Sales Associate

Job Summary

This position reports to the Store Manager within the scope of the mission, guiding principles, values, ethics and strategic goals of Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa, Inc. The role assists with customer and register transactions, donation receiving, loading and unloading trailers, sorting and grading material, baling (in some locations), merchandising, stocking and rotating product, and light‑duty maintenance and housekeeping. The incumbent provides excellent service to both internal and external customers, supporting communication, assistance, and quality of work.

• Greets customers immediately upon entering the store and ensures a good customer service experience.
• Sorts and grades all donations and truck shipments in a timely manner so that the store remains well‑stocked with high quality merchandise.
• Operates the cash register, ensuring customers do not wait more than 15 seconds and assistance is called when more than 3 customers are in line.
• Identifies appropriate merchandise for online sales and handles it according to process and procedure.
• Marks and stocks new goods merchandise according to process and procedure.
• Greets donors pleasantly at their car, immediately unloads items, and ensures a donating experience that meets agency expectations.
• Distributes donations to the proper work or holding area and records donation count accurately.
• Offers a tax receipt form to each donor.
• Sorts material between donor engagements to redirect 95% of unsaleable items to garbage or salvage.
• Prevents theft by remaining alert at all times and immediately notifying management of suspicious activities.
• Assists with shoveling snow, replacing light bulbs, washing windows, and other upkeep.
• Assists new team members by advising and demonstrating all job duties.
• Maintains the store and donation area in a top‑flight condition, focusing on housekeeping and safety; communicates needs for repair, fixtures, maintenance, etc.
• Works collaboratively within the department to maximize service opportunities and maintain a continuous improvement agenda.
• Helps prepare outgoing truck loads, including baling, sorting, operating forklift, organizing, etc.
• Assists truck driver in loading/unloading.
• Minimizes waste expense and maximizes salvage revenue by recycling products as many times as possible in the most resourceful way.
• Ensures that equipment is in safe operating condition and that all safeguards are in place.
• Completes all duties of the job and all work requirements.
• Models Goodwill’s core values, IMPACT (Inspire Others, Mission First, People Matter, Align with Community, Create Opportunity, Tell our Stories).

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; minimum of 2 years of any combination of military service, high school, or related full‑time employment may substitute.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude and ability to infect others with similar enthusiasm.
• May lift, push, or pull fifty pounds with assistance.
• Loyalty to the agency and its mission and policies.
• Reliable transportation; ability to work a flexible schedule at multiple locations including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Willingness to obtain a forklift license if able.
• Ability to use good judgment, discretion, and initiative.