The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center is a 53-year-old nonprofit located in West Berkeley. Our mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate. We are a committed and diverse staff dedicated to making the world a better place through action. Every employee is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. If you are passionate and qualified, we encourage you to apply to be part of our Team.

Program Description

The Ecology Center Store provides products that encourage environmentally and socially responsible lifestyle practices and sustainable gift-giving. We stock books, housewares, great green gifts, organic gardening supplies, toys, games, recycled paper products and glassware, organic fibers, and much more.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Store Program Associate is responsible for assisting with all store operations and provides backup for management of the Store in the absence of the Store Program Manager. Duties include opening and closing Store, inclusive of counting in and counting out the cash drawer and creating deposits, sales and customer service, receiving shipment, stocking, displays, and occasional event staffing. The Store Program Associate reports directly to the Store Program Manager. This is a Union position.

Essential Duties

Greet and assist customers: Provide friendly and professional customer service, greet customers as they enter the Store, and offer assistance with finding products or answering questions.
Process sales transactions: Operate cash registers and POS systems accurately, process payments, issue receipts, and give appropriate change to customers and work responsibly and independently in Store Manager’s absence.
Receive, price, and stock store inventory.
Prepare daily sales reports.
Assist with inventory management: Participate in regular inventory counts, monitor stock levels, ordering, receiving, and communicate inventory needs or discrepancies to Store Program Manager.
Assist in conducting annual inventory for year-end closing.
Ensure that all store monies received are handled safely, following established cash-handling procedures.
Assist in the preparation of store deposits within 24 hours of receipt of funds.
Assist in creation of store displays, merchandising, advertisements, and development of marketing strategies.
In collaboration with the Store Program Manager and Communications Program team, play a support role in content development and communications to highlight and promote Store Program products, services, and projects; including social media, newsletters, and other communications channels.
Assist in providing oversight and guidance to volunteers and/or youth interns working in the Store Program
Staff occasional popup events within and outside of Ecology Center such as farmers’ markets and other community events.
Maintain familiarity with, follow, and ensure staff compliance with all Ecology Center policies and procedures in the performance of daily duties.
Maintain product knowledge: Stay informed about the Store’s merchandise, including sustainability features, benefits, and pricing, to assist customers with their product inquiries and purchase decisions.
Ensure that store staff and customers observe safe operating practices and comply with organizational safety policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Retail experience, including customer service, sales and cash handling.
Demonstrated ability to provide quality customer service, including strong communication and interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to address customer needs and concerns effectively.
Knowledge of environmental issues and interest in sustainability.
Must be detail-oriented, accurate, efficient, and well-organized.
Proven ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments and situations.
Proven ability to assist in the management of Store operations.
Competency with word processing and spreadsheets, and ability and willingness to learn new applications as needed.
Proven ability and enthusiasm for developing and maintaining relationships with participants including vendors, customers, neighbors, and other members of the public.
The ability and willingness to monitor and enforce policies with vendors and the public.
Flexibility and creativity, capacity to adapt quickly and find innovative solutions to unique challenges.
Strong verbal communication and organizational/time-management skills.
Strong team collaboration skills, fostering a cooperative and inclusive work environment.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma/GED
One year of prior work experience including retail and cash handling experience

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to:

Regularly talk or hear up to 8 hours a day;
Regularly sit, type, and use the mouse up to 7 hours a day;
Regularly sit and stand from chair up to 20 times a day;
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Regularly stand, kneel, climb, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms;
Regularly stand and walk for up to 7 hours at a time;
Occasionally get in and out of a car up to 4 times a day.
Occasionally climb stairs and/or take elevator;
Regularly lift, carry, and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds.

Hours

Work hours vary, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., average of 13 hours per week, occasionally more; must be available to work Saturdays and the November/December holiday season.

Wage

Starting hourly pay rate is $20.65 to $22.72, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Please note that only internal candidates are eligible for the highest starting pay rate.

How to Apply

1. Complete application found at www.ecologycenter.org/jobs/.
2. Send completed application, resume, and cover letter in .pdf format to Sandra Kozma-Kennedy at hiring@ecologycenter.org.  Please use “Store Program Associate” in subject line. All application materials must be submitted in order to be considered for an interview. 

Application Deadline

Open until filled. Please note that this position posting may close at any time.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. People of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, women, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.