Customer-First Retail & Donations Specialist

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHEAST IOWA, INC.; Oelwein (IA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHEAST IOWA, INC. in Oelwein, IA is seeking a Sales Associate. You will assist customers, process donations, operate the cash register, and help with loading/unloading, stocking, and merchandising to ensure a positive shopping experience.

Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays is required. The role emphasizes safety, quality of service, and teamwork, with opportunities to support online merchandise handling and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred (may substitute with military service or related employment).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude and ability to motivate others.
• Able to lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Reliable transportation and flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greets customers upon entering store and provides assistance with shopper experience.
• Sorts and grades donations and truck shipments to keep high-quality merchandise stocked.
• Operates cash register ensuring quick, pleasant transactions and minimal wait time.
• Identifies merchandise for online sales and handles according to procedures.
• Greets donors at their car and unloads items; provides donation experience.
• Distributes donations to work/holding areas and records donation counts.
• Offers tax receipt forms to donors.
• Recycles items to minimize waste and maximize salvage revenue.
• Assists with shoveling snow, replacing light bulbs, cleaning windows, and general upkeep.
• Trains and demonstrates job duties to new team members.
• Maintains store and donation area appearance and safety; communicates repair needs.
• Collaborates with department to maximize service opportunities and continuous improvement.
• Helps prepare outgoing truck loads (baling, sorting, forklift operation, organization).
• Assists truck driver with loading/unloading.

Job description

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHEAST IOWA, INC. in Oelwein, IA is seeking a Sales Associate. You will assist customers, process donations, operate the cash register, and help with loading/unloading, stocking, and merchandising to ensure a positive shopping experience.

Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays is required. The role emphasizes safety, quality of service, and teamwork, with opportunities to support online merchandise handling and community outreach.