Retail Associate

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000 acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information: 

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $18.00

Hours per week: 15-25 hours per week, weekends required

Job Classification: Part-time, year-round

Job Type: Onsite 

Location: Powisset Farm, Dover, MA

The Role:

The Retail Associate position at the Powisset Farm Store in Dover, MA reports to the Retail Store Manager and the Regional Vice President. In this role, you will perform daily operations including creating a welcoming and inviting environment while promoting Trustees vegetables, meat and value-added products, as well as a carefully curated collection of other regional, sustainable, and/or LGBTQ /BIPOC/Women-owned companies and their products.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for: food/cooking; sustainable agriculture/local farming; and community relations/supporting small, local businesses. You model excellence in customer service and have experience contributing to engaging marketing and social media campaigns, with a general knowledge of online marketplaces and the ability to learn new computer systems. This position is highly independent and requires someone who is a self-starter. Candidate must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of one year’s work experience. Candidate must be able to lift 40lbs consistently & stand for extended periods of time (at least 6 hours).

 The Retail Associate must be available some weekdays, as well as availability on Saturdays & Sundays.  The opportunity is year-round, although the store has reduced hours from January through March. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Upholding high standards of customer service. Greet every customer, educate them about Powisset Farm and The Trustees, and help them in a friendly manner. Must demonstrate familiarity with store products, upcoming property events or programs, and Trustees membership levels. Must be able to resolve customer complaints, elevating to management as needed. Problem solver with the visitor experience at the center of any solution.
• Personalizing relationships with customers. Recommending products to customers and elevate product complaints and/or special requests to Manager.
• Maintaining high standards of sanitation and safety. Adhere to all Board of Health requirements for food safety, proper storage, and store cleanliness.
• Assisting with inventory controls, including: managing expiration dates; restocking shelves (including bagging and labeling fresh produce); merchandising, fronting, and rotating inventory to ensure beautiful and well-tended display; pricing new items; and updating in-store signage.
•  Managing the POS system, including online and in person sales. Responsible for cash handling; reconciling the cash drawer at open/close of day; conducting credit card transactions; and handling returns and refunds.
•  Assisting with images, videos, and content for social media.
•  Assisting with holiday online orders for in-store pickup. Pack orders and/or double-check that packed items match the order before delivery to customer. Elevate customer questions, refunds/substitutions, or complaints to management.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

This is a part-time, limited term, nonexempt position working 15-25 hours per week reporting directly to the Farm Store Retail Manager. 

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• Experience in retail or another customer facing position preferred 
• Must be available some weekdays and Saturdays & Sundays, during store operating hours.
• Must have access to a working car or other reliable transportation to and from work.
• Produce results while alone in a fast-paced environment by adapting and implementing new strategies.
• Able to function and act both independently and as a team member. Communicate, make decisions & multi-task under pressure.
• Attention to detail, both visually in-store and in completing daily tasks.
• Possess an engaging, outgoing, and respectful personality and a good sense of humor.
• Math skills for handling and counting cash.
• Experience with computers, smartphones/apps, and POS system knowledge.
• Able to lift 40lbs consistently & stand for long periods of time (at least 6 hours).
• Prior customer service and/or food service experience.
• Knowledge of agriculture, meat and dairy products preferred.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org 

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront. 
• Voluntary employee retirement plan contributions.

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.   

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity. 

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org. 

Salary : $17 - $18