Careers
The Merc Co+op is Northeast Kansas' only community-owned grocery store. What started with a few local, passionate folks in 1974 is now a cooperative community of owners and shoppers that believe in the power of good food and the potential of good people. We’re creating inclusive places where the best of the Midwest comes together, from the produce we stock to the people we hire. Are you interested in nourishing your neighbors while supporting vibrant, local food systems? Consider taking a look at our available jobs at The Merc Co+op in Lawrence and Kansas City, KS.
Our co-op works to create an environment that promotes personal and professional growth. We take great pride in providing an exceptional customer experience and we recognize that the only way to do that is to find, train and retain exceptional staff. As a full service grocer and food service provider, our team does everything from ordering, stocking and cashiering to made-from-scratch food production. Whether you’re looking for your first job or searching for a place to put down roots and flourish, The Merc Co+op offers livable wages, flexible scheduling and competitive benefits.
The Merc Co+op is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If we have a position that is a good fit for your skill set and your schedule, we will give you a phone call for an interview. We retain all applications for 90 days, but if you see a different job opening that you're interested in after a few months, please feel free to apply again.
Compensation + Benefits
Entry level positions earn at least $15.16 per hour.
Since 2017, our co-op has committed to paying employees a livable wage which provides compensation above the poverty line and permits workers to provide for basic needs. Every year, our co-op uses the National Co+op Grocers Livable Wage Calculator to assess the living wage for each store's market.
Co-op employees receive a 20% discount on all purchases.
In 2021, we increased our employee discounts to better benefit our staff and further encourage them to shop locally and cooperatively.
In addition, employees are granted access to free filtered water from the bulk filtration dispenser and discounted drip coffee from our cafes.
Our paid time off program includes vacation and sick leave.
We value well-being and encourage work-life balance. Our time off plans provide eligible team members with paid time off (vacation and sick time accrual plans based on position, hours worked and years of service).
Eligible employees may elect to convert unused Paid Time Off hours into pay.
We offer affordable, comprehensive health insurance.
We provide all full-time employees (30 hours or more) with affordable access to comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental and vision.
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to provide all employees and their family members with confidential counseling services to assist with life’s challenges. Employees are eligible for up to four counseling sessions per person, per year.
We support financial health and saving for your future.
We help you to save for retirement through our 401(k) plan with matching contributions up to 3% of eligible earnings.
In addition, we offer convenient Direct Deposit of your pay to the financial institution of choice or via pay card.
We care about the well being of you and yours.
In addition to health care and our EAP, the co-op provides free, company-paid life insurance that helps protect your family in the event of your death.
Employees may also choose to care for your furry family with our optional pet insurance that helps cover the unexpected costs of pet care.
We provide opportunities for development and recognition.
Employees receive, as a benefit of employment, up to four (4) free co-op community classes per fiscal year. Availability may vary by location.
Employees are invited to volunteer within our community and at co-op sponsored events. To incentive participation, the co-op will pay their hourly wages up to eight hours per fiscal year.
We recognize and celebrate our staff through birthday and service recognitions as well as our Employee of the Month program.
We support people helping people.
Founded by employees for employees, MercAid is a mutual aid program established to provide a modest amount of financial support to current co-op employees at times of personal crises. MercAid is funded through voluntary employee contributions and distributed by an employee committee.
We must be doing something right.
We are proud to have been named in the top 5 "Best Places to Work" in Lawrence, Kansas by the readers of the Lawrence Journal World in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023!