SOUTH FLORIDA — A grocery chain noted for its pricing is expanding into the South Florida area and holding an event this weekend to hire employees in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach.

Aldi, which bills itself as the nation’s low-price grocery leader, will accept applications on Saturday for positions including store associate, shift manager and manager trainee. Company officials say the hiring event is in support of the ongoing growth of the chain in the area.

Representatives will be on hand from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.  at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Deerfield Beach-Boca Raton, 100 Fairway Dr. in Deerfield Beach.

Starting wages for the positions are hourly, and are competitive for the South Florida market.  Store associates can earn $12 per hour, while shift managers and earn $16 per hour. Management trainees can start at $22 per hour.

Applicants must be at least 18 years, and have their high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, and must be available to work anytime between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday; Retail experience is preferred for the positions, management experience is preferred for manager trainee candidates. Applicants also must be able to lift 45 pounds. A drug screening and background check are required.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, Aldi operates nearly 1,400 U.S. stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. Aldi sells more than 1,300 of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality.

The company was named the 2014 Retailer of the Year by Store Brands Magazine for its strong commitment to value and innovation-focused private brand product development.