Sort, price, buy secondhand goods at Urban Ore

Berkeley CA

Description

Urban Ore's General Store Receiving Department needs a happy, hardy soul to do physical and mental work in a fast-paced, dusty environment. The company's mission is to prevent landfilling by receiving and selling objects that are still useful as-is, or that can be recycled. This department magically converts trash into treasure by receiving, sorting, and pricing objects brought in by people in about 60 vehicles a day. The Sorter identifies incoming objects, then cleans, prices, and sorts them into merchandise categories for the General Store's sales areas, setting aside special goods for the Gallery or for water washing and polishing in the Goodies Room. Merchandise to be identified, cleaned, and priced includes everything from furniture to tools, hardware, housewares, music, and art supplies. A Sorter must balance a fast pace of materials processing while also spotting quality markers that would sift out special finds. The Sorter has to keep the incoming inventory moving before focusing on details. Researching objects on the internet may be necessary to identify and price special or unusual things. This position will include answering the phone, responding to phone messages and emails, and basic testing of electronics. If the Receiving Manager or other Buyers are absent, the Sorter will be expected to fill in to receive dropoffs and purchase inventory from the public. The Sorter also helps the Receiving Manager and Buyer serve customers and helps with general site maintenance as necessary. Preferred skills and experience: ability to price General Store merchandise to sales staff's satisfaction. Even experienced people, however, will be trained in Urban Ore's methods and protocols. Must be able to work with sales staff on achieving acceptable price points. Must be able to keep up a fast pace. Physical requirements: must be able to lift 50 pounds safely and walk 50 feet carrying the load. Must be able to keep up an effective pace doing physical labor for the larger part of every day. Note that Sorters lift and carry heavy items, stand most of the day in front of processing tables, and walk back and forth between the incoming conveyor, carts, and sorting tables many times an hour. Sorters also work in a dusty environment and use household cleaning chemicals. This position isn't suitable for anyone with allergies or sensitivities to everyday chemicals. Personal characteristics we will look for: honesty in handling incoming materials and assuring that every incoming item reaches the sales floor; safe work habits; efficient work patterns; clean, neat appearance; willingness to be trained; patience and cheerfulness with an interesting but demanding public; ability to work smoothly with teammates even under pressure; experience with and interest in the items for sale. Must be able to work weekends, must be willing to learn to screen incoming materials and handle the public gently and professionally. Interest in reuse, recycling, and other environmental matters is preferred. No conflicts of interest are permitted. This company is deeply committed to the goal of Zero Waste in both our own operations and the world. We are looking for people who care about helping to achieve it. Compensation: base wage plus company-wide income sharing averages $19.50/hr to start; fully paid gold-level health and dental coverage; 22 days off a year with 10 days paid; employee discount on buying for personal use only. TO RECEIVE AN EMAILED JOB APPLICATION, respond to this ad. Then print the application, fill it in by hand (important), and bring it in person (important) in an envelope. You can also pick up an application at the front cash register and fill it out right away.