Temporary Holiday Retail Associate, Cornell Retail Services

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Seasonal position

Job summary

Cornell Retail Services at the Cornell Store is seeking enthusiastic, dependable team members for a seasonal opportunity during the busy campus retail period.

This 3-month, part-time role pays $17.00 per hour and offers up to 30 hours per week, with some evenings, weekends, and holidays required. Training is provided and no relocation assistance is offered.

Responsibilities include sales and service, POS support, inventory and order fulfillment, and customer care in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Pleasant and approachable personality with strong customer service skills.
• Comfortable using computers and retail systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to climb ladders and lift up to 50 pounds when needed.

Responsibilities

• Sales and service – Welcome customers and guests with a friendly attitude and provide product information and guidance.
• POS support – Operate cash registers and assist customers with checkout.
• Inventory and order fulfillment – Receive and process incoming merchandise and assist with store-to-store shipping requests.
• Customer care – Support both digital and in-store shopping experiences with timely responses.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Communication

Retail systems

Job description

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.

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.

Cornell students are not eligible to apply for this position. For Cornell student employment opportunities, please visit: https://studentemployment.cornell.edu/jobs/find-a-student-job

University Job Title

Temporary Retail Assistant

Job Family

Temporary Auxiliary Services

Level

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

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.

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.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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.

2026-11-06