At Southern States Cooperative, we've been serving farmers, homeowners, gardeners, and rural communities for more than a century. Our stores are built on trusted relationships, quality products, and exceptional customer service. As a Customer Service Associate, you'll help create a welcoming shopping experience while supporting daily store operations through customer service, cashiering, merchandising, and housekeeping activities.

Essential Job FunctionsWelcome and assist customers with a friendly, professional, and customer-focused approach.

Help customers locate products, answer questions, and provide helpful recommendations to meet their needs.

Process sales, exchanges, returns, discounts, and promotions accurately using point-of-sale systems.

Handle cash and electronic transactions responsibly while maintaining appropriate register balances.

Answer customer phone calls and provide information on products, services, inventory availability, promotions, and store events.

Replenish merchandise, stock shelves, and maintain attractive product displays.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shopping environment through routine housekeeping tasks, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, and trash removal.

Promote store safety and security by remaining alert to potential concerns and reporting issues to store leadership.

Work safely and follow established procedures to protect customers, team members, inventory, and company assets.

Support other store functions and perform additional duties as assigned.

EducationHigh school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.

Coursework in agriculture, animal science, plant science, or a related field is a plus.

ExperiencePrevious retail customer service experience preferred.

Experience operating point-of-sale systems and handling cash transactions preferred.

Agricultural, feed, farm, animal care, lawn and garden, or related industry experience is a plus.

RequirementsStrong customer service and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and positively with customers and team members.

Ability to learn and follow store procedures, cash-handling practices, and point-of-sale operations.

Ability to learn product knowledge and provide informed recommendations to customers.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy when processing transactions and handling cash.

Ability to operate a cash register, scanner, and credit/debit card equipment.

Dependable attendance and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when business needs require.

Reliable transportation.

Work EnvironmentPrimarily works in a climate-controlled retail environment, with occasional outdoor work when assisting customers.

May be exposed to:

Changing temperatures, drafts, wet floors, and outdoor weather conditions.

Merchandise, tools, and supplies with sharp edges or hazardous materials.

Dust, odors, fumes, fertilizers, crop protectants, and other agricultural, lawn and garden, animal care, and home care products.

Moving equipment, vehicles, vibration, electrical currents, and moderate noise levels.

Physical RequirementsRegularly stand, walk, bend, reach, handle merchandise, and perform repetitive hand movements.

Frequently twist and turn at the neck, waist, and back.

Occasionally push, pull, lift, or carry up to 50 pounds.

Ability to hear and communicate effectively with customers and team members.

Tools & EquipmentCash register, handheld scanners, credit/debit card terminal, telephone, mop, broom, step ladder, and other standard retail equipment.

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws or regulations.