Customer Service Associate (Part-Time)

Job Description

Join the Southern States Team

For more than 100 years, Southern States has supported farmers, homeowners, gardeners, and pet owners with trusted products, expert advice, and exceptional service. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, integrity, respect, and a commitment to helping our customers and communities thrive. If you enjoy serving others, building relationships, and being part of a team that values hard work and personal growth, Southern States is the place for you.

General Summary

The Customer Service Associate delivers an outstanding customer experience while supporting daily store operations. This part-time role assists customers, operates point-of-sale systems, maintains merchandise presentation, and helps create a clean, safe, and welcoming store environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist customers with friendly, professional service.

• Answer customer questions, help locate products, and make helpful recommendations.

• Process sales, returns, exchanges, discounts, coupons, and payment transactions accurately.

• Maintain cash drawer accuracy and follow cash-handling procedures.

• Answer incoming customer calls and provide information on products, promotions, events, and order status.

• Restock merchandise and maintain organized, well-presented sales areas.

• Monitor store entrances and exits and report safety or security concerns to store leadership.

• Perform routine cleaning and housekeeping duties, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, and trash removal.

• Follow all safety policies and procedures to protect customers, team members, inventory, and equipment.

• Support other store operations and team needs as assigned.

Requirements

Preferred Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.

• Coursework in agriculture, plant science, animal science, or a related field is a plus.

• Six months of retail, customer service, or cashier experience preferred.

• Experience in agriculture, farming, pet care, lawn and garden, or a related industry is helpful.

What You'll Bring

• Strong customer service and communication skills.

• Positive, professional attitude and a team-first mindset.

• Ability to learn point-of-sale systems, cash-handling procedures, and store operations.

• Ability to learn product knowledge and confidently assist customers.

• Strong attention to detail when handling transactions and maintaining inventory awareness.

• Ability to operate a cash register, payment terminal, and handheld scanning devices.

• Reliable attendance, dependable transportation, and flexibility to work varying schedules, including occasional extended hours during peak business periods.

Work Environment

• Primarily works in a climate-controlled retail setting.

• Occasional outdoor work while assisting customers.

• May be exposed to changing temperatures, wet floors, dust, odors, fertilizers, crop protectants, animal care products, moving equipment, vehicles, and moderate noise levels.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stand, walk, bend, reach, handle merchandise, and perform repetitive hand movements.

• Frequently twist and turn the head, neck, and back.

• Occasionally push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and team members in a professional manner.

Tools & Equipment

Cash register, handheld scanner, payment terminal, telephone, mop, broom, step ladder, and other standard retail equipment.

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws or regulations.