HWS Store Student Associate

Position Title: HWS Store: Student Associate

Semester/Year: 2026 Fall Semester

Total Positions Available: 6

Supervisor: Kristen Tapscott

Pay rate: $16

Hours per week: 15- 20

Start Date: August 31, 2026

End Date: December 11, 2026

Summary

Under the general guidance of the Director of the College Store and Store Experience, the Student Associate supports the day-to-day operations of the College Store.

Student Associates assist with customer service, point-of-sale transactions, merchandising, and maintaining the overall appearance and organization of the store. This role contributes to creating a welcoming and engaging retail environment for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

Student Associates gain hands-on experience in retail operations, customer service, merchandising, and teamwork within a student-powered campus retail environment.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Knowledge

• Basic understanding of customer service and retail environments.
• Ability to interact positively with a diverse campus community.
• Willingness to learn retail operations including sales systems and merchandising practices.

Required Qualifications

• Current Hobart and William Smith student in good academic standing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other student employees and store leadership.
• Dependable, responsible, and able to manage assigned shifts.
• Ability to provide friendly and helpful customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in retail, customer service, or sales.
• Interest in merchandising, retail operations, or business.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced customer service environment.
• Interest in contributing ideas for displays, promotions, or store improvements.

Responsibilities

Customer Service and Retail Operations (70%)

• Provides friendly and professional customer service to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.
• Operates the point-of-sale system to complete purchases, process payments, and assist customers at the register.
• Assists customers in locating merchandise and answering general questions about products and store services.
• Maintains the cleanliness, organization, and overall appearance of the sales floor.
• Restocks merchandise and ensures shelves and displays remain organized and well-presented.
• Supports the setup and maintenance of product displays, seasonal merchandising, and promotional features.
• Helps prepare merchandise for sale including tagging, folding, and organizing products.
• Participates in opening and closing procedures as assigned.

Store Support and Merchandising (30%)

• Assists with inventory tasks including stocking, organizing back stock, and checking merchandise levels.
• Supports the creation and refreshing of visual displays that highlight promotions and new merchandise.
• Helps maintain a welcoming store environment that reflects the spirit and pride of the Hobart and William Smith community.
• Assists with store events, promotions, and special campus programs as needed.
• Participates in general store tasks to support efficient daily operations.

Students hired into on-campus jobs must complete federal employment paperwork, including the Form I9. Students must present original documents indicating they are eligible to work in the U.S. Photocopies of documents cannot be accepted. Students should ensure they have their documents on campus or have a plan to get their documents to campus if they are hired to work on campus.