Bookstore Key Carrier

Key Carrier, Village Books Reports To:

• Store Manager Location: Village Books, Atlanta, GA (on site) Status: Part-time, hourly, non-exempt Pay: $16.00 per hour Hours: Core shifts 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; event shifts typically end at 8:30 p.m.
• About Village Books Village Books is an independent Atlanta bookstore.

Beyond selling books, the store is a gathering place:

• author talks, signings, book clubs, and community programming happen here on a regular basis.
• We are looking for a bookseller who is as comfortable hand selling a title as they are running the room on an event night.
• Position Summary The Key Carrier is a trusted member of the bookstore team who is authorized to open and close the store, handle cash and deposits, arm and disarm the security system, and lead the floor when a manager is not present.
• This role combines bookselling and customer service with keyholder responsibility and hands on support for evening author and community events.
• Key Carrier Responsibilities Open and close the store according to established procedures, including alarm arming and disarming, lighting, and securing all entry points.
• Serve as the responsible party on the floor during assigned shifts when a manager is not on site, including closing after evening events.
• Count, verify, and reconcile the cash drawer at open and close; prepare bank deposits and complete daily sales reporting accurately.
• Safeguard store keys, alarm codes, and access credentials, and report any security concern to management immediately.
• Complete opening and closing checklists, shift notes, and incident reports.
• Bookselling and Customer Service Responsibilities Greet every customer, learn what they are looking for, and make thoughtful recommendations across genres.
• Hand sell titles, build and maintain staff picks, and speak knowledgeably about the authors and publishers we carry.
• Process point of sale transactions, special orders, returns, and holds accurately.
• Receive, unpack, price, and shelve new inventory; process returns to publishers and distributors.
• Maintain shelf order, alphabetization, section signage, and front of store displays.
• Assist with inventory counts and follow loss prevention procedures.
• Answer phone and email inquiries about titles, availability, and events.
• Contribute ideas for displays, staff picks, book clubs, and programming.
• Event Responsibilities Set up and break down the event space, including seating, signing table, signage, and audio setup.

Manage event inventory:

• pull and merchandise the featured title, staff the register during the rush, and reconcile sales afterward.
• Support visiting authors and partners on site and serve as a welcoming point of contact for attendees.

Close the store after events, which typically end at 8:

• 30 p.m.
• Availability Requirements Availability is a core requirement of this role, not a preference.

Please apply only if you can meet all of the following:

• Weekends: A minimum of two weekends per month.

Evenings:

• A minimum of two evenings per week for events and event related closing, with shifts typically ending at 8:30 p.m.

Core hours:

• Core store shifts generally fall between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Critical times:

• Availability during peak and critical business periods, including Thanksgiving weekend and the month of December, plus major author events and signature store events.
• Reliable, on time attendance with schedules posted in advance.
• Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience working in a bookstore, library, or comparable book related environment.
• This experience is required.
• Demonstrated interest in books and reading, with the ability to speak credibly about titles, genres, and authors across a range of categories.
• Hands on experience with point of sale systems and cash handling.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to resolve concerns promptly and warmly.
• Basic math skills and comfort reconciling a drawer and preparing a deposit.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and be trusted with keys, codes, and cash.
• Ability to meet the availability requirements above.
• Ability to pass a background check, consistent with applicable law.
• Preferred Qualifications One year or more in a keyholder, shift lead, or opening and closing capacity.
• Experience supporting author events, readings, signings, or library programming.
• Familiarity with bookstore inventory, ordering, and point of sale systems.
• Coursework or a degree in literature, library science, English, or a related field.
• Genuine interest in independent bookselling and the local reading community.
• Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for the duration of a shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds of boxed books and to bend, reach, and climb a step ladder for shelving.
• Ability to move chairs and tables for event setup and breakdown.

Schedule Job Type:

• Part-time Hours: 25 hours per week, maximum Shifts: Core shifts 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a minimum of two evening event shifts per week ending at approximately 8:30 p.m., and a minimum of two weekends per month Pay: $16.00 per hour Equal Opportunity Village Books is an equal opportunity employer.
• We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination and we welcome applicants of every background.
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