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Retail Operations Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Retail Operations Associate you would be responsible for the receipt, movement, storage and stocking of materials to meet operational needs in a large warehouse facility and outlet store. Must ...

$17 - $24/hr

Prior retail sales, operations, maintenance, or customer-focused experience preferred. * Ability to stand, bend, stoop, reach, push, pull and lift up 15 to 35 lbs. items repetitively (up to 25 times ...

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Retail Operations Associate information

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How much do retail operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail operations associate in the United States is $18.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Retail Operations Associates?

Retail Operations Associates are employees responsible for supporting the daily functions of a retail store. Their main duties typically include stocking shelves, assisting customers, operating cash registers, maintaining store cleanliness, and helping with inventory management. They play a key role in ensuring that the store runs smoothly and that customers have a positive shopping experience. Retail Operations Associates often work closely with store managers and other team members to meet sales goals and uphold store standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Retail Operations Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Operations Associate, you need strong customer service abilities, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and cash handling procedures is commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help associates provide a positive shopping experience and resolve issues efficiently. These skills are vital to ensure smooth store operations, accurate transactions, and high customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by Retail Operations Associates, and how can they be effectively managed?

Retail Operations Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak hours, keeping inventory accurately stocked, and balancing multiple tasks under time constraints. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and familiarity with store protocols can help mitigate these challenges. Many stores provide ongoing training and encourage collaboration, enabling associates to quickly adapt and support each other during busy periods.

What is the difference between Retail Operations Associate vs Retail Sales Associate?

AspectRetail Operations AssociateRetail Sales Associate
Primary FocusManaging store operations, inventory, and logisticsAssisting customers, selling products, and customer service
Required SkillsInventory management, organizational skills, basic administrative tasksCustomer service, communication, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentBack-end store operations, stockrooms, administrative areasSales floor, customer interaction areas
Common Employer UsageRetail chains, supermarkets, department storesClothing stores, electronics, specialty retail

While both roles are essential in retail, Retail Operations Associates focus on store logistics and management, whereas Retail Sales Associates primarily engage with customers to drive sales. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right positions based on their skills and career goals.

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Retail Operations Associate

Retail Operations Associate

Museum Of Life And Science

Durham, NC โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

TitleRetail Operations Associate LocationMuseum of Life and Science About the OrganizationThe Museum of Life and Science, one of North Carolinaโ€™s top family destinations, has been a beloved Durham institution for 75 years. The Museum features 84 acres of exhibits, experiences, and outdoor exploration, including one of the East Coast's largest butterfly conservatories and a two-story science center. As an accredited zoo, the Museum is home to lemurs, black bears, endangered red wolves, and more than 140 species of live animals, butterflies, and insects. Readers of Durham Magazine, Indy Week, and Carolina Parent have repeatedly named us the top Museum in the Triangle. Charity Navigator rated the Museum, a 501(c3) nonprofit organization, 100 out of 100-- the highest possible score.
Our mission is to create a place of lifelong learning where people of all ages embrace science as a way of knowing about themselves, their community, and their world. The Museum serves our increasingly diverse community with interactive and accessible experiences that build and develop lifelong connections with science, nature, and critical thinking. The Museum partners with NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, Duke University, NC State University, and the University of North Carolina on many research projects and programs.
In addition to an incredible team of co-workers, the Museum provides competitive compensation commensurate with experience, as well as a full array of employee benefits for eligible positions, including a generous 403b retirement plan with employer contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, flex-spending plans, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, nine paid annual holidays, employee appreciation events, and a family membership to the Museum. Full-Time/Part-TimePart-Time Exempt/Non-ExemptNon-Exempt Description

Position Objective: Supports the Museumโ€™s mission by providing excellent customer service to enhance the customersโ€™ retail experience and maintaining strong operational protocol to protect the Museumโ€™s assets.

Responsibilities:

  • Provides exemplary customer service to all guests according to accepted service standards.
  • Knowledgeable about current product lines and communicates product information to customers.
  • Knows and adheres to all policies and procedures, such as opening and closing, receiving, and maintaining inventory, cash register operations, food handler guidelines, and other administrative duties.
  • Supports coffee bar operations by serving beverages and food, on occasion.
  • Assists the Retail Operations Manager, Retail Operations Assistant Manager, and Lead Retail Operations Associates in carrying out all necessary retail operations.
  • Knows and ensures that Museum policies and procedures are followed.
  • Knows and adheres to all merchandising standards with high attention to detail.
  • Always adheres to Museum safety procedures.
  • Engages with Museum visitors in a positive and helpful way to support an enjoyable and safe guest experience.
  • Prioritizes the Museumโ€™s values of inclusion and kindness in all interactions with staff, volunteers, and guests.
  • Additional duties as needed

Actual Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

Position Requirements
  • A demonstrated passion for customer service
  • Ability to accurately handle cash, charge, check, and gift card transactions
  • Basic knowledge of computer systems
  • Ability to stand for up to 9 hours
  • Ability to maneuver around sales floor and stock room including repetitive bending, prolonged standing, twisting, and climbing
  • Ability to withstand prolonged periods of repetitive motions with hands/wrists
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds
  • Flexible schedule with weekend and potential evening work
  • Additional job related duties as needed

Preferred:

  • Sales/Retail Experience
  • Coffee bar experience
  • Spanish Fluency
  • Visual Merchandising Experience
  • Familiarity with Counterpoint
ShiftVarious Shifts Pay Range$15.00/hour EOE StatementThe Museum of Life and Science is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. As an equal opportunity employer, we value the differences and benefits that a diverse culture brings. Join us!