Part-Time Generalist I or Generalist II

Generalist I or II Positions at Powell's

We have openings for regular part-time Generalist I or II positions at Powell's beautiful Portland International Airport location. The starting wage for this position is $16.80 per hour, with a wage increase to $17.50 effective the first day of the pay period following the 31st calendar day from hire. Available schedules will start as early as 12:00pm, and end as late as 10pm. Schedules will primarily consist of either midday or closing shifts and include one or both weekend days. Please share your availability in your application. The closing date for applications is Sunday, September 20, 2026. Please include a cover letter with a brief description of relevant skills and experience, and the reason why you're interested in the position.

Powell's Books is known worldwide as a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community. We're committed to fostering a culture and environment of inclusion, empowerment, and respect a place where everyone can show up fully as themselves and do their best work every day. All employees enjoy benefits including: substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings; and book borrowing privileges.

Position Title: Generalist I Location: PDX Group: A Date: 06/24

Position Summary: Individuals in this position are primarily focused on customer service, cashiering, active bookselling and the visual presentation of the store. As employees become familiar with various duties, they are assigned more complex tasks and responsibilities. Generalists may do any or all of the essential functions below based on scheduling and business priorities. Reports to PDX management.

• Customer Service: Understands and consistently upholds Powell's customer service standards. Uses knowledge of Powell's products, tools, and services to make recommendations and meet customer needs.
• Communication/Teamwork: Effectively communicates with teammates, supervisors, and other departments/locations as needed. Demonstrates flexibility and ability to adapt to change and revised priorities. Competently learns new skills and tasks. Participates in training others.
• Cashiering: Processes sales and returns at register ensuring accurate cash handling, paperwork, data entry, inventory integrity, and effective line management. Maintains awareness of surroundings, performing duties with high regard to safety and security protocols.
• Merchandising/Section Maintenance: Actively merchandises and maintains integrity of section organization, shelf labels, shelf talkers, endcaps, and overstock. May partner with corporate marketing specialists to create displays that generate customer interest and sell books and gifts.
• Shelving: Understands and upholds Powell's sorting, restocking, shelving and visual presentation standards as well as productivity expectations.
• Inventory Management: Effectively participates in tasks across product lines such as pulling and processing returns, culls, and internet orders. Attains competence in a range of processes including markdowns, cycle counting, data entry, receiving product into inventory.
• Work Environment: Demonstrates consistent adherence to safety protocols; maintains sanitary and organized work stations, workspaces, and sales areas
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• PDX employees must be able to pass a ten-year background check with the Port of Portland & acquire & maintain a security badge for PDX.
• Demonstrated retail, book sales, or restaurant experience preferred.
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrated computer familiarity.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Love of books and reading.
• Physical requirements Group U

Position Title: Generalist II Location: PDX Group: B Date: 06/24

Position Summary: Individuals in this position have successfully completed the equivalent of Generalist I work. This position requires further development of knowledge and skills gained in that role. This position is involved in a wide variety of tasks within the store and identifies opportunities for improving processes and systems and problem-solves solutions. They are assigned more complex tasks and responsibilities and may have focused responsibility in certain functions. Reports to PDX management.

• All functions listed for Generalist I.
• Assists with the training of new employees and serves as a resource for all staff. Assists in identifying training needs, helps staff to utilize company resources, requests additional training when needed.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of various Bookscape modules and demonstrates proficiency in all functions across product lines.
• Applies thorough understanding of visual presentation principles to all section and display work.
• Models strong hand-selling skills and an awareness of current product trends.
• Demonstrates a high level of self-direction
• Takes initiative to set and achieve goals.
• Exhibits excellent prioritization and time management skills; consistently maintains or exceeds productivity expectations.
• Fosters a team and professional work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• PDX employees must be able to pass a ten-year background check with the Port of Portland & acquire & maintain a security badge for PDX.
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Full competence using technology and programs required of the position.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities and follow them through to completion.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Love of books and reading.
• Physical requirements Group U