Store Associate

The Salvation Army International; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 24,245 - 34,756; Part time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Ottawa Thrift Store is seeking a part-time associate to greet customers, handle donations, and assist with sorting, pricing and stocking. This role requires standing for long periods, ability to lift up to 30 pounds, and adherence to OH&S guidelines.

You will contribute to a welcoming store environment and help meet sales and inventory goals. Experience with cash handling and working in a computerized environment is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in processing or distribution of goods or customer service.
• Cash handling experience and familiarity with cash registers; ability to perform bank deposits and generate simple reports.

Responsibilities

• Greet and interact with customers and donors in a positive, friendly, and courteous manner.
• Process customer transactions accurately (cash and debit) with minimal voids, overages, or shortages.
• Process donations by loading/unloading, sorting, packing, hanging, pricing, and storing.
• Maintain store opening and closing procedures and assist with inventory control and merchandising.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school coursework

Tools

Cash registers

Job description

Overview

The Salvation Army has served communities in Canada and Bermuda for more than 130 years. This faith- and values-based organization provides necessities such as food, clothing and shelter and supports people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. The mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in communities.

Position Purpose

Role provides service to customers, sorts incoming product, and assists in the ongoing retail operations of The Salvation Army Thrift Store. Location: 2659 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON.

Key Accountabilities

1. Operations
   • Greet and interact with customers and donors in a positive, friendly, and courteous manner.
   • Contribute to meeting store sales targets; provide efficient courteous customer service; handle difficult customers tactfully.
   • Be knowledgeable regarding product pricing and featured sale items; protect the integrity of all donated items.
   • Maintain store opening and closing procedures as required.
   • Process customer transactions accurately (cash and debit) with minimal voids, overages, or shortages.
   • Adhere to store policy regarding cheques, credit cards, refunds, voids, and holds.
   • Process donations by loading/unloading, sorting, packing, hanging, pricing, and storing.
   • Respond to customer enquiries with knowledge of stock and availability (in person or by phone).
   • Monitor store security and activity to ensure a safe environment.
   • Aid with store layout, window displays, and merchandise displays to attract customers; ensure the store remains attractive and well-maintained.
   • Assist with inventory control by sorting, hanging, and pricing as directed; replenish inventory on the sales floor and remove inventory as directed.
   • Handle merchandise safely and organize stock; assist in stock rotation; bag textiles for recycling and place metal recycling appropriately.
   • Assist donors with contributions, unload donations, and place stock in the appropriate locations.
   • Maintain proper sorting and processing of goods and ensure pricing aligns with store policy.
   • Perform other duties as required.
2. Health and Safety
   • Contribute to the safety of staff and customers (e.g., snow removal, clear fire exits, control spills; remove obstacles).
   • Keep the store attractive, organized, and safe; tidy shelves and restock as needed; clean, sweep, dust, and mop as necessary; rotate cleaning duties for common areas.
   • Comply with OH&S Act and Regulations and The Salvation Army health and safety policies.
   • Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Relationships

Internal: Store Manager, Corps Officer(s), volunteers, staff. External: Guests, vendors.

Management/Technical Responsibilities

Reports to the Store Manager. Direct reports: None.

Financial and Material Management

• Moderate material responsibilities.
• Use and maintain organizational assets per guidelines.
• No budget responsibilities or financial transactions beyond standard POS processes.

Working Conditions

• Permanent part-time position with varying weekly schedules, including weekdays and/or Saturdays.
• Ability to stand for long periods; frequent twisting, bending, crouching, and reaching; ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Follow health and safety rules, including universal precautions and wearing gloves when handling unknown contents.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

Willingness to support the mission and comply with OH&S policies. Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered. Completion of some high school coursework acceptable.

• Experience in processing or distribution of goods or customer service preferred; knowledge of lifting guidelines.
• Cash handling experience and familiarity with cash registers; ability to perform bank deposits and generate simple reports.
• Product brand awareness is an asset; experience in a computerized environment.
• Attention to detail; self-motivated and disciplined; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
• Physically capable of lifting/carrying up to 29 pounds frequently without assistance.
• Ability to undergo screening and background checks as required.

Compensation

Target hiring range: $17.60 to $21.03, with a maximum of $25.23. Salary placement based on market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications. The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation on request.

Additional Information

Applicants may contact Recruitment Accommodations at Salvation Army for accommodations. Our employees are motivated by serving people in need across Canada and Bermuda, with opportunities for flexibility, benefits, and career growth. The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer.