Retail Support Associate (Back of Store)

Appalachian Highlands Humane Society; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Highlands Humane Society's Wags to Riches Thrift Store in Johnson City seeks a Retail Support Associate who helps transform donated goods into lifesaving support for animals in need.

The role focuses on receiving, sorting, pricing, and preparing items for sale while maintaining an organized, efficient back-of-store environment and working closely with volunteers and staff to ensure quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Dependable, punctual, and ready to work in a fast-paced thrift store environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in pricing and processing donations.
• Able to work with volunteers and staff in a team-oriented setting.
• Comfortable working around animals during events and activities.

Responsibilities

• Receive and unload donated merchandise from vehicles and sort items for processing.
• Inspect, price, and tag items according to store guidelines for resale.
• Maintain clean, organized backroom and prepare merchandise for sale floor placement.
• Assist in stocking, replenishing displays, and coordinating with team to meet daily goals.

Job description

Retail Support Associate (Back of Store)

Wags to Riches Thrift Store
Owned and operated by Appalachian Highlands Humane Society

Position Overview

At Wags to Riches Thrift Store, every shift helps save lives.

As a Retail Support Associate, you play an essential behind-the-scenes role in turning donated merchandise into lifesaving support for animals in need.

This active, hands-on position is primarily responsible for receiving, sorting, evaluating, pricing, and preparing donated merchandise for resale. The ideal candidate is dependable, productive, detail-oriented, and takes pride in maintaining an organized, efficient, and professional work environment.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Donation Receiving and Processing

• Greet and assist donors in a friendly, courteous, professional, and appreciative manner.
• Receive and unload donated merchandise from vehicles, including furniture and larger household items, using appropriate assistance and equipment.
• Sort and process incoming donations efficiently and responsibly.
• Identify items unsuitable for resale and follow established procedures for recycling, disposal, or other appropriate handling.

Quality Control and Pricing

• Inspect donated merchandise for cleanliness, condition, safety, and resale value.
• Evaluate, price, and tag merchandise accurately according to established store guidelines.
• Ensure merchandise is properly prepared and ready for placement on the sales floor.
• Maintain consistency and attention to detail throughout the pricing process.

Inventory and Merchandise Organization

• Maintain clean, organized, and accessible backroom and storage areas.
• Organize processed merchandise to support efficient movement to the sales floor.
• Transport merchandise to the sales floor and assist with stocking and replenishing displays.
• Handle donated merchandise carefully to minimize damage and waste.

Productivity and Team Support

• Maintain a consistent and productive workflow to ensure donations are processed in a timely manner.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and efficiently while meeting established work expectations.
• Follow daily assignments, store procedures, and supervisor direction.
• Maintain professional, respectful, and cooperative relationships with coworkers, supervisors, volunteers, donors, and customers.
• Accept constructive feedback and demonstrate a willingness to learn, improve, and adapt to operational needs.
• Work cooperatively with team members to accomplish daily operational goals.
• Assist in other areas of the store as needed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient work environment.

Qualifications and Desired Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Is dependable, punctual, and consistently ready to work.
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and takes initiative.
• Maintains a professional appearance, attitude, and demeanor appropriate for a retail workplace.
• Communicates respectfully and professionally with others, even in challenging situations.
• Works efficiently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Is organized and capable of managing multiple tasks.
• Enjoys working in an active, fast-paced environment.
• Follows instructions and established procedures.
• Works independently while contributing positively to a team.
• Demonstrates good judgment when evaluating merchandise.
• Is flexible and willing to assist wherever needed.
• Is comfortable working in a pet-friendly environment where animals may be present, including during adoption events and visits from customers with pets.
• Supports the mission of Appalachian Highlands Humane Society and the animals we serve.
• Has availability to work Saturdays as scheduled.

Previous thrift store, retail, warehouse, inventory, or donation-processing experience is helpful but not required.

Physical Requirements

This position involves regular physical activity throughout the workday.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds independently, with assistance for heavier or bulky items.
• Ability to assist with unloading and moving furniture and other large donated items.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, and pull throughout the shift.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including sorting, lifting, pricing, and moving merchandise.
• Ability to safely use appropriate equipment and follow established lifting and handling procedures.

Essential job functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Work at Wags?

Behind every donation is a second chance.

At Wags to Riches, your work makes a meaningful difference. Every item you help process, price, and prepare for sale generates support for animals in need through Appalachian Highlands Humane Society.

You are not just working in a thrift store. You are helping save lives.

Additional Employment Information

Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace

Wags to Riches Thrift Store, owned and operated by Appalachian Highlands Humane Society, is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive work environment. We maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace in accordance with our organizational policies and applicable Tennessee law.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening, consistent with applicable law.