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.