Retail Associate - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (Part Time Seasonal)

The New York Public Library; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The New York Public Library’s Shop is seeking a Seasonal Temporary Part-Time Retail Associate to act as cashier and face of the shop. Enthusiasm, product knowledge, and customer engagement are essential, with a strong emphasis on fast, accurate POS operation in a busy museum-like setting.

Flexibility, language skills, and a willingness to handle tasks from gift suggestions to restocking are valued. This on-site role requires weekend availability, including Saturdays, with a 15–25 hour weekly

Qualifications

• High School Diploma minimum.
• Two plus years of sales experience, preferably in a busy museum/book/lifestyle shop.
• One year minimum in retail environment handling cash.
• Excellent communication skills with a wide range of customers.

Responsibilities

• Engage customers with enthusiasm and product knowledge.
• Communicates effectively to customers as well as management.
• Utilizes a POS retail system with speed, efficiency and courtesy.
• Maintains inventory and restocks displays.
• Enjoys operating independently.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Cash handling

Communication skills

Reliability

Quick study

Team player

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Compensation: $20.50 / hour

Department: Retail Shop

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Compensation: $20.50 / hour

Description

Overview

The New York Public Library is the nation’s most extensive public library system. Within its landmark building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, The Library shop serves hundreds of thousands of visitors a year with a collection of bookish items and books. Visit us at https://shop.nypl.org to see our operation's nature (but not the scope).

We are seeking a Seasonal Temporary Part-Time Retail Associate who functions as a cashier and is both the face and personality of the shop. Enthusiasm, product knowledge, and customer engagement also play a part in the performance, and recognizing when getting through the line should be the focus. Above all, this person finds no job too big (“Help me select gifts for my 11 grandchildren”) or too small (wiping down computer screens or giving directions) not to attend to with good humor. This person should have a great visual memory and be curious to learn and share all the shop offers.

Accuracy and speed on a POS system are critical. A flexible schedule is preferred, as is speaking more than one language, although neither is necessary. Saturdays, however, are a must.

This position is seasonal.

Responsibilities:

• Engage customers with enthusiasm and product knowledge
• Communicates effectively to customers as well as management
• Utilizes a POS retail system with speed, efficiency and courtesy
• Maintains inventory and restocks displays
• Enjoys operating independently
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education and Certifications

• High School Diploma minimum

Required Experience

• Two plus years of sales experience, preferably in a busy museum/book/lifestyle shop
• Operates the register and POS system as required
• One year minimum in retail environment handling cash
• Proven ability to work effectively and quickly in a hectic, fast-paced environment
• Experience working collaboratively within a team
• Excellent communication skills with a wide range of customers

Required Skills

• Cash handling skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated reliability and flexibility
• Quick Study; able to absorb quickly/clearly
• Able to scan a room for product placement and traffic patterns
• High energy
• Thrives in a hectic environment

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Core Values

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• The Library Shop (public setting)

Physical Duties

• Standing for most of your shift
• Bending and lifting for restocking
• May require travel within NYC
• Lifting up to 20lbs

Pre-Placement

Physical Required? No

Union/Non Union

Non-Union

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Schedule

• Saturday availability
• Flexible schedule (15-25 hours week)