Thrift Store Sales Associate

Since 1984, we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.

The Asheville Humane Thrift Store is a vital part of supporting Asheville Humane Society, where 100% of its proceeds benefit animals in need!

Position Summary:

The Thrift Store Associate position is a front-line, customer-facing role supporting all areas of store operations at the Asheville Humane Society Thrift Store. This includes: processing sales at the register (cashier duties), assisting with the daily flow of donations, communicating and interacting with volunteers, donors, and customers, encouraging and supporting volunteers, and facilitating a safe and healthy working and shopping environment for donors, customers, volunteers and staff. 

Schedule: The Thrift Store Sales Associate is a full-time position (40 hours/week) located at the Asheville Humane Thrift Store. This position has fluctuating working hours depending on scheduling and store needs, and may require weekend availability.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for the Thrift Store Sales Associate is $15.97/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the daily operations of the thrift store.
• Cashier Duties, including: Register operation and cash/card handling; ensure accuracy of sales transactions, including accurately issuing change when necessary for cash transactions; report any discrepancies to the Thrift Store Manager.
• Answer store phone calls in a professional manner, check voicemail, forward messages, and escalate as needed.
• Support store sales and special events.
• Assist with supervision and training of volunteers in accordance with AHS policies: Assign and direct volunteer work, as appropriate; provide regular and on-going feedback and appreciation; address complaints and resolve problems; work cooperatively and congenially with volunteers of various ages and backgrounds.
• Deliver excellent customer service: Greet donors and customers; help with questions about store operations, merchandise, location, and pricing and when assisting customers over the phone. 
• Assist with acceptance and processing of donations, stocking, and merchandising as needed.
• Responsible for assisting with the general upkeep and appearance of the sales floor and intake areas, including processing trash and recycling.
• Report problems, accidents, unsafe conditions, or equipment issues to the Thrift Store Manager or other supervisor and work collaboratively to resolve issues. 
• Demonstrate a positive attitude to changes, suggestions, and feedback.
• Communicate effectively with donors, volunteers and staff. Resolve complaints and forward unresolved complaints to the Thrift Store Manager. 
• Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the success of AHS and its mission and accurately represent and communicate the mission with enthusiasm to donors, customers, and volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Previous thrift store or retail store experience highly preferred.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Previous experience working with volunteers preferred. 
• Ability to physically perform the essential job functions.
• Must be able to regularly lift or move heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work with a diverse population and establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and management.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills.
• Good judgement when dealing with the public, making decisions, and dealing with confidential information.
• Ability to handle difficult situations, including tactful interactions with customers and donors when necessary.
• Schedule flexibility, including weekends, as well as seasonal extended evening hours (if applicable)
• Reliability and punctuality.