Working at Hill Street Grocer Tasmania
Hill Street Grocer is Tasmania's premium independent grocery chain, known for its focus on local produce, specialty foods, and quality customer service. With stores across Hobart and other parts of Tasmania, Hill Street Grocer offers teenagers a unique opportunity to gain retail experience in a community-focused environment that values quality and local products. It's a great first job for young people interested in fresh food retail and learning about Tasmanian produce.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 14 years 9 months
- Average pay (under 18):
- $13-$18/hour (varies by age)
- How to apply:
- In-store or via hillstreetgrocer.com
- Common teen roles:
- Checkout, shelf stacking, trolley collection, produce assistant
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Hill Street Grocer?
Hill Street Grocer typically hires team members from around 14 years and 9 months old, following standard supermarket industry practices in Tasmania. This aligns with Tasmania's employment regulations, which allow young people to work with appropriate supervision.
Since Hill Street Grocer operates only in Tasmania, here's what you need to know about working there:
| State | Hill Street Grocer Min Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
Hill Street Grocer is a Tasmania-only grocery chain, so positions are only available in TAS. As a local independent grocer, they often value community connections and may give preference to applicants who live near their stores and are familiar with local products.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Hill Street Grocer?
As a teenager at Hill Street Grocer, you'll start in one of the entry-level retail positions. The specific role you get often depends on what's available at your local store and your availability. Here are the most common roles for teen workers:
Checkout Operator
Working on the registers involves scanning items, handling cash and card payments, and helping customers with their shopping. You'll receive training on the POS system and customer service. Hill Street Grocer is known for friendly, knowledgeable service, so being able to chat with customers about products is a plus.
Shelf Stacking and Stock Replenishment
This involves restocking shelves, rotating stock to ensure freshness, and keeping the store tidy. You'll learn about stock rotation, product placement, and inventory management. Hill Street Grocer stocks many specialty and local products, so you'll learn about unique Tasmanian items.
Trolley Collection and Store Presentation
You'll collect trolleys and baskets, return them to the entrance, and help keep the store looking presentable. It's active work that keeps you moving, and the shifts go quickly. You may also help with general store tidiness and displays.
Produce Assistant
Hill Street Grocer is known for its quality fresh produce, much of it sourced from local Tasmanian farms. Junior team members may assist with stocking fruit and vegetables, keeping displays fresh, and learning about seasonal produce. This is a great role if you're interested in fresh food and local agriculture.
Once you turn 18, additional roles may open up including working in the deli, cheese section, or more senior positions. Hill Street Grocer values promoting from within, so starting young can lead to opportunities as you gain experience.
How Much Does Hill Street Grocer Pay?
Hill Street Grocer pays according to the General Retail Industry Award. For workers under 21, pay is calculated as a percentage of the adult rate based on your age. The rates below are approximate and may vary slightly:
| Age | Weekday Rate (approx) | Weekend Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $11-$12/hour | $14-$18/hour |
| 16 years | $13-$14/hour | $16-$21/hour |
| 17 years | $15-$16/hour | $19-$24/hour |
| 18 years | $18-$19/hour | $23-$29/hour |
| 19 years | $20-$21/hour | $25-$32/hour |
| 20 years | $22-$23/hour | $28-$35/hour |
Weekend rates are higher due to penalty rates. Saturdays typically pay 125% of the base rate, and Sundays pay 150% or more. Public holidays pay even higher. If you can work weekends, you'll earn significantly more per hour.
These rates increase on 1 July each year when the minimum wage is reviewed. As a local Tasmanian business, Hill Street Grocer may also offer staff discounts on groceries.
How to Apply for a Job at Hill Street Grocer
Hill Street Grocer accepts job applications both online and in-store. Here's how to apply:
- Check for openings online - Visit the Hill Street Grocer website to check for current job openings. Look for a careers or employment section, or check job boards like Seek or Indeed for current listings.
- Visit your local store - Many independent grocers prefer in-person applications. Drop by your local Hill Street Grocer, ask to speak with a manager, and enquire about any job openings. Bring a printed copy of your resume and dress neatly. This personal approach often works well for local businesses.
