RETAIL ASSOCIATE

Significant Elements Retail Associate is responsible for sales, customer service, material processing, inventory control, and provides training support for the Work Preserve job training program.

 

Historic Ithaca (HI) is a well-established nonprofit organization, whose mission is to promote and preserve the built environment in Ithaca and throughout Tompkins County, as the “voice of preservation.”   Historic Ithaca’s related business, Significant Elements (SE) is an architectural salvage retail store, open to the public, that supports the mission of the organization. An educational component of HI and SE is its Work Preserve job training program.

 

The position reports directly to the Significant Elements Manager, will be 35-40 hours per week and only in person, at the store. 

 

Duties will include, but not limited to:

 

• Provide informed customer service: in-person, by phone, email, text, and social media. 

• Material handling: donation intake and loading customer purchases.

• Inventory processing: sorting, cleaning, assembly, measuring, merchandising.

• Accurate POS inventory data entry and sales entry. 

• Cash handling and payment processing.

• Assisting with pick-ups and deliveries.

• Supervise and train Work Preserve participants and volunteers in the processing of donated building materials, customer service, and retail skills. 

• Performing routine facility maintenance including, cleaning, ice and snow removal, lawn, grounds.

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Required skills and experience: 

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• Experience in a retail environment, preferably in hardware, building materials, antiques/vintage, or related field.

• Ability to communicate pleasantly, patiently and effectively with customers, donors, trainees, staff, volunteers and the public. 

• Ability to perform physical activities including: routinely lifting and moving  70  pounds, knowledge of safely moving larger objects, regularly walking up and down multiple flights of stairs, standing, and working outside in all seasons. The position is very active.

• Curiosity and willingness to learn plus attention to detail. Have a good sense of humor and the ability to be flexible in different situations.

• Experience working and solving problems independently without direct supervision.  Ability to read, interpret, follow and give verbal and written instructions, and to legibly write and complete forms. 

• Ability to accurately measure and perform basic arithmetic and instruct others in measuring and basic arithmetic skills. 

• Experience supervising teams and individuals and working with diverse populations. 

• Ability to maintain safe practices in moving heavy materials while working alone or in a team.   Must include ability to communicate clear plans for moving materials while using appropriate moving tools and strategies preventing harm to self, team, others, or property.

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Additional skills not required but beneficial: 

• Online sales experience

• Experience working with youth

• Building renovation, restoration or maintenance experience

• Experience using power and hand tools safely and appropriately

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Qualifications:

HS diploma or GED and background check required. 

 

 

Hours are based on Significant Elements’ hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM.