Wares Processor

425 Cortland - 160 Clinton Ave, Cortland, NY, US

Salary: $17.50 Annually

Do you enjoy hands-on work and take pride in turning donated items into great finds for the community? Join Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, where our mission is elevating people, community, and planet for a good today and a better tomorrow. As a Wares Processor, you play a vital role in bringing that mission to life by preparing donated items for our retail stores—supporting store success while helping fund programs and services that strengthen our region.

What You’ll Do

• Sort and assess hard line products (housewares, décor, small appliances, and more) based on quality standards

• Price, tag, and label merchandise accurately using our established pricing guides

• Meet daily and bi-weekly production goals by efficiently processing items

• Maintain strong knowledge of hard line merchandise and continuously build product expertise

• Stock and organize merchandise on the sales floor as needed

• Provide friendly, respectful customer service and assist with customer concerns in accordance with store policies

• Keep workstations, sales areas, and shared spaces clean, safe, and organized

• Follow all safety procedures when handling merchandise and equipment

• Work collaboratively as a positive, supportive member of the store team

• Assist with additional duties as assigned and cross-train in other areas as needed

Production Expectations

This role includes production goals tied to hours worked and is eligible for our production incentive program, which rewards team members for exceeding established production standards.

For a standard 37.5-hour workweek, the sales production goal is $8,000 every two weeks, with adjusted expectations for part-time schedules:

• 20 hours/week: $4,267

• 25 hours/week: $5,333

• 30 hours/week: $6,400

• 37.5 hours/week: $8,000

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• Previous retail or production experience preferred, but not required

• Ability to communicate clearly with customers and coworkers

• Basic reading and writing skills for policies, labels, and routine reports

• Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and contribute ideas

Work Schedule & Availability

• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays (our stores are closed Christmas day, Thanksgiving Day, and Easter)

• Flexible availability is required

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in a retail store and donation processing area, which may feel similar to a warehouse environment. Some work outside may be required when receiving donations.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods

• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of items (up to 25 lbs routinely, heavier with assistance)

• Regular bending, reaching, crouching, and kneeling

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Why Work at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes?

When you work at Goodwill, you’re doing more than stocking shelves—you’re helping to create opportunity in our community. We value teamwork, respect, and growth, and we are committed to living our BLUE values every day.

At Goodwill, your work matters. Every item you process, every customer you help, and every shift you work supports our mission of elevating people, community, and planet for a good today and a better tomorrow. If you’re looking for meaningful work in a supportive, values‑driven environment, you’ll find it here.

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.