Thrift Store Associate - Pflugerville

Position: Thrift Store Associate - Pflugerville Location: Pflugerville, TX Job Id: 1383 # of Openings: 1 Position Overview APA! Thrift began in May 2017 with its first thrift store location on Burnet Rd and now operates five stores in the Austin area. Our boutique‑style stores sell high‑quality new and gently used items for low prices; all net proceeds directly support the lifesaving programs of Austin Pets Alive!, a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization. This part‑time, hourly role focuses on delivering outstanding customer service, maintaining store appearance, and supporting volunteer engagement. Essential Functions Actively contribute to a volunteer‑powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift and creating an inclusive, welcoming environment. Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks, ensuring collaboration rather than siloed work. Support recruitment and onboarding by welcoming new volunteers and orienting them to the program. Help retain volunteers through encouragement, guidance, and feedback during shared work. Recognize volunteer contributions with appreciation and gratitude. Set volunteers up for success by explaining tasks, providing hands‑on guidance, and offering in‑the‑moment support. Support the front‑of‑house (FOH) team and assist customers in all aspects of service to create enhanced shopping experiences. Ensure the store’s optimal daily operation, including assigning volunteers to the most urgent tasks and running the store per standard operating procedures. Maintain a professional attitude with sincerity and enthusiasm reflecting APA!’s commitment to customers. Greet donors and help them with incoming donations. Resolve customer complaints fairly and refer unresolved disputes to the Store Manager. Answer the phone and provide friendly, helpful service to all incoming calls. Perform sales support functions related to point‑of‑sale procedures. Adhere to the work schedule set by the Store Manager. Perform daily administrative/clerical functions of store operations and cash transactions. Maintain the general appearance of stores and premises according to APA! Thrift standards. Assist the Store Manager with the overall operation of the retail store. Open and close the store as necessary. Act as manager on duty in the absence of the Store Manager for pricing, urgent maintenance, and other managerial decisions. Engage and drive new and existing volunteers to the store. Use APA! Volunteer software such as Better Impact and Airtable to engage volunteers. Touch base with volunteers every two weeks. Create a recognition program for store volunteers. Use events such as Second Chance Saturdays to recruit new volunteers. Ensure current signage in store for volunteers to sign up. Work with the Store Manager on incentive ideas for volunteer engagement. Perform other duties as assigned by the manager. Other Functions Demonstrate dependability, accountability, time management, reasoning, and good judgment. Attend all required training sessions and meetings. Maintain open and consistent communication with the Program Manager or designee, supervisor, and other colleagues. Partner with Volunteer Managers to learn about volunteer programs and support volunteers. React to change productively and perform related duties as assigned. Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Work in a high‑volume, fast‑paced, high‑stress environment. Work autonomously when given goals and deadlines. Qualifications, Skills, & Expectations Preferred retail and/or customer service experience. Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to interpret instructional documents such as safety rules and procedure manuals. Self‑starter with good time management, able to work independently and as part of a team. Committed to embodying APA! Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, Inclusion, and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart. Commitment to APA! customer experience expectations. Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA! mission. Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support. Comfortable working cross‑functionally as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members. Excellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm, professional presence in all situations. Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality. Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed. Dedicated to delivering an exceptional, inclusive customer experience. Physical Job Requirements Ability to routinely stack, lift, and sort boxes and donations that may weigh over 50 lbs. Access to merchandise, tools, and other items in places that may be out of reach from a standing or sitting position; some stores have stairs only access. Ability to remain on the sales floor providing active service for an entire 8 or 10‑hour shift. Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed. Work Environment Work is normally performed inside the thrift store; occasional outside work may be required. Own transportation is used for travel and transport. Occasional after‑hours or weekend work may be required. Time Commitment Part‑time, non‑exempt position averaging 20 hours per week based on business need. Shift and schedule flexibility required; weekly schedule is subject to change. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Working Relationships This position reports directly to the Thrift Store Manager, or another individual designated by APA!. Location(s) May travel to other locations as needed. Benefits All employees are eligible for access to an Employee Assistance Program, Discounted Perks Programs, fully subsidized pet insurance, and time‑off incentives. Equal Employment Opportunities and Accommodations Statement Austin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and values staff from communities most impacted by the issues we engage on. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, women, transgender and gender non‑conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply. Austin Pets Alive! does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Austin Pets Alive! is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity, inclusion, respect, integrity, community focus, and innovation. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the application process. To request an accommodation, please contact Talent Acquisition at View email address on click.appcast.io at least one week in advance of your interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr Austin Pets Alive