Retail Associate

Witt/Kieffer; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland Japanese Garden is looking for a full-time Retail Associate to enhance its customer service and sales operations. This role involves engaging with visitors, handling cash transactions, and maintaining store inventory while promoting the mission of the garden. The ideal candidate should have some retail experience, excellent customer service skills, and be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k plan with employer match

Paid time off including vacation and sick days

Employee Assistance Program access

Transportation stipend

Discount on gift shop items

Free access to various cultural events

Qualifications

• Entry-level position, experience in retail preferred.
• Strong customer service and cash handling skills required.
• Detail-oriented with proficiency in computer-based tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sales and customer inquiries at the Retail department.
• Maintain inventory and appearance of the Gift Shop.
• Follow standard cash handling procedures.

Skills

Customer Service

Cash Handling

Attention to Detail

Computer Proficiency

Bilingual in Japanese

Education

1-2 years of retail experience preferred

Tools

Point-of-Sale Programs

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Portland Japanese Garden – a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Portland, Oregon – is hiring for a full-time Retail Associate. The Retail Associates are responsible for assisting with the overall operation of the Retail department, with a focus on delivering outstanding customer service, and cash handling in the Gift Shops. The Retail Associates report to the Retail Manager. This position works from our primary Garden campus located at 611 SW Kingston Ave.

Primary Duties

• Work on the retail floor regularly, assisting with sales, answering customer questions, and providing stellar customer service
• Follow standard cash handling and credit card transaction procedures and policies
• Pro-actively answer and solve visitor/customer inquiries in person and by phone
• Responsible for maintaining appearance and inventory of the Gift Shop for optimal sales, including regular housekeeping, organizing, and monitoring stock levels of products and supplies
• Participate in maintaining store signage, product handouts, and the product information binder (for Gift Shop and Retail events in conjunction with Retail managers)
• Utilize knowledge about the Garden and Garden events in the selling of products
• Participate in organizing and maintaining stockroom and shipping area in conjunction with Retail managers
• Participate in receiving activity including stickering and stocking
• Act as a role model for the Garden’s service standards, including excellent work ethic, outstanding customer service, dress code, and personal appearance
• Attend regular Retail department meetings and other Garden meetings as required
• Acquire and maintain current knowledge about the Garden and Garden events
• Other duties as assigned

Other Responsibilities

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
• Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Adhere to Garden Dress Code and wear Garden uniform (black pants, black t-shirt, black or brown shoes, and Garden-provided Happi coat)

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Entry-level position, with 1-2 years of retail experience preferred
• Excellent customer service and cash handling skills
• Attention to detail in a fast-paced retail environment
• Proficient on a computer
• Familiarity with point-of-sale programs and other programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook preferred

Special Requirements

• Flexible work schedule and able to accommodate changing Garden needs, including working weekends, evenings, and occasional overtime
• Must be comfortable lifting up to 40lbs
• Must be able to remain in a standing position and/or move about the Gift Shops for several hours
• Knowledge of Japanese culture and/or bilingual in Japanese is a plus

Compensation & Schedule

• Wage: $19.14/hour
• This is a full-time, hourly position, with 40 hours per week. Regular workdays may vary and may include weekends. Shifts are typically 8 hours (plus ½ hour lunch) between 7:30am and 7:30pm.
• health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
• 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
• flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• paid time off
  • vacation: 2 weeks (10 days) per calendar year to start, with regular increases
  • sick: 10 days per calendar year
  • holidays: 10 holidays per year
• free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Transportation

The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:

• Parking: Staff may park in the pay-to-park spaces throughout Washington Park. The cost is $8/day, or staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75/month during the high season (March – September) and $50/month during the low season (October – February).
• Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
• Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.

Union Information

This position is part of an ongoing bargaining unit set to establish a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and as such the incumbent will be bound by the language of said agreement and party to all benefits, dues, and requirements associated with being a member of a union and the (CBA).

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume and three work-related references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand-delivered applications.Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

All submitted applications will be held in confidence.

About the Organization Portland Japanese Garden is renowned as the most authentic and finest Japanese garden outside of Japan. The Garden typically has a year-round staff of 95+ FTE's and 35+ seasonal staff, supplemented by over 200 volunteers. All of our staff play a vital role in helping our visitors experience the beauty and tranquility of the garden and expand their understanding of Japanese culture.

A few of the benefits our employees enjoy include:

• Working for a beautiful, authentic Japanese garden, overlooking the city

• Incentives for alternative transportation for your commute to work (applies only to those working at the campuses in Washington Park)

• A workplace culture that prioritizes hiring and promoting from within

• Access to the Garden for you, your family, and your friends

• The opportunity to attend a variety of cultural events

• A 30% discount on most items in the gift shop

• Reciprocal access to other area attractions, such as the Portland Art Museum, OMSI, and the Oregon Zoo

EOE Statement Portland Japanese Garden is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. It is also the policy of Portland Japanese Garden that all employees are entitled to a work environment free from all forms of discrimination. Discrimination or harassment based upon any of these factors is inconsistent with the policy and philosophy of Portland Japanese Garden and will not be tolerated at any time.

This position is currently accepting applications.

Seasonal Retail Associate (Part-Time) in Portland, OR
Posted on: 6/6/2025
[Apply Now]

Other Jobs Within 60 Miles

On-Call Security Officer in Portland, OR
Posted on: 11/19/2024
[Apply Now]

Cafe Assistant Manager in Portland, OR
Posted on: 5/14/2025
[Apply Now]

Seasonal Retail Associate (Part-Time) in Portland, OR
Posted on: 6/6/2025
[Apply Now]