Work at Snug Books

Please read the job description below first. To apply fill out this form here: Application
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or in person inquiries. We will reach out to applicants if we would like to set up an interview. 

Snug Books

Receiving Specialist and Bookseller 32 HR Full Time

11/25/24

Snug Books is now hiring! The job is at our Lauraville location with potential to cover some shifts at our Port Discovery location. Our Lauraville location was our first, we opened in fall of 2021 and offer books and gifts for all ages. Our Port Discovery location opened in spring of 2023 and is a combination bookstore and gift shop that serves the downtown area as well as PD visitors. We are looking for employees who love working with people and children, love reading, culture, Baltimore City, and giving customers a great experience. Snug Books aims to celebrate a variety of reading tastes and genres and welcomes readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Job Outline:

This full-time position is both the Receiving Specialist and a frontline sales floor position that includes assisting customers in the store to find books and complete purchases. Full time staff will work a minimum of 32 hours per week, the position is an hourly, non-exempt position that reports to the Store Manager. This position is a frontline sales floor position that includes assisting customers in the store to find books or merchandise and complete purchases. Applicants should be comfortable talking to customers, be good at hand selling books and merchandise, enjoy working with children, and be able to keep the store clean and organized. This job includes opening and closing the store, work to maintain the store, and work to receive and display merchandise. This position may require weekend and evening work, and travel to and from special events like book fairs, outdoor markets, or other bookstore events/locations. Staff are expected to participate in social media and assist in event hosting. Two monthly staff picks, learning about the books we carry, being able to make recommendations, and staying engaged and informed of Snug Books programming is expected. Booksellers should be self starting, active, organized, and have the ability to multitask. We ask that everyone acquaint themselves with the trends of the book world, including bestsellers and popular books, and should get familiar with the book industry. 

Store Hours:

In December Snug Books is open 9am to 7pm till the 23rd, typically Snug Books is open Sunday through Thursday 10am-6pm and Friday & Saturday 9 am to 7pm. Hours are not likely to change significantly, but changes may be made seasonally, for Holidays, or for special events. 

Holidays: Both locations are always closed on July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Requirements: If an offer of employment is made, the candidate must take and pass a background check that allows them to work with children.

Position Details:

The Receiving Specialist and Bookseller position is a full-time position and starting pay is 17/hr. Shifts may include evenings and at least one weekend day. Salary/ hourly wage commensurate with experience, longevity, and additional assignments at the store. 

Book Receiving Specialist Main Job Duties:

• Receiving book inventory from all vendors into our POS system

• Filling in book information in POS - section, category, description, price/cost/percentage etc. 

• Managing the book receiving process from unboxing till it’s ready for shelving

• Reporting book damages and similar issues to publishers

• Discounting books based on damages

• Processing returns to publishers

• Calling customers to inform them their special orders have arrived

Bookseller Main Job Duties:

• Answering phone calls and making customer phone calls

• Answering customer emails 

• Actively selling books and merchandise to customers

• Providing friendly, knowledgeable assistance to customers with finding books, making book recommendations (hand selling), and placing special orders

• Accurately check out customers out at the register, online orders, curbside pickup, and offsite events

• Counting cash drawer at beginning and end of shift 

• Shelving, alphabetizing, organizing books and merchandise

• Writing at least two monthly staff pick book recommendations

• Cleaning of the store, dusting, vacuuming, taking out trash & recycling etc.

• Opening and closing the store 

• Assist in the hosting and managing of events and book clubs if needed

• Completing other tasks, such as art for the store, book repair and maintenance, shipping of merchandise etc.

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• A love for reading and books and ability to speak about literature and popular titles (both classic and contemporary)

• High School diploma or equivalent - higher education beyond this is preferred but not required

• Ability to establish and maintain an organized workspace and follow store processes 

• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and has strong attention to detail

• A positive, helpful, and kind demeanor when helping customers 

• Experience working with computers and database systems

• Customer service experience and strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with a cash register

• Has reliable transportation to and from work

• Has and will maintain a valid driver's license in good standing

• Able to do math to balance a cash register drawer

• Able to speak, read, and write fluently in English 

• Compassionate and respectful management/conflict resolution skills

• Enjoys working within a team but is self-motivated and able to work independently

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift items as part of job duties

• Ability to drive to off site events

• Can and will wear a mask properly for an extended period of time while working if needed

Helpful experience but not required:

• Worked in a bookstore, library, or retail previously 

• Inventory management experience

• Merchandising experience

Benefits:

• Paid Leave Time after 6 months of employment

• Paid Sick/Personal Time after 6 months of employment

• Health Insurance Contribution after 6 months of employment

• Employee Discount upon hiring

• Professional development opportunities upon hiring

How to Apply: We encourage candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply.

Please go to the Inquiries page on our website and fill out the application: 

1. Select which position(s) you are applying for.

2. Respond to the following questions. Responses do not need to be extensive, but should be complete answers.

   1. Why do you want to work here?

   2. In the workplace, what does commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?

   3. What is a favorite book of yours? Tell me a little bit about the book as though I am a customer and you are trying to sell it to me.

3. Include 3 professional references as an attachment or in the body of your email.

4. Then paste your resume into the last question. 

5. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or in person inquiries. We will reach out to applicants if we would like to set up an interview.