Thrift Store Donations & Retail Assistant

Kelowna Women's Shelter; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in Kelowna is seeking a Donations & Retail Assistant to help ensure smooth store operations and provide excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have a friendly demeanor, be detail-oriented, and enjoy working collaboratively with volunteers. Responsibilities include cash handling, stocking merchandise, and managing donations. Join a passionate team making a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Dental

Extended Health Care

Pension Plan

Employee Family Assistance Program

Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store Discount

Qualifications

• Prior retail, thrift store or customer service experience is an asset.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and navigate stairs repeatedly.
• Reliable and punctual.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist customers in a professional and friendly manner.
• Operate the cash register and process purchases.
• Welcome donors and provide a positive experience.

Skills

Customer Service Excellence

Teamwork and Collaboration

Communication

Organization and Time Management

Problem Solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Payworks

Job description

Are you passionate about thrifting, merchandising and customer service? Do you thrive in environments where your enthusiasm can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) invites you to join our team.

About Us: Kelowna Women’s Shelter has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980. Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, outreach services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Our Kelowna Women’s Thrift Store is a vibrant community hub offering affordable clothing, household items, and accessories in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a friendly, detail-oriented, and dependable Donations & Retail Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will help ensure smooth store operations, support our customers and donors, and work alongside volunteers to maintain a welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Service & Retail Support: Greet and assist customers in a professional and friendly manner.
• Operate the cash register, handle cash accurately, and process purchases.
• Stock, sort, price, and display merchandise.
• Assist with store opening and closing procedures.

• Donations Management: Welcome donors, thank them, and provide a positive experience.
• Accept or respectfully decline donations according to guidelines.
• Sort and triage donations; safely lift and move items (up to 30 lbs).
• Recycle or repurpose unsuitable donations.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Work collaboratively with volunteers and team members to achieve store goals.
• Support orientation and training of new team members and volunteers.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to a positive work environment.

• Promotions & Community Engagement: Assist with store promotions, public events, and responding to inquiries.

• Facilities & Safety: Maintain cleanliness and organization of the store and donation areas.
• Adhere to health and safety policies, including safe handling of donations and equipment.

Qualifications:

• Prior retail, thrift store or customer service experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Payworks, and other relevant computer software programs is an asset.
• Basic math skills with the ability to manually calculate totals, make change, and reconcile cash transactions accurately.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and navigate stairs repeatedly.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Reliable and punctual.

Competencies:

• Customer Service Excellence: Provides friendly, efficient, and professional service to customers and donors.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Works cooperatively with colleagues, volunteers, and supervisors to achieve store goals.
• Communication: Demonstrates clear, respectful, and effective verbal and written communication.
• Organization and Time Management: Manages tasks efficiently, prioritizes effectively, and maintains attention to detail in a busy environment.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues and takes appropriate action to resolve them calmly and efficiently.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adjusts to changing priorities, schedules, and customer needs with a positive attitude.
• Reliability and Accountability: Demonstrates dependability, punctuality, and integrity in all aspects of work.
• Initiative: Takes proactive steps to assist customers, improve store operations, and support team success.
• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Awareness: Follows safety protocols and promotes a healthy and respectful work environment.

Working Hours:

• 22.5 hours per week (3 days per week, including every other Saturday)
• Store hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to various weather conditions, dust, and cleaning substances.
• Physical tasks including lifting, bending, twisting, and repetitive movements.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check required.

Benefits:

• Dental
• Extended Health Care
• Pension Plan
• Long Term Disability
• Outside of Canada Emergency Travel Insurance
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Wellness Discounts
• Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store Discount

Why Join Us: Be part of a passionate team that supports a meaningful cause. Gain hands-on retail experience, connect with the community, and contribute to a safe and welcoming environment for all.

How to Apply: If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Join us in making a difference!

We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.