Be an Owner-Worker at the Co-op

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Zuzana Vejlupkova is an owner-worker in the produce department.

ATTENTION FIRST ALTERNATIVE OWNERS INTERESTED IN THE CO-OP’S OPERATIONAL OWNER-WORKER PROGRAM

Due to the recent economic downturn we are freezing the owner-worker program at its current level of participation and are no longer accepting new applications. We will continue to keep on file current applications that were submitted prior to March 12, 2009 and will notify these applicants when another orientation is scheduled. We will post a notice when we are accepting new applications again.
Thank you for your understanding.

How to Join our
Owner-Worker Family

1. Read the position descriptions on this web page or in the brochure.

2. Fill out an Operational and/or Support Owner-Worker application at the Customer Service desk at either Co-op location. You can also download the application below, print and fill it out, and bring it to Customer Service.

3. Wait for us to call you!

Operational Owner-Worker Application

Support Owner-Worker Application

Operational owner-workers will be called for the next available orientation. Please note that there may be a 1-3 month wait if there are no positions open at the time of application. At the orientation, you'll learn more about the Co-op and the positions available. At this time, we'll arrange a training session for the position that best suits your needs and the Co-op's. After your training, you may begin immediately as an Owner-Worker in the position for which you have trained.

Support owner-workers will be called as positions open up. Contact Ashley at 753-3115 Ext. 335 or email ashley@firstalt.coop if you have any questions about the program.

Paul Richmond is our back-up Thymes newsletter deliverer. He is a support-worker.

First Alternative is controlled by its owners - consumers who give input and make decisions about the store, its philosophy, products, and services. As an owner, you can contribute to the open, friendly Co-op community by becoming an owner-worker. You will work with some great people, learn new skills, and participate in the daily operations of our store. For most positions, all it takes is a two-hour per week commitment.

Operational Owner-Workers

As an operational owner-worker, you will be part of the store's floor staff and will earn minimum wage for the time you work each week. Two-hour shifts are scheduled on a regular weekly basis. Extensive training is provided for all operations positions.

Deli Workers
Cut cheese to order for shoppers, and cut and wrap cheeses for back stock and the deli cases. Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail are necessary if you are considering working in this department as you will have much interaction with our shoppers. Training: one 2-hour orientation and continued on-the-job training.

Produce Stockers
Sort, trim, clean and display fresh fruits and vegetables in the produce department. You will learn unique display techniques and how to recognize produce quality and freshness. These positions require the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Training: one 2-hour orientation and continued on-the-job training.

Stockers
Keep products well stocked on the retail shelves in the store's bulk, grocery, and health & household areas. These positions require the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Training: one 2-hour orientation and continued on-the-job training.

Support Owner-Workers

POSITIONS OPEN!

Incidental Cleaner South Store - This is a new position. We have put together a task list of things that need to be cleaned but that our cleaning crew does not have time to get done. It will be 2 hours per week, with a specific to do list.

If you are interested in a position please call Donna Kaiser at 541-753-3115 or email donnax@firstalt.coop for more details. We would love to YOU on board!

Support positions are also essential to the Co-op, but are separate from the daily store operations. Working in a support position, you will earn a 15% discount on items you purchase at the store, in place of minimum wage. One week's discount is earned for every two hours worked, and hours are cumulative.

Recyclers
Sort, clean, and straighten the in-store bottle return area, recycle other materials such as cardboard, Styrofoam, and aseptics at the recycling area and help keep our recycling center organized and clean. Training: one 1/2-hour session and continued on-the-job training.

Board of Directors
The Co-op's owners elect our ten-member board annually. The Board Development Committee recommends, as nominees, interested owners who have the experience and skills needed to guide our $14 million enterprise. This position requires a minimum of eight to ten hours per month, and directors serve 3-year terms. In addition, each board member is assigned to chair or serve on one of the board’s committees. Extensive training in board process is provided.

Committee Members
Meet on varying schedules throughout the month. The committees are: Finance, Owner Relations, and Board Development. For more information, contact the Marketing Manager at the South Store at 541-753-3115 Ext. 328.

The Co-op Thymes
Produced with some assistance from Support Owner-Workers who on occasion provide photography, do data entry, or write articles as assigned by the editor.

Special Projects
Include such tasks as coordinating or participating in special events like workshops, parties and functions for owners, Board events, making phone calls to blood donors, maintaining the Co-op bulletin boards, doing computer work or making phone calls to answer product requests from shoppers. The work schedule is on a flexible, as-needed basis.

Maintenance
Includes projects such as watering plants and gardening. Special skills in plumbing, carpentry, and painting are also useful.

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