Retail Stock Associate

OPEN DATE: 07/22/2026                   CLOSING DATE: 07/29/2026           POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite  

SCHEDULE:

Full Time DUTY

LOCATION:

Washington, DC  Position sensitivity and risk: Low Risk Open to all qualified applicants What are Trust Fund Positions? Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status.

The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).    Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated Low Risk.

Complete a 1 Year Probationary Period. Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer. The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply. Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.  The Retail Stock Associate is accountable for delivering on all aspects of stockroom standard operating procedures and achieving the brand standards for shipment processing, replenishment, markdowns, and merchandising.

This position is responsible for assisting management and staff in the receipt, processing, and organization of merchandise in our Museum and Zoo Retail Stores. Unloading and accurate counting of merchandise. Keep merchandise losses to a minimum by ensuring security rules are followed. Pursue discrepancies, contacting appropriate manager until resolved. Monitor incoming merchandise for damages and follow reporting procedures.

Handles transfers, RTVs, and price changes with accuracy and timeliness. Initiate stockroom/warehouse changes to meet the ebb of flow of merchandise kept in those locations. Generate ideas and puts them into action for expediting flow, saving time, and providing greater efficiency for staff. Provide or input data in computer for receipt of control numbers for merchandise tracking system, within deadlines. Organize and monitor the consumption of supplies (bags, boxes, tissue, bubble wrap, etc.) and informs management of the needs.

Communicate and enforce all related policies and procedures.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or general education diploma (GED)and at least six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of receiving, distribution, and stocking methods in order to read and verify documents accompanying incoming merchandise.   Must have strong organizational skills Accepts direction and works productively with supervisor to maintain expected performance levels and behaviors.
• Takes ownership of job and own actions.
• Takes initiative to offer ideas to effectively complete assignments.
• Is self-motivated and a self-starter.
• Is efficient and highly productive.
• Ability to communicate with others at all levels.  Exhibits flexibility, openness to new ideas and is adaptable to change.
• Partners with fellow employees to achieve assigned job duties.
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner and maintains high quality levels.
• Ability to lift and go up and down stairs with heavy merchandise up to 25 lbs.
• Proficient with technology.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule when necessary, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work in a confined and limited space, and be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.  Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S.
• Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.
• This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.   Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.    Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."   Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.   What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job.
• After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.   Relocation expenses are not paid.
• The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.
• Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected].
• Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures .    The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer .
• To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo