Retail Associate

Salary: $12.00 Hourly
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: Temporary - Part-Time
Job Number: 184575
Agency: State Museum Commission
Division: Guest Services
Opening Date: 01/27/2026
Closing Date: 3/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All candidates must apply online.
Class Code:: UZ01
Position Number:: ;
Normal

Work Schedule:

: Other
Pay Grade: Unclassified
Hiring Range - Min.: $12.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $12.00
Opening Date: 01/27/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Working hours are flexible and in accordance with museum store hours. Rotating part-time schedule. Weekends, nights, and holidays, when required.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
This position is in the Operations & Customer Experience Division of the South Carolina State Museum Commission. Our gift shop extends the museum experience by offering thoughtfully curated merchandise that reflects our exhibits, values, and visitors' interests. We are currently seeking a friendly, reliable, and customer-focused Retail Associate to join our team in the gift shop. If you love interacting with people, have a passion for arts and culture, and enjoy a fast-paced retail environment, we'd love to meet you!

In this position your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Providing exceptional guest service and creating a welcoming experience for all visitors
• Performing retail sales, including operating the point-of-sale (POS) system accurately and efficiently
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization within the State Museum's retail store
• Assisting with merchandising, product displays, and inventory management
• Supporting the State Museum's programs, exhibitions, and special initiatives through retail engagement

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in customer service or working directly with the public
• Excellent communication skills and a friendly, professional demeanor
• Comfortable using point-of-sale (POS) systems and processing cash/credit transactions
• Ability to stand and move for extended periods during shifts
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds and pushing carts or handling merchandise as needed
• Must be able to access all work areas and perform basic physical tasks related to retail operations
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse team and visitor base

Additional Requirements:

• Must be available to work a flexible, rotating part-time schedule, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings or nights as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a museum store, cultural institution, or specialty retail environment
• Retail experience/operating a register/point-of-sale (POS) system
• Familiarity with inventory systems or basic merchandising principles

Additional Comments

Perks:

• Work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment with a supportive team
• Complimentary general admission and attraction tickets
• Employee discount in the gift shop and café
• Membership options available with additional perks

The State Museum Commission is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine…