Job Description

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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