Retail Associate

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17/hour 

Hours per week: 10-20/week  

Job Classification: Part-Time, Nonexempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Location: Powisset Farm, Dover, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

Do you have a passion for food/cooking; sustainable agriculture/local farming, and community relations/supporting small, local businesses? Our retail team models excellence in customer service, and you will build experience contributing to engaging marketing and social media campaigns. You will develop a general knowledge of online marketplaces and the ability to learn new computer systems. This position is highly independent and requires someone who is a self-starter. 

The Role: 

As a Retail Associate, you will report directly to the Retail Store Manager and the Regional Vice President. In this role, you will perform daily operations with, or on behalf of, the Retail Store Manager. You will create a welcoming and inviting environment in our Farm Store while promoting Trustees Grown (vegetables, meat & poultry, and value-added products), as well as a carefully curated collection of other regional, sustainable, and/or LGBTQ+/BIPOC/Women-owned companies and their products.   

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Uphold high standards of customer service, greeting every customer, educating them about Powisset Farm and The Trustees, and helping them in a friendly manner.
• Demonstrate familiarity with store products, upcoming property events or programs, and Trustees membership levels.
• Resolve customer complaints, elevating to management as needed. Problem solver with the visitor experience at the center of any solution.  

• Personalize relationships with customers, recommending products and elevating product complaints and/or special requests to the Manager.   

• Maintain high standards of sanitation and safety, and adhere to all Board of Health requirements for food safety, proper storage, and store cleanliness.  

• Assist with inventory controls, including managing expiration dates; restocking shelves (including bagging and labeling fresh produce); merchandising, fronting, and rotating inventory to ensure beautiful and well-tended displays; pricing new items; and updating in-store signage.  

• Manage the POS system, including online and in-person sales. Handle cash; reconcile the cash drawer at open/close of day; conduct credit card transactions; and handle returns and refunds.  

• Assist with images, videos, and content for social media.  

• Assist with holiday online orders for in-store pickup. Pack orders and/or double-check that packed items match the order before delivery to customer. Elevate customer questions, refunds/substitutions, or complaints to management.  

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

This is a part-time, nonexempt position working 10-20 hours/week reporting directly to the Retail Store Manager and the MetroWest Regional Vice President.  

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience: 

• Produce results while alone in a fast-paced environment by adapting and implementing new strategies.  

• Able to function and act both independently and as a team, including communicate, make decisions, and multi-task under pressure.   

• Attention to detail, both visually in-store and in completing daily tasks.   

• Possess an engaging, outgoing, and respectful personality and a good sense of humor.   

• Math skills for handling and counting cash.   

• Experience with computers, smartphones/apps, and POS system knowledge.   

• Able to lift 40lbs consistently and stand for long periods of time (at least 6 hours).   

• Prior customer service and/or food service experience.   

• Knowledge of agriculture, meat, and dairy products preferred. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Must be available 20 hours per week, including Saturdays & Sundays, during store operating hours (Tuesday & Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm). 

• Must have access to a working car with a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. 

• Candidate must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of one year’s work experience 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed] 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org. 

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time : 80 hours (prorated) 

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.