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Associate Goodwill Jobs in Coldwater, MI (NOW HIRING)

Goodwill SWMI

Retail Production/Donation

Three Rivers, MI · On-site

$13.75/hr

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan Three Rivers Retail Production Donation WHY WORK FOR GOODWILL? Ready for a career with impact? Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Goodwill SWMI ...

Goodwill Industries

Retail Employee (03)

Marshall, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

Continually serve as a positive role model for all employees, participants and customers working with and for Goodwill Industries. * Maintain an attendance record according to company standard.

Goodwill Industries

Retail Employee (04)

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Continually serve as a positive role model for all employees, participants and customers working with and for Goodwill Industries. * Maintain an attendance record according to company standard.

Goodwill Industries

Retail Employee (02)

Coldwater, MI

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Continually serve as a positive role model for all employees, participants and customers working with and for Goodwill Industries. * Maintain an attendance record according to company standard.

All JobsAssociate Goodwill JobsAssociate Goodwill Jobs in Coldwater, MI

Associate Goodwill information

See Coldwater, MI salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do associate goodwill jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate goodwill in Coldwater, MI is $18.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Goodwill vs Retail Associate?

AspectAssociate GoodwillRetail Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require customer service experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentNonprofit thrift stores, donation centers, community-focused settingsRetail stores, shopping centers, fast-paced environment
Employer & Industry UsageGoodwill Industries, nonprofit sectorPrivate retail companies, department stores
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Associate Goodwill and a Retail Associate lies in their work environment and employer. Associate Goodwill typically works in nonprofit thrift stores or donation centers, focusing on community service, while Retail Associates work in commercial retail stores, often in fast-paced environments. Both roles require similar credentials, but their industry context and organizational goals differ.

What is an associate goodwill?

Associate Goodwill employees are entry-level staff members who work at Goodwill stores, donation centers, or warehouses. Their primary responsibilities include assisting customers, sorting and stocking donated items, maintaining store cleanliness, and supporting daily operations. These associates play a key role in providing a positive shopping experience and helping Goodwill fulfill its mission of supporting community-based programs through the sale of donated goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate at Goodwill, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate at Goodwill, you generally need customer service skills, basic math abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help associates excel in serving customers and collaborating with colleagues. These skills are important to ensure efficient store operations, provide excellent customer experiences, and support Goodwill’s mission.

What does a store associate do at Goodwill?

A store associate at Goodwill is responsible for tasks such as greeting customers, organizing and stocking merchandise, operating cash registers, and maintaining a clean sales floor. They often assist with donations, provide customer service, and may handle basic inventory management using point-of-sale systems.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by an associate at Goodwill Industries?

As an Associate at Goodwill Industries, you are often responsible for sorting and pricing donations, stocking sales floor merchandise, assisting customers, and maintaining store cleanliness. A common challenge in this role is managing a fast-paced environment, especially during peak donation periods or sales events. You’ll work closely with a diverse team and interact regularly with customers from different backgrounds, which helps develop strong communication and teamwork skills. The position offers valuable retail experience and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or specialized roles within the organization.
What cities near Coldwater, MI are hiring for Associate Goodwill jobs? Cities near Coldwater, MI with the most Associate Goodwill job openings:
Associate Goodwill jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Goodwill job openings in Coldwater, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,146 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Full Time Retail Sales Associate

Goodwill SWMI

Sturgis, MI • On-site

$13.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan
Full Time Sturgis Retail Sales Associate
WHY WORK FOR GOODWILL?
Ready for a career with impact? Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Goodwill SWMI) gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community while building your professional skills. Goodwill SWMI is a complex enterprise offering a wide range of career opportunities. Our organization rewards creativity and innovation, while offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Our team members enjoy a unique work environment that is professional, fast paced and fulfilling.
ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION
Goodwill SWMI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our nearly 300 dedicated team members help achieve our mission of improving the community by providing employment, education, training and support services tailored to individual needs across a six county territory. At Goodwill SWMI, the work we do makes a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve and, in turn, in the communities in which we live.
Goodwill SWMI manages ten retail stores (with attached, attended donation centers and one stand-alone donation center), Contract Manufacturing Operations as well as Custodial & Janitorial business units. These business operations provide stability to our organization that is not always enjoyed by nonprofit organizations solely funded by outside sources.
Our organization's values shape our culture and guide our interactions with program participants, customers, community and one another. Our shared commitment to Living the Mission; Promoting Teamwork; Driving Collaboration; Taking Responsibility for our Actions and Behaviors; Respecting and Appreciating Others is what makes us successful and inspires all that we do.
Want to learn more about Goodwill SWMI? Go to our website at: www.goodwillswmi.org
Retail Sales Associate
General Responsibilities
This position provides customer service and merchandising in a Goodwill Retail facility in either a part-time or full-time capacity; also practices the agency's core values of Success, Collaboration, People and Positivity.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Functions
Essential functions include but are not limited to:
  1. Serve customers and team members in a knowledgeable, respectful manner
  2. Assist managers in meeting sales goals through customer service and merchandising
  3. Perform sales transactions accurately and in accordance with cash handling procedures
  4. Follow all retail and safety guidelines and procedures
  5. Maintain a standard of store cleanliness
  6. Maintain a professional appearance
  7. Follow the guidance and any duties assigned by the Retail Manager.

Required Skills and Abilities
  1. Ability to positively interact with customers
  2. Ability to perform as a team member
  3. Ability to follow detailed instructions
  4. Ability to perform a variety of sales transactions quickly and accurately
  5. Skill in multi-tasking and staying calm and focused under pressure

Qualifications
Demonstrated competence in interpersonal relations and communication
Knowledge of basic mathematics
Previous customer service experience preferred
Previous retail experience preferred
Education
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift 35 pounds repeatedly, reaching, bending, twisting; extended periods of time standing
Other
Must be able to work a variety of hours and days of the week consistently
May be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and theft-related criminal background check

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