- Prepare your resume - Even if it's your first job, having a basic resume shows initiative. Include your contact details, school, availability, and any volunteer work or extracurricular activities.
- Highlight your availability - Grocery stores need staff during busy periods like weekends and after school. Be clear about when you can work, and mention if you're available on weekends as this makes you more attractive to employers.
- Show interest in local produce - Hill Street Grocer prides itself on supporting Tasmanian producers and stocking quality local products. If you're genuinely interested in food, local produce, or Tasmanian products, mention this in your application.
- Follow up politely - If you haven't heard back after a week or two, it's fine to call or visit the store to politely follow up on your application. This shows genuine interest and can help your application get noticed.
As a local Tasmanian business, Hill Street Grocer values community connections. Being polite, showing genuine interest in the company and its products, and demonstrating good availability can make a real difference in your application.
Interview Tips for Hill Street Grocer
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview at the store. Hill Street Grocer interviews are typically relaxed and focus on your availability, customer service skills, and attitude. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress neatly and presentably. You don't need a suit, but avoid ripped jeans, thongs, or anything too casual. Clean, tidy clothes in neutral colours work well. Think "smart casual" rather than formal.
Common Interview Questions
Hill Street Grocer interviews typically include questions like:
- Tell me about yourself and why you want to work at Hill Street Grocer
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- How would you handle a difficult customer?
- What's your availability like? Can you work weekends?
- Are you interested in food and local produce?
What to Bring
Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, photo ID, and something to take notes with.
Having your TFN ready (or at least applied for) is also helpful, as they'll need it when you start.
Show Your Local Knowledge
Hill Street Grocer is proud of its Tasmanian roots and focus on local products. Mentioning that you shop there, know the neighbourhood, or are interested in Tasmanian produce can help show you're a good fit for their community-focused culture.
The interview usually takes about 15-30 minutes. If successful, they'll offer you the job on the spot or call you within a few days. You'll then complete paperwork and training before your first shift.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Hill Street Grocer? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 14 years and 9 months old to apply. If you're close, wait until you meet the requirement.
- 2.Apply for your TFN - Do this before you get a job. It takes about a week to arrive and you'll need it when you start work.
- 3.Create a basic resume - Even without work experience, include your school, any volunteer work, and your skills and interests.
- 4.Find your nearest store - Hill Street Grocer has stores across Hobart and other parts of Tasmania. Find your nearest location and check if they're hiring.
- 5.Work out your availability - Think about when you can work around school and other commitments. Being available on weekends makes you more attractive to employers.
- 6.Apply in person or online - Visit your local store with your resume, or check the Hill Street Grocer website for contact information and any online application options.
- 7.Set up a bank account - If you don't have one already, open a bank account so they can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hill Street Grocer typically hires team members from around 14 years and 9 months old, following standard supermarket industry practices in Tasmania.
Hill Street Grocer is a Tasmania-only grocery chain with stores across Hobart and other parts of the state. You won't find Hill Street Grocer stores in other Australian states.
Teenagers at Hill Street Grocer typically work as checkout operators, shelf stackers, trolley collectors, or produce assistants. As you gain experience and turn 18, you may be able to move into deli, specialty departments, or supervisory roles.
Hill Street Grocer pays according to the General Retail Industry Award. Teenagers earn junior rates based on their age, typically ranging from $11-$18 per hour on weekdays, with higher rates on weekends and public holidays.
No, Hill Street Grocer hires people with no prior work experience. They provide training for all entry-level positions. Having a positive attitude, good availability, and a genuine interest in food and customer service is more important than experience.
You can apply by visiting your local Hill Street Grocer store in person with a resume, or check their website for contact information. Applying in person can be effective for local independent grocers as it shows initiative and allows you to make a good first impression.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Hill Street Grocer and the Fair Work Commission.. Pay rates are approximate and subject to annual reviews. Check with your local store for current openings and exact pay rates. Hill Street Grocer operates only in Tasmania.