Sales Associate

Tahoepetstation; Truckee (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

TahoePetStation is seeking friendly Sales Associates to deliver proactive customer service and assist with in-store animal care. You will engage customers, process transactions, and help with online orders while maintaining a clean, welcoming store environment.

As part of the team, you will learn product knowledge, support inventory management, and ensure high-quality care for animals and supplies. A positive attitude and reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• Customer service and communication skills.
• Cash handling and register experience.
• Attention to detail and reliability.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Engage customers, answer questions, and recommend products on the sales floor.
• Process transactions accurately on the POS system, including returns and exchanges.
• Build rapport to encourage repeat business and handle customer issues promptly.
• Fulfill online and phone orders, including picking, packing, and preparing shipments or pickups.
• Maintain store cleanliness and organize merchandise according to guidelines.
• Provide daily animal care for feeder insects and small animals, and monitor health.
• Observe animals for illness and report concerns to management.
• Assist with inventory receipts, stock shelves, and use inventory software.

Job description

Sales Associates deliver friendly, knowledgeable, and proactive customer service. Associates engage customers, ask questions, and make appropriate product recommendations. Associates create a positive, welcoming store environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Customer Service

• Sales Floor Engagement: Proactively engage customers on the sales floor, helping, answering questions, and providing product recommendations tailored to their needs.
• Point of Sale (POS) Proficiency: Efficiently and accurately process customer transactions using the POS system, including handling returns, exchanges, and various payment methods.
• Customer Relationship Building: Cultivate positive customer experience by providing friendly, attentive service, resolving issues promptly and professionally, and building rapport to encourage repeat business.
• Order Fulfillment: Accurately and efficiently fulfill online and phone orders, including picking, packing, and preparing items for shipment or customer pickup.

In-Store Animal Care

• Daily Animal Care: Provide daily care for feeder insects (crickets, worms) and small animals (mice, rats, guinea pigs), including feeding, watering, and cleaning cages/habitats.
• Reptile Care: Provide appropriate care for reptiles, including maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels, providing fresh water and food, and cleaning enclosures.
• Animal Health Monitoring: Observe animals for signs of illness or distress, reporting any concerns to management and following established protocols.
• Humane Handling: Handle animals gently and with respect, ensuring their well‑being and minimizing stress.
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Maintain a clean and sanitary environment to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the health of the animals.

Inventory Control

• Receiving and Processing Shipments: Verify incoming deliveries against packing slips, accurately scan and record inventory receipts, and promptly stock shelves.
• Inventory Management System: Utilize inventory management software to track stock levels, identify low‑stock items, and generate reports.
• Physical Inventory Counts: Participate in regular physical inventory counts to ensure accurate record‑keeping and identify potential discrepancies.
• Loss Prevention: Adhere to loss prevention procedures to minimize shrinkage, including monitoring inventory levels, securing high‑value items, and reporting suspicious activity.

Product Knowledge

• Comprehensive Training: Successfully complete the 8‑week training course, demonstrating proficiency in product features, benefits, and applications.
• Ongoing Education: Actively participate in brand ambassador training seminars and stay up to date on new products and industry trends.
• Independent Research: Conduct individual product research to deepen knowledge and expertise, utilize resources like product manuals, online databases, and industry publications.
• Effective Communication: Clearly and effectively communicate product knowledge to customers, addressing their questions and concerns in a confident and informative manner.

Store Presentation

• Maintain Store Cleanliness: Ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of the sales floor, break room, restrooms, and office areas, adhering to company standards.
• Merchandise Presentation: Properly front, face, and organize products according to company guidelines, creating visually appealing displays that maximize sales.
• Visual Merchandising: Implement visual merchandising techniques to enhance the store's aesthetic appeal and create an inviting atmosphere for customers.
• Signage and Displays: Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date signage and promotional displays.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Customer Service & Communication Skills
• Cash Handling & Register Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Reliability and Punctuality
• Willingness to Learn
• All duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout shift
• Frequently lift, carry, push and or move up to 50 pounds
• Use of hand and fingers continuously to handle, feel, and operate tools, equipment, and inventory throughout the shift
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions and safety signals
• May be required to operate warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks or other material handling tools
• Warehouse environment with exposure to varying temperatures, dust, and noise levels
• Fast paced setting with frequent movement and material handling
• May require early mornings and or weekends based on business needs

Work Environment (Key Attributes):

• Demonstrates respectful and professional communication with team members, leadership, vendors, and customers
• Models a positive attitude and contributes to a collaborative team environment
• Actively listens, takes direction, and follows through on responsibilities
• Demonstrates accountability by meeting attendance, punctuality, and performance expectations
• Maintains a strong focus on safety, following all company policies and procedures
• Works with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Adapts to changing priorities and business needs in a fast‑paced environment
• Takes initiative, asks questions, and seeks continuous improvement
• Execute tasks with minimal errors in a timely and efficient manner.
• Attendance is consistent and meets or exceeds company standards.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, military status, an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other protected category. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background verification checks.

Pet Station is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are happy to assist!