Thrift Store Associate - Pflugerville

Austin Pets Alive!; Pflugerville (TX); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted Perks Programs

Fully subsidized Pet Insurance

Job summary

Austin Pets Alive! is looking for a Thrift Store Associate to enhance the shopping experience and support volunteers effectively. This part-time role requires engaging with volunteers and maintaining store operations while promoting APA!'s mission.

You will work collaboratively in a dynamic environment to contribute to the success of the Thrift Store, with responsibilities including volunteer onboarding and customer service.

Qualifications

• Self-starter with good time management.
• Commitment to APA!’s Core Values.
• Passion for working with staff, volunteers, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a volunteer-powered culture.
• Support volunteer retention through encouragement.
• Ensure daily operations run smoothly.

Skills

Retail and/or customer service experience

Effective written and verbal communication

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Attention to detail and high standards for quality

Strong interpersonal skills

Job description

Overview

Thrift Store Associate

Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is one of Austin’s most dynamic nonprofits. The organization leads the No Kill movement nationally and is a national thought leader in animal welfare. APA! locally rescues, treats, and adopts out 10,000 homeless dogs and cats each year, providing the safety net for Austin’s most at-risk shelter pets and helping Austin be a No Kill city. APA! operates with a large volunteer workforce and a grassroots, community-based animal rescue model. APA! is also involved in the American Pets Alive! division, including Human Animal Support Services (HASS), which focuses on supporting people and pets in the community to reduce shelter intake and improve outcomes.

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY/OVERVIEW

APA! Thrift began in May 2017 with its first thrift store location and now operates five stores in the Austin area. Stores are boutique-style, selling high-quality new and gently used items at low prices. Net proceeds support APA!’s lifesaving programs. The Thrift Store Associate delivers strong sales and service results, ensures proper staffing and task alignment, and maintains clean, organized, and well-stocked shelves. This is a part-time, non-exempt (hourly) position reporting to the Thrift Store Manager. Shifts may vary and include evenings and weekends.

The role advances APA!’s Thrift Store Department goals and supports APA!’s mission to increase the live release rate across Texas by operating sustainable thrift store processes. The position requires organization, data-informed decision making, follow-through, reliability, and teamwork. It is a hands-on, mission-driven role focused on results and volunteer collaboration.

APA! is volunteer-powered; staff work alongside volunteers to complete tasks, foster an inclusive environment, and contribute to a culture of shared effort and mutual respect. The role may involve shift flexibility and responsiveness during high-need periods. A core responsibility is creating a welcoming experience for volunteers, including onboarding, training, and ongoing engagement.

Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a volunteer-powered culture by partnering with volunteers during each shift and creating an inclusive environment
• Work with volunteers to complete daily tasks in a collaborative, non-siloed manner
• Assist in volunteer recruitment and onboarding; welcome new volunteers and orient them to the program
• Support volunteer retention through encouragement, guidance, and feedback
• Recommend strong volunteers for deeper involvement or specialized roles
• Recognize volunteer contributions through appreciation and public acknowledgment
• Explain tasks clearly, provide hands-on guidance, and offer in-the-moment support
• Support the front of house (FOH) team and assist customers to enhance shopping experiences
• Ensure daily operations run smoothly; assign volunteers to urgent tasks and follow standard operating procedures
• Maintain a professional attitude reflecting APA!’s commitment to customers
• Greet donors and assist with incoming donations
• Resolve customer complaints fairly and refer unsettled disputes to the Store Manager
• Answer phones in a friendly, helpful manner
• Perform sales support functions related to point-of-sale procedures
• Adhere to the work schedule set by the Store Manager; maintain dependable attendance
• Assist in daily administrative/clerical tasks and cash transactions
• Maintain the general appearance of stores per APA! Thrift standards
• Assist the Store Manager with overall store operations and open/close procedures
• May act as manager on duty in the absence of the Store Manager for pricing or urgent issues
• Engage and drive new and existing volunteers to the store
• Use APA! Volunteer software (Better Impact, Airtable) to engage volunteers
• Touch base with volunteers regularly and create a recognition program
• Support volunteer recruitment events and ensure current store signage for sign-up
• Collaborate with the Store Manager on volunteer engagement incentives
• Other duties as assigned by the manager

Other Functions

• Demonstrate dependability, accountability, time management, reasoning, and judgment
• Attend required trainings and meetings; maintain open communication with supervisors
• Partner with Volunteer Managers to support volunteers in your department
• Adapt to change and perform related duties as needed
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Comfortable working autonomously with goals and deadlines

Qualifications, Skills, & Expectations

• Retail and/or customer service experience preferred
• Effective written and verbal communication; ability to interpret safety rules and manuals
• Self-starter with good time management; able to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, Inclusion
• Customer experience excellence and passion for working with staff, volunteers, and customers
• Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to interpret rules and procedures; strong interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and high standards for quality; adaptable to change
• Dedicated to delivering an inclusive customer experience

Physical Job Requirements

• Ability to lift and stack boxes and donations up to 50 lbs or more
• Access to merchandise and tools in areas that may require standing or stairs
• Ability to spend an 8- to 10-hour shift on the sales floor
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed

Work Environment

• Work is normally indoors at the thrift store; some outdoor work may be required
• Uses own transportation to travel between locations
• Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required

Time Commitment

• Part-time, nonexempt position ~20 hours per week, based on business need
• Shift flexibility required; weekly schedule may change
• Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Work Relationships

This position reports to the Thrift Store Manager or designee.

Locations

• Oltorf Thrift, 1409 West Oltorf Street, Austin, TX 78704
• Burnet Thrift, 5801 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756
• 51st Thrift, 5102 Clarkson Ave, Austin, TX 78751
• Round Rock Thrift, 913 N IH-35, Round Rock, TX 78664
• Pflugerville Thrift, 15803 Windermere Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660
• May travel to other locations as needed

Benefits

All employees are eligible for access to an Employee Assistance Program, Discounted Perks Programs, fully subsidized Pet Insurance, and time-off incentives.

EEO and Accommodations

Austin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and values diversity. APA! prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. APA! provides reasonable accommodations in the employment process. To request an accommodation, contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail] at least one week in advance of your interview.