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Hardware Associate Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Sales Associate

Yarmouth, ME

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Previous hardware experience is a plus but not a requirement as we provide extensive training. At Ace Hardware, we're independently owned and operated so helping our community is our number one ...

Sales Associate

Bath, ME · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

This sales associate position is responsible for maintaining helpful customer service, processing sales quickly, accurately and efficiently and performing cash register operations. The sales ...

Sales Associate

Kennebunk, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

This sales associate position is responsible for maintaining helpful customer service, processing sales quickly, accurately and efficiently and performing cash register operations. The sales ...

CSSQT or sea trial participation as hardware technical representative preferred * Associate's degree in electronics, electrical engineering technology, or related field required; Bachelor's preferred

The Support Associate is responsible for supporting a customer and product-focused sales culture ... hardware, hangers, sign holders, etc. * Participates in pricing changes and markdowns. * Assists ...

The Support Associate is responsible for supporting a customer and product-focused sales culture ... hardware, hangers, sign holders, etc. * Participates in pricing changes and markdowns. * Assists ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hardware Associate information

See Portland, ME salary details

$27.6K

$144.5K

$317.7K

How much do hardware associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware associate in Portland, ME is $144,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $217,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware associate?

Hardware Associates are retail employees who specialize in assisting customers with hardware products and home improvement supplies. They help customers locate items, provide product information, and advise on the best tools or materials for specific projects. Additionally, Hardware Associates may be responsible for stocking shelves, maintaining store displays, and ensuring the sales floor is organized. Their role is vital in providing excellent customer service and supporting the overall operations of hardware or home improvement stores.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Associate, you need basic knowledge of hardware products, inventory management, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory tracking software, and product stocking tools is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and a helpful attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient operations, accurate inventory, and excellent customer experiences in retail hardware environments.

What are some typical challenges hardware associates face when assisting customers in a retail hardware environment?

Hardware Associates often encounter challenges such as helping customers find the right products for specific projects, especially when customers are unfamiliar with technical terms or materials. They must stay knowledgeable about a wide range of products, keep up with inventory changes, and sometimes troubleshoot basic DIY questions on the spot. Effective communication and patience are essential, as the role requires explaining complex information in simple terms and ensuring customers leave with the correct items for their needs.

What is the difference between Hardware Associate vs Hardware Technician?

AspectHardware AssociateHardware Technician
Required CertificationsCompTIA A+, vendor-specific certificationsCompTIA A+, specialized hardware certifications
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, warehouses, customer support centersRepair shops, data centers, onsite client locations
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics retailers, IT support companiesIT service providers, hardware repair companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level hardware rolesTechnical hardware repair and troubleshooting

Hardware Associates typically focus on customer support, stocking, and basic hardware setup, often in retail or support environments. Hardware Technicians perform more in-depth repairs, troubleshooting, and hardware maintenance, usually in repair shops or data centers. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in complexity and work setting.

Yard Associate (Rental) (Seasonal)

Ace Hardware

Bridgton, ME • On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Ace Hardware Corporation rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 51 rated home improvement retailers


Job description

Join Our Team & Help Your Neighbors!

Do you love helping people? Do you enjoy being outdoors, maintaining small engines and working independently? Do you like working with a friendly team to provide amazing customer experiences?

If you answered \YES!\ to any of those questions, we have just the job for you! Hayes Ace Hardware & Rental is looking for high-energy and passionate individuals to join our Rental team as a Yard Associate. Our mission is to be the most helpful hardware store on the planet. We aim to employ people who fulfill our promise of going the extra mile for our neighbors and our community.

Our Yard Associates play a key role in providing legendary customer service to our neighbors. They assist DIY and professional customers with a speedy, safe and knowledgeable start to their rentals and welcome them back as they return equipment. They clean and maintain our ever-evolving fleet. And they make sure it all happens in a safe, fast-paced and organized yard.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Every day, our Yard Associates:  

  • Make safety the top priority  
  • Ensure every customer receives outstanding, enthusiastic and exceptional customer service
  • Communicate clearly, politely and efficiently with customers and team members in store and on the phone
  • Execute the daily operational goals and priorities assigned by store management
  • Check in and out rentals, performing basic maintenance checks and demonstrating proper, safe usage for customers
  • Clean, maintain and organize rental equipment, including lubricating, power washing and basic maintenance
  • Work continually on increasing their knowledge of our inventory and its uses
  • Keep up a clean and orderly store appearance
  • Never hesitate to help customers and team members in other departments and areas
  • Handle other duties as assigned in our ever-changing retail environment
Requirements
  • Come to work every day with a desire to provide the best customer experience possible and learn a little along the way
  • Some high school or a GED is preferred. This role is open to those still in school!
  • Ability to stand for an extended period, lift up to approximately 60 lbs., walk, climb, kneel, reach and stoop (There's always a little bending, twisting and moving that's part of the job).
  • This is an outside and inside job! Be prepared to spend time in the elements, and maybe get a little dirty along the way.
  • Customer service, small engine and/or hardware store experience preferred, but not required.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, mornings, weekends and holidays
Benefits
  • Training on how to do your job and the products we sell!
  • Employee discount (including free personal use rentals)!
  • Flexible scheduling!
  • We fire up a grill from time to time and cook stuff (mostly good, sometimes questionable)!
  • T-shirts (or polos, if that's more your jam)!
  • Opportunities for advancement!
  • Retirement, AFLAC and insurance available to qualified employees!

We're Hayes Ace Hardware & Rental! For 60 years, our family-owned business has been serving Bridgton and the Lakes Region of Western Maine with friendly, knowledgeable and helpful customer service. We love working with our neighbors to solve problems all around their homes, from fixing a leaky faucet to finding the grill that will look just right on their deck. And we're proud to be one of over 5,000 independently-owned and operated Ace Hardware stores around the country and across the globe. Come join the helpful folks at Hayes!


What Ace Hardware Corporation employees say

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About Ace Hardware

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ace Hardware is a renowned company in the retail sector, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, US. Dating back to its foundation in 1924 by a group of businessmen, the company has grown from a single store in Chicago to a global hardware cooperative consisting of more than 5,000 stores in over 60 countries. It operates in the home improvement sector and specializes in hardware, home goods, local niche services, and select specialty retailers. As prevalent in its motto "The Helpful Place", Ace Hardware's mission is to provide customers with high-quality hardware products while delivering exemplary customer service.

Industry

Retail, hardware, plumbing and hvac wholesalers and construction materials wholesalers

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Brook, IL, US