Retail Sales Associate

Company Summary  

Forts Ferry Farm is a unique outpost in the Capital Region that offers heirloom produce, naturally leavened breads, thoughtfully curated goods and fulfilling experiences. This company was created to cultivate a greater sense of community through a common love of food, fun, and living well. We are a small team of creative individuals who are driven by a love of food and hospitality. We believe in the power of food and its ability to unite. Our products are sold at our shoppe, farmers markets, and restaurants throughout upstate New York. In addition to the farm, our glorious new Farm Shoppe will be opening soon in Hudson! Located at 554 Warren Street, the Farm Shoppe is a the beacon of all our farm products along with a smattering of useful and whimsical objects for entertaining. 

Position Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our the new Farm Shoppe team. This position requires a deep love of hospitality, a keen eye for detail, an affinity for antiques and interest in all things food, farming, and FUN! Reporting to the General Manager of Restaurant & Retail Operations (GMRO) the Retail Sales Associate becomes the face/primary point of engagement with customers in the Farm Shoppe to successfully assist them with their purchasing decisions. Hospitality is the primary foundation of our services and experience in such a field is requested. When executed properly, this position has the opportunity to significantly impact the business’ goals. Aside from delivering exceptional results, success in this role requires dedication, spiritual maturity, creativity, and commitment to the vision and mission of Forts Ferry Farm.  

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Welcome guests and encourage repeat business by providing an unparalleled shopping experience fueled by exemplary, reliable service, product knowledge, and a sense of joy while doing so
• Work with the guidance of the GMRO to ensure inventory is labeled, packaged, priced, displayed, and rotated correctly according to expiry/season/event/promotion
• Ensure the retail location(s), pop-up or permanent, of being 100% ready at time of opening, tidy, stocked and organized throughout service, and closed efficiently and effectively. Assist in maintaining inventory, displays, signage, order fulfillment, pricing, light cleaning, lights, music, vibes & overall experience
• Responsibly manage all forms of accepted payments to ensure sales and deposits are allocated appropriately, fraud is prevented, and loss is minimized
• Remain vigilant and aware of shoppers to ensure they are finding what they are looking for while also preventing nefarious activities
• Advise on services and processes to enhance the guest experience and increase efficiencies 
• In addition to daily tasks, provide support for onsite events and special projects as needed
• Successfully cross promote items/events within the business to maximize shopping/culinary experience(s), thereby increasing revenue and general success of Forts Ferry Farm as a business collective
• Continuously improve retail performance, through the eyes of the customer, across all product lines, as measured by growth and repeat business, inquiries, and bookings

What You Must Bring to This Role (required unless otherwise specified)

• Degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, Retail or similar
• Availability to work on Friday and Saturdays
• Repeated successes in hospitality, food service & boutique retail 
• History/understanding of utilizing farm products in culinary applications
• Demonstrated success with point of sale system(s) (POS), inventory management, guest directories, & payments
• Understanding of NYS food, health and safety practices 
• Track record of success leading sales and guest relations
• Demonstrated ability to upsell, cross-promote, and educate guests on products/services
• Demonstrated comfort playing within a growing/changing operation 
• History of an unstoppable collaborative spirit
• An overwhelming history demonstrating a yearning to learn, coach, and have fun
• Proven success effectively communicating both up and down in a business environment
• Demonstrated success executing a plan and documenting results 
• Meticulous attention to detail, vested interest in tidiness and efficiency 
• History of high standards and strength in both design and function of quality products 

Values  

• The Self - How we work  What Breaking the 4-minute Mile Taught Us About the Limits of Conventional Thinking  
• “Balls to The Wall & Fun As Hell”  

Compensation, Benefits & Fun Stuff  

• Hourly Rate of $15-22 DOE 
• 20 - 30 hours weekly 
• Paid Time Off and company observed holidays
• Medical benefits for full-time employees
• 25% discount on purchases at Forts Ferry Farm retail outlets (10% discount for vintage/antique items)
• Taste delicious food as part of research and development in our culinary expansion
• Selection of seasonal produce and baked goods
• When applicable, share of Gratuity received from the Market or Online Orders (commensurate with hours worked)
  
• PTO accrual
• 40 hours New York Paid Sick Leave (front loaded at start date)

Working Conditions & Physical Efforts

• Visual functions being those of near vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with leadership & client businesses
  
•  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate tools and equipment
• Work is performed in a retail and commercial kitchen with some work to be performed in an outside (sometimes outdoor, exposed to weather & allergens) work environment
• Able to lift, bend and transfer items up to 40 lbs.
• Able to sit and/or stand for a prolonged period of time
• Ability to walk up/down stairs/ladders
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk

At Forts Ferry Farm, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  

The duties and responsibilities, qualifications, physical conditions and other statements contained herein represent the current general nature of the job described, and are subject to change at any time, with or without notice. This job description does not limit in any way the assignments given to an employee in this role. Employees are expected to perform any and all duties (compliant, legal & ethical) assigned by the Company leadership, collaboratively and with the best intention of the customer and company.