Sales Associate

Job Description: Sales Associate

Position Title: Sales Associate

Department: Retail / Customer Experience

Reports To: Store Manager / Assistant Manager

Location: Hempstead Ave, Queens Village, NY 11429

Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Salary: $20 per hour

Position Summary

The Sales Associate (Budtender) provides exceptional customer service, education, and product recommendations while maintaining compliance with New York State cannabis regulations. This role supports store operations, assists with inventory tasks, participates in customer engagement initiatives, and helps maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Sales

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience by answering questions, providing thoughtful recommendations, and educating customers about products, effects, dosing, and safe consumption.
• Drive repeat business by building rapport, creating customer confidence, and capturing customer data when appropriate.
• Inform customers of current promotions, new products, and in-store events.
• Execute transactions efficiently and accurately using Dutchie, POS systems, and METRC where applicable.
• Ensure accuracy during opening, operating, and closing registers with strong attention to cash-handling procedures.
• Check customer IDs to verify legal age and validity per state regulations.

Compliance & Product Knowledge

• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of:
• Cannabis products and categories
• Effects, onset times, and recommended use
• NYC & NYS cannabis laws and regulations
• Follow all state, federal, and internal SOPs for safety, sanitation, security, and compliance.
• Uphold strict compliance for cash handling, restricted access areas, locked storage, and risk mitigation.

Store Operations

• Prepare the sales floor for opening and closing, including stocking, organizing, and sanitizing displays.
• Maintain a clean, professional, and welcoming environment throughout the shift.
• Assist in-store event setups, vendor activations, and pop-up events.
• Help with inventory intake, labeling, stocking, and back-of-house support as directed by the Inventory Specialist.
• Support delivery activities by preparing transportation manifest

Customer Engagement & Outreach

• Suggest creative ideas to improve the customer journey and enhance loyalty.
• Support customer outreach programs, membership initiatives, and promotional activities.
• Provide feedback on new vendors, products, and market trends.

Team & Collaboration

• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a strong team-player mindset.
• Participate in ongoing training, continuing education, product knowledge workshops, and required compliance training.
• Communicate effectively with team members and management to support smooth operations.

Technology & Equipment

• Use standard office and retail equipment (scanners, printers, tablets, POS hardware).
• Troubleshoot basic issues and follow proper procedures for technology use and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Prior retail, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
• Cannabis retail experience or strong cannabis product knowledge is a plus (training provided).
• Experience with Dutchie, POS systems, or METRC is helpful but not required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow compliance procedures.
• Ability to accommodate evening, weekend, and holiday schedules.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 20–25 lbs.
• Must meet New York State requirements for cannabis employment and pass ID verification training.

Core Competencies

• Customer Service Excellence
• Communication & Active Listening
• Product Knowledge & Education
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail
• Reliability & Professionalism
• Compliance Awareness
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment