Thrift Store Associate

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $17.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

generous time off policy
Health, wellness, and financial resources
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Parental leave
Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
Retirement matching programs
Retirement contributions
Transit and commuter benefit

Job Description

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) is a well-established nonprofit organization that has been transforming lives and communities for over 100 years. It operates as a social enterprise that empowers individuals by providing job opportunities, career support, and training services in the New York and Northern New Jersey regions. With its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, GWNYNJ creates a welcoming environment where all employees can thrive and contribute meaningfully. The organization’s mission focuses on promoting workforce development and sustainable practices, such as recycling and reusing through its thrift stores. GWNYNJ recognizes that workplace innovation is driven by diverse perspectives, and it actively works to ensure that every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to deliver their best work.

The Thrift Store Associate role at Goodwill in Clifton Park, NY, offers a full-time hourly position at a new store location, providing a meaningful opportunity to impact both the community and one’s personal growth. This role is critical in the day-to-day operations of the thrift store, which serves as a revenue stream that supports Goodwill’s broader mission of helping people find and sustain employment. As a Thrift Store Associate, you will be responsible for handling donated items, preparing them for sale by sorting, tagging, pricing, and organizing merchandise to meet company standards. The job is fast-paced and production-oriented, requiring physical stamina to stand for extended periods and safely lift up to 50 pounds. This role also emphasizes quality control, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, and delivering excellent customer and donor service. Your work directly contributes to Goodwill’s commitment to sustainability by maximizing the reuse of goods and supporting the local economy.

In this position, you will engage with diverse customers and donors, making a positive impression through friendly, respectful service. The store operates seven days a week with flexible scheduling, so availability on weekdays and some weekends is necessary to meet business demands. Goodwill provides training, protective equipment, and enforces safety protocols to ensure a healthy and secure workplace. The company values teamwork and communication, and you will be part of a collaborative team that supports each other in achieving collective goals. This role not only allows you to develop skills in retail, inventory management, and customer service but also enables you to contribute to a greater good in the community. Goodwill offers a supportive work culture with robust benefits such as generous time off, health insurance, retirement plans, and commuter benefits, ensuring employees’ well-being and financial security. Joining Goodwill as a Thrift Store Associate means joining a mission-driven organization dedicated to doing good every day while building your professional career.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Prior experience in customer service, donation processing, retail, or warehouse environments is a plus
  • Ability to provide friendly, respectful service to a diverse donor and customer population
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and operational guidelines
  • Comfortable performing physical tasks, including lifting, sorting, and standing for extended periods
  • Basic communication and teamwork skills

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Prior experience in customer service, donation processing, retail, or warehouse environments is a plus
  • Ability to provide friendly, respectful service to a diverse donor and customer population
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and operational guidelines
  • Comfortable performing physical tasks, including lifting, sorting, and standing for extended periods
  • Basic communication and teamwork skills

Job Duties

  • Sort, grade, and inspect donations (textiles, housewares, electronics, shoes, and accessories) for quality and condition
  • Tag and price merchandise according to company standards, meeting production goals per hour
  • Prepare items on rolling racks and carts for transport to the sales floor, meeting company standards for full fixtures
  • Organize and separate items for e-commerce and clearance departments, accurately labeling all goods
  • Follow safety procedures and operational guidelines to maintain a clean and secure work environment
  • Provide excellent customer and donor service, including accepting donations, issuing receipts, and ensuring the donation area remains neat and organized when needed
  • Support Goodwill’s mission by maximizing efficiency and productivity in daily tasks
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the store team and broader organizational goals

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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