Donation Processor: Apparel

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes; City of Cortland (NY); On-site; USD 194,000 - 364,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes is seeking a Softline Processor to prepare donated apparel, shoes, and accessories for our retail stores. You will sort items, apply tags and labels, and build product knowledge while helping achieve daily production goals.

The role emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and flexibility in a retail processing environment, with opportunities for cross-training and growth in a values-driven organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Retail or production experience preferred, but not required.
• Ability to read, understand, and complete production documentation.
• Clear communication skills for working with customers and teammates.
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and contribute to team success.

Responsibilities

• Sort and assess softline items based on quality and brand standards.
• Hang, tag, and label merchandise accurately using our systems.
• Build knowledge of apparel brands, trends, and softline merchandise.
• Meet daily and biweekly production goals by processing donated items.
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming attitude with customers and team members.
• Address customer concerns in a courteous, respectful manner.
• Collaborate with coworkers and leadership, sharing ideas and concerns.
• Keep workstations clean, stocked, and organized; request supplies as needed.
• Help keep store interior and exterior clean, safe, and organized.
• Cross-train in other areas as assigned.

Skills

Clear communication

Reading production docs

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Do you enjoy hands‑on work and have an eye for style, quality, and detail? JoinGoodwill of the Finger Lakes, where our mission iselevating people, community, and planet for a good today and a better tomorrow. As aSoftline Processor, you play a key role in preparing donated apparel, shoes, and accessories for our retail stores—helping create great shopping experiences while supporting programs that strengthen our community.

What You’ll Do

• Sort and assess softline items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, and other textiles based on quality and brand standards
• Hang, tag, and label merchandise accurately using our production and pricing systems
• Build and demonstrate ongoing knowledge of apparel brands, trends, and softline merchandise
• Meet daily and bi‑weekly production goals by efficiently processing donated items
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming, and helpful attitude with customers and team members
• Greet customers warmly and assist in addressing concerns in a courteous, respectful manner in line with retail policies
• Act as a positive, supportive member of the team by sharing ideas and communicating concerns with coworkers and leadership
• Maintain clean, stocked, and well‑organized workstations and request supplies as needed
• Help keep the interior and exterior of the store clean, safe, and organized
• Perform additional duties and cross‑train in other areas as assigned

Production Expectations

This role includes production goals tied to hours worked and iseligible for Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ production incentive program, which rewards team members for meeting or exceeding established production standards.

For a standard 37.5‑hour workweek, the sales production goal is$8,000 every two weeks, with adjusted expectations for part‑time schedules:

• 20 hours/week:$4,267 every two weeks
• 25 hours/week:$5,333 every two weeks
• 30 hours/week:$6,400 every two weeks
• 37.5 hours/week:$8,000 every two weeks

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Previous retail or production experience preferred, but not required
• Ability to read, understand, and complete production documentation
• Clear communication skills for working with customers and teammates
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and contribute to team success

Work Schedule & Availability

• Must haveopen and flexible availability
• Willingness to worknights, weekends, and holidaysis required

This position is based primarily in a retail store environment and donation processing area, which may feel similar to a warehouse setting. Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions may occur when receiving donations. Noise levels are typically moderate.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Frequent bending, reaching, crouching, kneeling, and lifting
• Regular lifting, pushing, and pulling of items (up to 25 lbs frequently, heavier with assistance)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Why Work at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes?

When you work at Goodwill, you’re doing more than stocking shelves—you’re helping to create opportunity in our community. We value teamwork, respect, and growth, and we are committed to living our BLUE values every day.

At Goodwill, your work matters. Every item you process, every customer you help, and every shift you work supports our mission ofelevating people, community, and planet for a good today and a better tomorrow.If you’re looking for meaningful work in a supportive, values‑driven environment, you’ll find it here.

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.