Yellow Dog Fly Shop Retail Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Retail Sales Associate 

Department: Retail 

Reports to:  Retail Store Manager 

Employment Status: Full-Time (30+ hours per week)

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt  

Location: Bozeman, MT

Job Summary

The YDFF  Fly Fishing Retail Sales Associate will be the face of our shop, assisting anglers of all skill levels from beginners buying their first setup to seasoned experts preparing for destination trips. You will leverage your technical knowledge of fly rods, fly reels, fly lines, and entomology to provide world-class customer service, manage point-of-sale transactions, and maintain an organized, premium retail environment. 

Key Responsibilities

Customer Engagement & Sales

• Provide Expert Advice : Guide customers through selecting rods, reels, backing, and appropriate fly lines based on their specific fishing style. 
• Offer Local Intelligence : Deliver up-to-date information on regional river conditions, access sites, active insect hatches, and effective fly patterns.
• Conduct Product Demonstrations : Explain technical features of high-end equipment, outline proper rigging techniques, and demonstrate casting or knot-tying. 
• Execute Destinations Consultations : Provide specialized gear advice for both local walk-and-wade trout trips and technical saltwater operations (e.g., bonefish, permit, and tarpon setups).

Shop Operations & Inventory Management

• Operate POS Systems : Process daily retail transactions, exchanges, and gift cards quickly and accurately using the store's  Shopify POS system . 
• Merchandise the Floor : Restock flies, terminal tackle, apparel, and technical gear to meet visual merchandising standards. 
• Support Booking Logistics : Answer incoming phone calls and emails to assist clients with guided trip reservations and rental gear arrangements. 
• Fulfill Omnichannel Orders : Pick, pack, and prepare online or over-the-phone orders for customer pickup or shipping. 

Position Requirements

Technical Fishing Knowledge

• Deep, practical knowledge of regional trout waters and local river systems.
• Strong familiarity with saltwater fly fishing techniques, rigging, and gear configurations.
• Clear understanding of fly line tapers (e.g., weight-forward, sinking lines) and proper backing capacities.
• Ability to explain matching hatch patterns, fly selections, and basic entomology. 

Experience & Skills

• Customer Service : Previous retail sales or outdoor hospitality experience is highly preferred.
• Software Proficiency : Hands-on experience operating modern cloud-based POS platforms like  Shopify is required.
• Communication : Excellent verbal and written communication skills to connect authentically with the local angling community.
• Availability : Flexibility to work changing seasonal retail shifts, including early mornings, weekends, and peak summer holidays. 

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Customer Service
• Product Knowledge
• Sales & Relationship Building
• Time Management
• 
  Initiative

Work Environment & Schedule  

This position is based primarily in Yellow Dog Flyfishing's retail store in Bozeman, Montana. Work schedules may include weekdays, evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal overtime based on business needs. Employees are expected to maintain a professional appearance, provide exceptional customer service, and contribute to a safe, organized, and welcoming retail environment. Work is performed primarily indoors with occasional outdoor product demonstrations, events, or customer activities. 

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to stand and move on the retail floor for up to 8 to 10 hours per shift.
• Capacity to lift, carry, and unpack inventory boxes weighing up to 30–50 pounds.
• Physical dexterity required to build complex leaders, tie small flies, and spool fly lines cleanly.
• Ability to operate retail equipment, including point-of-sale systems, computers, and standard office equipment.  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment while maintaining attention to detail and excellent customer service. 
• Ability to safely use ladders, box cutters, hand trucks, and other equipment commonly found in a retail environment. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing reserves the right to modify this job description at any time to meet changing business needs. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the position.