Temporary Retail Assistant

Explore Retail and Be Part of the Cornell Experience—Where Campus Life Meets Exceptional Customer Service.

Join Cornell Retail Services and work in an engaging, customer-focused environment at the heart of campus life. The Cornell Store is hiring part-time/casual team members (19 hours per week or less) to support a variety of roles across our Ithaca Campus and Downtown Ithaca locations, including:

• Sales (Ithaca Campus & Downtown Ithaca Location): Assist customers with product selection and provide friendly, efficient in-store service.

• Technology (Tech Connect): Support tech sales and basic product troubleshooting.

• Textbooks: Provide course material information and assist students, faculty, and staff at the textbook info desk.

• Inventory and Order Fulfillment: Prepare and process online orders for customer pickup

The Cornell Store is a central hub of campus life and a recognized leader in collegiate retail innovation. Serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, teamwork, and a supportive workplace culture.

We're looking for enthusiastic, reliable individuals who love working as part of a team and are ready to contribute to a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment. If you’re motivated, dependable, and enjoy helping others, you’ll thrive here.

Hourly Rate: $17.00/hour

Schedule: Variable, based on availability, business needs, and work performance; some nights, weekends and holidays may be required

All positions are part-time casual (19 hours per week or less), non-benefits eligible. Posting is for multiple positions across Retail Services with various schedules. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

General Responsibilities:

• Sales and Service – Welcome customers and guests with a friendly attitude, actively assist them, provide product information and guidance, and ensure every customer enjoys a high-quality experience.

• Visual Merchandising – Help maintain the sales floor’s appearance, set up seasonal promotions and visual displays, and regularly check assigned areas for restocking and organization.

• Point of Sale Support – Operate cash registers, assist customers with check-out, and follow proper cash handling procedures.

• Inventory and Order Fulfillment – Receive and process incoming merchandise, assist with special orders and store-to-store shipping requests, and occasionally handle seasonal or perishable goods.

• Customer Care – Support both digital and in-store shopping experiences by assisting with customer inquiries and providing timely, helpful responses.

We Value Your Ability To:

• Create a positive customer experience by building relationships, sharing product knowledge, and providing thoughtful solutions.

• Greet and welcome customers warmly into the department.

• Work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team.

• Be reliable, punctual, and flexible with your schedule based on business needs.

• Communicate professionally with customers and team members.

Qualifications:

• Pleasant and approachable personality with strong customer service skills.

• Comfortable using computers and retail systems.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to occasionally climb ladders.

• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds when needed.

• Ability to stand for extended periods.

• Previous retail or customer service experience is a plus, but not required

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

University Job Title:

Temporary Retail Assistant

Job Family:

Temporary Auxiliary Services

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contact Name:

Shawn Ruebel

Contact Email:

[email protected]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

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Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-01-07