Packing & Returns Associate (Full-Time & Part-Time)

At Mama Earth, We Better Your World Through Food. We’re building a better food system - one that supports local farmers and makers, reduces environmental impact, and delivers fresh, high-quality food to our community every week. Our team plays a direct role in connecting people with sustainable, locally sourced products while helping reduce our collective footprint.

We’re looking for dependable, hardworking individuals who take pride in doing things right the first time and being part of a team that values consistency, accountability, and purpose.

This role is based at our new warehouse location, at 6075 Kestrel Road, Mississauga, important in continuing to grow our operations. While Mama Earth is an established brand, this facility represents a new chapter in how we bring our products to our customers. You’ll be joining a team from the ground up, playing a hands-on role in shaping how we work, collaborate, and deliver every week.

This versatile role sits at the heart of our mission: you will be responsible for accurately packing fresh groceries for our community. This is a fast-paced, physical position where attention to detail and punctuality are critical.

Schedule & Availability

• Start Time: Early morning starts (typically 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM).

• Status: Full-Time (32-40 hrs/week) and Part-Time (16-31 hrs/week) available.

• Operational Needs: We operate 7 days a week; consistent weekend availability is essential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Order Fulfillment & Quality Control

• Precision Packing: Match products with packing slips to ensure 100% accuracy for every customer.

• Freshness Standards: Inspect produce and grocery items for defects, ensuring only the best items are packed.

• Portioning: Weigh items accurately and use appropriate materials to secure products for transit.

• Inventory & Cold Chain: Use FIFO to maintain first in / first out principles and reduce waste.

• Warehouse Support: Maintain a clean, organized workspace and assist with inventory counts and general warehouse duties including reusable container cleaning.

2. Returns Processing & Sanitization

• Inbound Processing: Unload and sort returned bins, boxes, glassware, and thermal packaging.

• Sanitization: Operate the dishwasher and sanitization station; ensure all bins and lids are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

• Material Care: Wipe down thermal liners and organize glassware for supplier returns (palletizing for pickup).

• Staging: Stack clean, dry bins neatly to ensure the Packing Line has a seamless start for the next shift.

3. Warehouse Maintenance & Safety

• Waste Management: Efficiently manage cardboard flow (baler vs. wax bins) and organize pallets to keep the floor clear.

• Safety Standards: Safely handle cleaning chemicals and maintain a tidy, hazard-free workspace.

• Team Support: Assist with inventory counts and general warehouse duties as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Physical Fitness: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.

• Environment: Comfortable working in varied temperatures (Freezer, Fridge, and Ambient) and around water/cleaning stations.

• Detail Oriented: High standards for cleanliness and accuracy; ability to remain focused during repetitive tasks.

• Basic Math: Proficiency in basic measurement and math for weighing and portioning.

• Communication: Strong verbal and reading comprehension in English.

• Safety Footwear: All employees are required to wear CSA-certified safety footwear (identified by the green triangle patch) while on duty. The company will provide a reimbursement allowance for approved footwear upon the successful completion of the probationary period.

What We Offer

• Training: No previous experience required; we provide full training on all equipment and food safety processes.

• Skill Building: Opportunity to work across multiple departments and learn the full scope of warehouse operations.

• Safety First: Comprehensive safety training and a supportive, secure work environment.

• Compensation & Perks:

• Pay: $19.20 per hour, increasing to $20.20 after probation.

• Discounts: Employee discount of 50% off produce baskets, 20% off other products.

• Benefits: Health & Dental Benefits available to full time employees after probation. EAP available to all staff.

• On site parking.

Mama Earth is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, and Indigenous status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We will work with you to provide as seamless a recruitment experience as possible.