What are the responsibilities and job description for the Thrift Store Clerk position at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center?
Job Description Summary
The Thrift Store Clerk is responsible for assisting with daily operations of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center Thrift Store, including receiving and processing donations, maintaining backroom organization, and providing courteous and efficient service to customers and donors. This position supports the store’s success by upholding merchandising standards, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring a positive shopping experience. Retail or stocking experience is preferred but not required; hardware experience is a bonus. A valid CDL with a clean driving record is required. Candidates must be fast learners with a cheerful, positive attitude and must be able to speak and write English proficiently.
Main Responsibilities/Functions
- Provide courteous and professional service to customers, donors, and volunteers, both in person and by phone.
- Process customer sale transactions and maintain awareness of promotions and advertisements.
- Execute daily operational goals and priorities as directed by store management.
- Uphold merchandising and store cleanliness standards, ensuring the sales floor is presentable and signage for daily deals is accurate.
- Monitor for and respond to safety concerns and potential shoplifting activity.
- Assist customers in locating merchandise and answer questions.
Receiving Responsibilities
- Safely unload and load trucks with donations and transfers.
- Receive, sort, and issue receipts for donations.
- Price items using the color-coding system and pricing guide.
- Maintain strict organizational standards in the backroom and ensure accurate recordkeeping of related paperwork.
- Maintain tools and supplies necessary for backroom operations.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Retail or stocking experience preferred; hardware experience a plus.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and able to work independently.
- Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Valid California driver’s license with CDL and required insurance.
- Cooperative and professional attitude with staff, volunteers, and customers.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
Competencies
- Attendance & Reliability: Maintains consistent and punctual attendance. Follows instructions accurately and responds positively to management guidance. Delivers high-quality work in a timely manner, honors commitments, manages time effectively, and takes ownership of responsibilities.
- Customer Service: Demonstrates respectful, courteous, and empathetic interactions with both internal and external customers. Anticipates needs, listens attentively, and responds promptly to concerns. Navigates emotionally sensitive situations with professionalism and care. Actively seeks opportunities to enhance service delivery and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and open communication.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Collaborates respectfully and productively with individuals of all backgrounds, embracing and valuing diversity in race, gender, age, culture, and experience. Recognizes and appreciates the contributions of team members from all walks of life.
- Ethics & Integrity: Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates honesty in all professional interactions. Acts in accordance with organizational values, avoiding conflicts of interest and inappropriate conduct. Represents the organization with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Engages constructively with colleagues, actively listens, and responds with thoughtful feedback. Offers support and shares expertise willingly. Acknowledges and values the contributions of others, prioritizes team goals over individual interests, and fosters a positive and cooperative work environment.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- This position requires the ability to perform essential physical tasks, including but not limited to standing, walking, sitting, speaking, and hearing. Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stoop, reach overhead, and perform repetitive hand and finger motions, such as tagging, sorting, or operating a cash register.
- Must have the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, including moving donations, stocking shelves, and handling merchandise or equipment.
- The role involves frequent movement of the neck and torso, including bending, twisting, and reaching while sorting, organizing, and retrieving items. Employees are required to stand for extended periods of time while working on the sales floor or in processing areas.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Work is performed in a retail environment that includes both sales floor and backroom/warehouse areas. The individual must be comfortable working in conditions that may include loud noise, temperature fluctuations, and handling donations of varied weight, size, and condition, including items that may arrive soiled, dusty, or in need of cleaning.
Culture of Philanthropy & Event Participation
At the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, we embrace a culture of philanthropy—where every team member, regardless of role, plays a part in advancing our mission. All employees are expected to support this spirit by positively representing our work, participating in fundraising efforts, and helping foster meaningful relationships with our supporters.
Participation in our two major fundraising events—Walk with the Animals and Barktoberfest—is a companywide expectation. These events are crucial to funding our lifesaving work, and we count on every staff member’s support. All employees, regardless of position, are expected to contribute their time and talents unless alternate arrangements are made in advance with their supervisor.
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a culture of philanthropy, all staff members are expected to actively contribute to the organization’s fundraising efforts. This may include soliciting donations, participating in fundraising events, and helping promote initiatives that support our mission. Staff will have the opportunity to be recognized for their involvement in key fundraising activities. We encourage all employees to engage in these efforts and work together to advance the success of our programs.
Other
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Job Description Disclaimer
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Duties may change at any time with or without notice as business needs evolve.
Animal Welfare Work Environment
This position may involve direct contact with animals of varying temperaments and medical conditions. Employees must be comfortable working in an environment where humane euthanasia may occur and where exposure to pet dander, waste, cleaning agents, and zoonotic diseases is possible. Physical requirements may include lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and handling animals safely and compassionately.
All employees are expected to support the mission, vision, and values of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, including a commitment to animal welfare, lifesaving work, and community engagement. A deep sense of compassion, emotional resilience, and a team-oriented mindset are essential to success in this role.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $19