Retail Associate

The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Clive, IA is a part of The Salvation Army, an international evangelical Christian movement committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs without discrimination. Founded on biblical principles and motivated by love and service, The Salvation Army operates numerous thrift stores across the country to support its various charitable programs and community outreach initiatives. These thrift stores not only generate much-needed revenue for supporting social services such as disaster relief, rehabilitation programs, and homeless shelters, but they also provide affordable goods to the community, promoting environmental sustainability through resale and donation programs.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Clive offers a unique opportunity to join a well-respected organization that combines retail operations with mission-driven work. This is a part-time Retail Associate position offering $18 per hour and approximately 25 hours of work per week. The schedule includes evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts as needed, providing flexibility for candidates seeking work-life balance. The role is crucial to maintaining daily store operations and ensuring a positive experience for both customers and donors.

As a Retail Associate, the successful candidate will be at the forefront of delivering excellent customer service, facilitating smooth donation processing, and helping to keep the store organized and attractive for shoppers. This role involves operating the point of sale system, handling cash transactions accurately, assisting donors in a courteous manner, sorting and pricing donated merchandise, and maintaining clean and organized sales and backroom areas. The position requires a hands-on approach, including the physical movement of goods throughout the store and occasional participation in receiving and loading donations, sometimes from Salvation Army trucks.

The individual in this role will embody professionalism and friendliness, contributing to an inviting retail environment that supports The Salvation Army’s mission. They will follow all established policies related to merchandise handling, safety, donor service, and workplace conduct. Additionally, flexibility to work varied shifts and temporary assignments at other Salvation Army locations when necessary is essential.

This role offers not only a competitive wage but also a range of benefits despite the part-time status. Benefits include prorated paid vacation, sick time, and holidays; access to voluntary life insurance; participation in a 403(b) retirement savings plan; eligibility for an employer-funded pension plan for qualified employees; and availability of other voluntary benefit options. By joining The Salvation Army Thrift Store team, employees contribute directly to a meaningful cause while gaining valuable retail experience in a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Ideal candidates will have basic computer skills, the ability to handle cash confidently, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Physical stamina to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds regularly and occasional heavier loads, along with a valid driver’s license for assigned travel, rounds out the essential criteria. The Salvation Army encourages applications from diverse candidates, including returning workers, veterans, persons with disabilities, those impacted by the justice system, and individuals without college degrees, underscoring its commitment to equal opportunity and community support.