Dock Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Team

DOCK ASSOCIATE (Full-Time) – Thrift Store
Location: 1705 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington, NY 11743
Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Sat (early starts possible) | $17.00/hr + Full Benefits

Make an impact unloading donations for our community thrift store! Seeking a reliable team player to manage dock intake, sort initial donations, and support our mission of food security, housing, and financial assistance. Experience with warehouses/donations a plus!

Key Responsibilities :

• Greet donors, unload vehicles safely, initial sort donations.
• Organize dock/back-room; maintain safety and cleanliness.
• Lift 25–50 lbs regularly; use carts/dollies.

Qualifications:

• HS diploma/GED.
• Physically able, organized, customer-friendly.
• Full-time Mon-Sat availability.

APPLY NOW –  Compensation: $17.00/hour + full benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity: We are committed to diversity and inclusion. No discrimination on basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. NYC Fair Chance Act: Criminal background considered consistent with law.

ADA Notice: Qualified individuals with disabilities accommodated to perform essential functions.

Job Description

The Dock Associate manages the efficient intake, initial sorting, and safe handling of donated goods at the thrift store loading dock, supporting the organization's mission of food security, housing, financial assistance, and community programs. This full-time role at our Huntington location ensures donations are received courteously, organized for processing, and prepared for thrift store sales to maximize revenue. The position aligns with store hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with potential early starts for donation pickups.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet donors at the loading dock, receive donations graciously, and provide receipts or thank-yous as per organizational guidelines.
• Safely unload donations from vehicles using appropriate equipment (carts, dollies, hand trucks) and transport to back-room sorting areas.
• Perform initial inspection and basic sorting of donations by category (clothing, household, furniture, electronics, etc.) for quality, safety, and resale potential.
• Identify and segregate hazardous, damaged, or unsellable items for proper disposal, recycling, or salvage per safety protocols.
• Assist sorters by moving pre-sorted items to processing stations and maintaining organized flow in the back-room staging area.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the dock area, including sweeping, trash removal, and securing equipment after use.
• Coordinate with store leadership, sorters, and volunteers to prioritize high-volume or time-sensitive donations.
• Follow all safety protocols for handling heavy items, sharp objects, chemicals, or bulky goods; report hazards or incidents immediately.
• Provide basic customer service to donors, answer questions about donation guidelines, and promote the organization's mission.
• Support special donation drives, pickups, or events, which may involve occasional off-site assistance or extended hours.
• Operate basic dock equipment and tools safely; participate in required safety training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support thrift operations.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Full-time availability consistent with store operations (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday; potential early shifts).
• Ability to understand and follow safety instructions and organizational procedures in English.
• Basic familiarity with safe lifting techniques and material handling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in warehouse, dock work, donation centers, retail receiving, or similar manual roles.
• Organized self-starter comfortable working independently or in a fast-paced team environment.
• Experience handling donations, bulky items, or customer-facing roles in nonprofits/community services.
• Comfort with basic technology for logging donations or inventory if implemented.

Competencies and Skills

• Safety Focus : Prioritizes safe handling practices; identifies and reports risks proactively.
• Customer Service Orientation : Engages donors positively; represents the mission professionally.
• Physical Stamina and Efficiency : Handles repetitive lifting and movement without compromising quality or safety.
• Organization : Keeps dock and staging areas orderly; manages workflow effectively.
• Teamwork : Collaborates with sorters, staff, and volunteers seamlessly.
• Dependability : Reliable attendance and task completion in variable conditions.
• Mission Alignment : Supports community services goals through diligent donation processing.

Tools and Technology Used

• Material handling equipment: carts, dollies, hand trucks, pallet jacks (manual).
• Basic dock tools: tape measures, utility knives, gloves, safety gear.
• Donation logging tools (if used): tablets, forms, or simple apps for receipts/inventory.
• Cleaning equipment: brooms, pressure washers, trash compactors.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Physical Requirements (ADA-Aligned)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing 25–50 lbs; occasional lifts up to 75 lbs with assistance or equipment.
• Stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Walk, climb stairs/steps, and maneuver in tight dock/store spaces.
• Use hands/fingers for gripping, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Work near moving vehicles/equipment; tolerate outdoor exposure (heat, cold, rain).
• Visually inspect donations; communicate verbally with donors/staff.

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoor/indoor dock and back-room areas with exposure to weather, dust, odors, and varying temperatures.
• Moderate to high noise from traffic, equipment, and store activity; fast-paced during peak donation times.
• Schedule aligns with store hours (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm) with possible early starts; occasional events.
• Mission-driven nonprofit environment emphasizing community impact.
• Duties may change with business needs; not a contract of employment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.