dreaming Out Loud’s success.
Benefits
Paid Time Off
Sick, Maternal/Paternal, and Bereavement Leave
Health, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts for Transit, Parking, and Healthcare
Monthly Cell Phone Stipend
Transit Assistance through SmartBenefits
401(k) match up to 5%
100% employer paid life insurance
100% employer paid short and long-term disability
Equal Employment Opportunity
Dreaming Out Loud Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Dreaming Out Loud complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.