Store Associate

The Store Associate is responsible for performing the day-to-day operations of the shelter store and fostering good community relations. Additionally, the Store Associate may be responsible for leading or assisting in fundraising efforts.

The Store Associate reports to the Events & Finance Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the shelter store, interacting with the public, maintaining the facility and equipment, and ensuring that every customer is treated as a “Million Dollar Donor”. The Store Associate must keep the organization’s records by completing necessary paperwork associated with store sales and daily deposits.

The Store Associate must perform customer service duties, such as scheduling appointments and facility tours, instructing customers about proper animal care, dealing with complaints, assisting with adoptions, and ordering and maintaining store inventory, keeping store facility clean at all times, and cleaning assigned animal housing room. Additional duties may include coordinating or assisting with fundraising efforts.

• Manages shelter store and maintains inventory record of all store merchandise.
• Responsible for the store’s presentation to the public. Must keep shelves clean and stocked, sweep and mop floors daily, and maintain an organized appearance.
• Read and complete necessary log in and log out information in the log book on a daily basis.
• Perform all duties associated with opening and closing the store register, including but not limited to the Daily Deposit, Credit Card transactions and walk-in donations.
• Open all LHS mail and make copies of any donations, stamp checks and prepare both office and store deposit to be submitted to Fund Development Manager.
• Must keep accurate inventory of all store merchandise.
• Prepare merchandise orders as needed and submit to Fund Development Manager for approval prior to order placement.
• Responsible for handling of donated goods, engaging Volunteers and Community Service workers, completing animal adoptions, and navigation and use of the PetPoint Data Management System.
• Help oversee Volunteers, Work First employees, Community Service workers, and other potential shelter help.
• Maintain inventories of store supplies.
• Maintain phone, e-mail, and social media correspondence with the public for various questions regarding shelter store inventory and store operations.
• Assist prospective adopters and volunteers with general animal or shelter questions.
• Attend and assist with fundraising events and activities as needed on- and off-site.
• Exhibit positive working attitude by demonstrating respect for fellow workers, donors and customers.
• All other duties as assigned.

• 1-4 years of prior retail related experience.
• Possess a valid Driver’s License
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand, squat, bend and climb on a daily basis.
• Must be flexible and able to change assignment when circumstances require.
• Must possess tact and patience necessary to work with the public.
• Ability to attend trainings and educational seminars (whether local or out of town).
• Ability to express and implement rules in regards to volunteers and community service workers.

Retail Experience. Will accept candidate with equivalent training and years experience and excellent customer service skills
.

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Effective verbal and listening communication skills
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Very effective organizational skills
• Stress Management Skills

• Possess strong work ethic
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Be respectful
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Be flexible
• Willingness to obtain addition education/training as necessary
• Believe in our mission and have passion for animal welfare
• Possess empathy toward all types of animals and people
• Possess strong time management skills

Position is physically demanding umbent must be able to lift, move, or carry animals or objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, or up to 120 pounds with assistance from other staff members.

Dogs are walked several times throughout the day regardless of the weather conditions. Position will be exposed to all types of Michigan weather. Safe and comfortable, yet professional, shoes and clothing should be worn at all times.

Ability to withstand excessive barking  come in contact with strong odors, including chemicals used for disinfecting.

Position may create emotional fatigue due to the number of abused and neglected animals entering and leaving the shelter.