Temporary EcoStore Program Manager

The Ecology Center Inc.; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

The Ecology Center Inc. seeks a Temporary EcoStore Program Manager to oversee daily EcoStore operations, from opening/closing to merchandising and promotions. This onsite role reports to the Deputy Director and supervises the EcoStore Program Associate.

Responsibilities include inventory management, customer service, staff scheduling, and ensuring a welcoming environment. The position runs through late 2026 with a variable 32–40 hour weekly schedule and holiday pay as applicable.

Qualifications

• Experience with and enjoy working with the public.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Proficient with cash registers, spreadsheets, and reporting.
• Retail merchandising and promotional strategy experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee store operations and conduct sales during business hours and events.
• Develop merchandising and marketing strategies to attract diverse customers.
• Manage inventory, ordering, receiving, and returns.
• Maintain inventory POS system and annual counts.
• Hire, train, and supervise store staff; schedule shifts within budget.
• Ensure customer service excellence and safe cash handling.

Skills

Customer service

Public interaction

Inventory management

merchandising

Education

Bachelor's degree

Retail management experience

Tools

POS system

Spreadsheet software

Google Docs / Sheets

Job description

Job Title: Temporary EcoStore Program Manager

Reporting To: Deputy Director

FLSA Status: Hourly, Temporary position

End Date: Friday December 25th, 2026

Summary

The Temporary EcoStore Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of all EcoStore operations at the Ecology Center. The Program Manager is responsible for independently opening and closing the EcoStore and overseeing all daily store operations. The role requires working alone on most operating days. The Program Manager must be comfortable working independently. Duties include managing inventory, overseeing store presentation and merchandising, maintaining an inviting and accessible retail environment, and developing marketing and promotional strategies to increase customer engagement and sales. The Program Manager is expected to ensure efficient store operations, deliver a positive customer experience, and maintain the store's visual appeal through thoughtful displays, décor, signage, and product placement.

The Temporary EcoStore Program Manager reports directly to the Deputy Director and supervises the EcoStore Program Associate, providing direction, coordinating responsibilities, and ensuring consistent operational standards. This will be an onsite role with 32 hours or weekly work schedule.

Temporary Schedule and Duration

• Through November 28, 2026: The position will work up to 32 hours per week, Wednesday through Saturday, or a portion thereof, through Saturday, November 28, 2026.
• December 1–25, 2026: Beginning Tuesday, December 1, 2026, the position will work up to 40 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, or a portion thereof, through Friday, December 25, 2026.
• Holiday pay included

This is a temporary position established to support EcoStore operations during the specified period. Responsibilities and priorities will be scoped to the duration of the assignment, with an emphasis on maintaining day-to-day operations, meeting immediate business needs, and ensuring continuity of store operations. Weekly hours and scheduling will be determined based on operational needs and the timeframe of the assignment.

Essential Duties

• Oversee all store operations and conduct sales during regular business hours and at special events.
• Work in collaboration with an advisory team to develop strategies for attracting a larger and more diverse customer base, improving sales and providing access to unique green products not readily found elsewhere.
• Oversee the creation and development of attractive, effective merchandising and marketing strategies.
• Review and revise the store product selection, evaluating potential products in accordance with our values, vision, and criteria.
• Oversee the ordering and receiving of store merchandise, as well as product returns.
• Update and maintain inventory POS system and perform annual inventory at year's end.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate performance of store employees.
• Prepare and oversee the schedule of store employee shifts to ensure adequate coverage within the allocated funding in the Store budget.
• Ensure that store staff observe good customer service practices at all times.
• Ensure that store staff observe safe operating practices and comply with organizational safety policies.
• Maintain the store till and purchase change as necessary, and ensure staff comply with established safe cash-handling procedures.
• Prepare store deposits within 24 hours of receipt of funds, and reconcile all store accounts and inventory.
• Prepare and oversee annual Store budget providing oversight to ensure budget compliance; prepare progress reports for the board as needed.
• Process store invoices and forward to accounts payable in a timely manner.
• Maintain familiarity with, follow, and ensure staff compliance with all Ecology Center policies and procedures in the performance of daily duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience with and enjoy working with the public
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in use of a computerized cash register, computer, and ability to prepare reports using spreadsheets
• Marketing and merchandising skills
• Creativity, flexibility and ability to be simultaneously involved in numerous projects
• Ability to effectively supervise a team as well as to work cooperatively with other Ecology Center staff
• Knowledge of sustainable living practices such as edible gardening, preserving, composting, greywater, toxics, and zero waste.
• Must be detail oriented, accurate, efficient and well organized
• Ability to be punctual and on-time for work shifts, dependable and responsive to deadlines.
• Must have demonstrated proficiency in Google Docs, Word, Excel, and willingness to acquire more technology knowledge and skills.
• Ability to contribute to a harmonious, diverse, fruitful, and supportive organizational culture.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree, or
• High School diploma/GED and three years of increasingly responsible experience in a retail environment
• At least 2 years retail management experience, including purchasing merchandise for retail sales.

Physical Demands

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to:

• Regularly talk or hear up to 8 hours a day;
• Regularly sit, type, and use the mouse and computer up to 8 hours a day;
• Regularly sit and stand from chair up to 20 times a day;
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly stand, walk, bend over, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms;
• Regularly lift and/or move up to thirty (30) pounds.
• Regularly climb and descend stairs up to 4 times a day;
• Occasionally get in and out of car up to 4 times a day;
• Occasionally drive in dry and wet weather, usually during daylight hours, but occasionally in the evening hours;
• Ability to occasionally work outdoors in any weather

People of color, LGBTQIA-identified people, women, veterans, victims of domestic violence and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.

Ecology Center requires a successful background check contingent to hire.