ReStore Associate – Full-Time

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne's ReStore is seeking a dedicated ReStore Associate to manage donor intake, process donations, and maintain a welcoming sales floor. You will safely move items, test electronics, and help shoppers while supporting fundraising for local housing projects.

The role requires 1–2 years in retail or warehouse, a High School Diploma or GED, and a valid driver’s license, with opportunities to work with volunteers and partners in a busy thrift-style environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of experience in retail, customer service, or warehouse.
• Experience in hardware, construction, or home improvement retail.

Responsibilities

• Greets donors, evaluates items, and provides tax receipts.
• Safely maneuvers items and prepares them for sale.
• Operates POS, handles cash, and balances the drawer.
• Shelves and presents items to maximize sales and space.
• Assists shoppers and loads items into vehicles when needed.
• Trains and guides volunteers and coordinates with store staff.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

POS system

Microsoft Office

CRM

Job description

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and more to the public at discounted prices to further support Habitat for Humanity’s mission. The ReStore Associate will ensure the daily success of the ReStore by providing exceptional service to donors and shoppers alike. This individual is responsible for the physical intake of donated goods and the retail presentation of those items on the sales floor. The Associate plays a key role in generating the revenue necessary to fund Habitat for Humanity’s housing projects in Indiana by maintaining an organized, safe, and welcoming shopping environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Greets donors at the loading dock, evaluates items based on the organization’s acceptance criteria, and provides tax donation receipts with professional courtesy.
• Safely maneuvers furniture, appliances, and building materials from donor vehicles and onto the processing floor using appropriate equipment.
• Performs basic cleaning, testing of electronic items/appliances, and assembly of furniture to ensure all items are floor-ready and safe for purchase.
• Ensures the donation intake area remains clear of debris and that all items are stored or stacked according to safety protocols to prevent injury.
• Operates the Point of Sale (POS) system accurately, handling cash, credit, and digital transactions while maintaining a balanced drawer.
• Moves processed items to the sales floor, arranging them in an attractive and organized manner that maximizes space and encourages sales.
• Answers questions regarding product availability, pricing, and the Habitat mission; assists shoppers with loading purchased items into their vehicles.
• Provides daily guidance and “side-by-side” training for volunteers, ensuring they understand their tasks and follow all safety and customer service guidelines.
• Coordinates with the ReStore Manager and Assistant Manager to identify priority tasks for the day and ensures a smooth hand-off between the warehouse and the sales floor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Exhibits an outgoing and helpful personality, capable of de-escalating customer concerns with patience.
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of home improvement items, tools, and appliances to better assist customers and test donations.
• Maintains accuracy in counting change and processing financial transactions at the register.
• Strictly adheres to safety standards, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper lifting techniques.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and grant tracking, CRM, or financial systems.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and communicate information thoroughly.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Exposure to construction environments requiring adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers, future homeowners, and diverse community partners.
• A current and valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.
• Must be comfortable with the use of technology and able to operate/maintain iPad-based POS (cash register) with proficiency.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 1–2 years of experience in retail, customer service, or warehouse.
• Experience in hardware, construction, or home improvement retail.

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to perform heavy physical labor, including lifting, pushing, and pulling items weighing up to 50 pounds independently (and more with assistance).
• Works in a warehouse and retail setting that is subject to dust, noise, and Indiana’s seasonal temperature fluctuations.
• Involves frequent bending, squatting, reaching, and climbing ladders to move and organize inventory.
• Travel to surrounding areas or states may be required.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne is firmly committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Fort Wayne ReStore is Positively Fort Wayne