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Sprouts Farmers Market

Fruit Ripener at Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market Tracy, CA

Job Description

Overview:
The Fruit Ripener is responsible for ripening fruit (mainly bananas and avocados) to the Sprouts Farmers Market standards by following the established procedures. Customer expectations must be met for Service Levels and Quality. This role will be responsible for the scheduling of inbound loads, fruit ripening process, daily inventory control functions, inbound and outbound product inspections, and product disposition. These are key processes in supporting Sprouts Farmers Market dedication to providing its customers with high quality products.
Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
  • Ripen bananas (and other Sprouts Farmers Market products) according to established standards
  • Perform quality inspections of fruit upon arrival, establish ripening schedules, and adjust ripening cycles as needed
  • Ensure product and location documentation is maintained daily including inspection logs, inventory control logs, ripening room logs and warehouse supply logs
  • Report any ripening room maintenance issues for corrective action
  • Review and reconcile product inventories and monitor stock and rotation of product
  • Communicate with supervisor on issues related to inventory and product quality; assist with decisions on product disposition
  • Assist Produce Quality Control with inspection of inbound produce
  • Review current and potential product issues with Quality Control and Sales teams
  • Work with warehouse personnel to achieve program goals.
  • Execute and complete work assignments, with minimum supervision and errors
  • Enter data, run reports, and assist Quality Control Manager as needed
  • Make recommendations on improving job skills and knowledge
Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities & Physical Requirements):
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar role
  • Self-motivator requiring limited supervision.
  • Ability to operate and certifications for electric pallet jack and forklifts
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
Pay Range: The pay range for this position is $71,000.00 - $90,000.00 / year. Sprouts Farmers Market determines pay based on applicable experience and qualifications of the applicant. Why Sprouts:
Grow with us!

If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer's market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.

At Sprouts, we're committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and caring workplace culture.
Our Team Member Resource Groups (TMRGs) create spaces for connection, support, and growth. Every team member is welcome to join one or more of our five groups:
  • Inspiring Women at Sprouts
  • Rainbow Alliance at Sprouts
  • Sabor at Sprouts
  • Soul at Sprouts
  • Honored to Serve at Sprouts

Together, these groups celebrate diversity and empower our team to thrive.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts' management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.

California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.

Typical mid-level pay: $76k for Buyers and Purchasing Agents nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$76k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$46k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $128k

Senior roles pay 69% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Strong candidate leverage

Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
High mobility

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Expertise pays off

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

+6%
10yr growth
A bachelor's degree is typically expected.
52,200 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: Bachelor's degree

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024