Temporary Holiday Retail Associate, Cornell Retail Services

Cornell University; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornell Retail Services is seeking a Temporary Holiday Retail Associate to join our campus store team in Ithaca, NY. This seasonal role supports busy retail periods with a focus on customer service, product knowledge, and a smooth checkout experience.

The position is onsite, part-time, with up to 30 hours per week and a $17.00/hour rate. Training provided; no visa sponsorship. Join a dynamic team during the university’s peak holiday season.

Qualifications

• Pleasant and approachable personality with strong customer service skills.
• Comfortable using computers and retail systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to occasionally climb ladders.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds when needed.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred, but not required as training is provided.

Responsibilities

• Sales and Service – Welcome customers and guests with a friendly attitude, actively assist them, provide product information and guidance, and ensure every customer enjoys a high-quality experience.
• Point of Sale Support – Operate cash registers, assist customers with checkout, and follow proper cash handling procedures.
• Inventory and Order Fulfillment – Receive and process incoming merchandise, assist with special orders and store-to-store shipping requests, and occasionally handle seasonal or perishable goods.
• Customer Care – Support both digital and in-store shopping experiences by assisting with customer inquiries and providing timely, helpful responses.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Computers

Retail systems

Teamwork

Punctuality

Tools

Cash register systems

Job description

Temporary Holiday Retail Associate, Cornell Retail Services

Discover a Great Opportunity with Cornell Retail Services!

Join Cornell Retail Services for a seasonal opportunity to be part of an engaging, customer-focused environment at the heart of campus life. The Cornell Store is seeking enthusiastic, dependable team members to help support our busy retail season.

This is a seasonal position designed to provide additional support during high-volume retail periods.

The Cornell Store is a central hub of campus life and a recognized leader in collegiate retail innovation. Serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, teamwork, and a supportive workplace culture.

We're looking for enthusiastic, reliable individuals who enjoy working as part of a team and are ready to contribute to a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment. If you're motivated, dependable, and enjoy helping others, you'll thrive here!

Hourly Rate: $17.00/hour

Schedule: Up to 30 hours per week. Schedules will vary based on business needs, availability, and work performance. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required.

Employment Term: This is a temporary, 3-month position. The role is intended to provide additional staffing support during our busy retail holiday season and will conclude at the end of the designated term. Positions are part-time/casual and non-benefits eligible.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

General Responsibilities

• Sales and Service – Welcome customers and guests with a friendly attitude, actively assist them, provide product information and guidance, and ensure every customer enjoys a high-quality experience.
• Point of Sale Support – Operate cash registers, assist customers with checkout, and follow proper cash handling procedures.
• Inventory and Order Fulfillment – Receive and process incoming merchandise, assist with special orders and store-to-store shipping requests, and occasionally handle seasonal or perishable goods.
• Customer Care – Support both digital and in-store shopping experiences by assisting with customer inquiries and providing timely, helpful responses.

We Value Your Ability To:

• Create a positive customer experience by building relationships, sharing product knowledge, and providing thoughtful solutions.
• Greet and welcome customers warmly into the department.
• Work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team.
• Be reliable, punctual, and flexible with your schedule based on business needs.
• Communicate professionally with customers and team members.

Qualifications

• Pleasant and approachable personality with strong customer service skills.
• Comfortable using computers and retail systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to occasionally climb ladders.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds when needed.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred, but not required as training is provided.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience

Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator .

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement . To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates .

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator .

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability: Onsite

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.