Ethos Los Gatos Shop Associate Job Description

Start Date: Immediate

Hours: Part Time (8-20 hrs per week), Weekends Required!

About Ethos

We are on a mission to empower our community to consume consciously by providing carefully curated low-waste essentials and refillables that minimize our impact on the planet and its people. At Ethos, we foster a warm, collaborative, and supportive team culture. We value curiosity, respect, and creativity—and we’re always learning together. If you're stoked on our mission and feel like you'd be a good fit, consider joining our team!

About the Role

As a Shop Associate, you are a frontline educator and sustainability advocate. You’ll help customers feel empowered and excited to make small, meaningful changes in their everyday lives. You’re not just ringing up refills—you’re helping reshape consumer habits. This role is responsible for maintaining a clean, welcoming storefront, delivering exceptional customer service, and helping customers engage more thoughtfully with their consumption. You are the lead in-shop representative of the Ethos brand.

What You’ll Do

• Provide exceptional customer service with empathy and curiosity
• Communicate product benefits and low-waste principles clearly and confidently
• Serve as the lead salesperson during shifts, taking initiative and managing pace
• Learn and share product details, ingredients, and refill procedures with customers
• Reliably open and close the shop, following all procedures
• Complete weekly responsibilities and tasks assigned by management
• Handle POS transactions including cash, card, gift cards, returns, and exchanges
• Receive and stock inventory; assist with merchandising and product display
• Maintain a clean, organized, and beautiful store environment
• Manage refillery tasks: cleaning, washing, and refilling products according to protocols
• Follow all store policies and operational procedures

What We’re Looking For

• Hardworking, self-motivated, and passionate about sustainable living
• Personable and community-oriented, with a desire to help others
• Emotionally mature with strong communication and listening skills
• Reliable, consistent, and committed to excellent customer service
• A quick learner who is comfortable with both structure and flexibility

Position Requirements

• Experience in customer service or retail preferred
• Availability to work weekends
• Willingness to engage in physically active tasks, including lifting and pouring liquids up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for long periods, squat, and move comfortably in a busy shop environment

Pay & Perks

• Starting pay: $18–19/hour, depending on experience
• 40% employee discount on products
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid sick leave (in accordance with California regulations)
• Opportunities for additional hours or advancement based on performance
• Learn in a mission-driven environment where your work truly matters

Supervision

This position is supervised by the Shop Manager and works collaboratively with the full Ethos team.

Diversity & Inclusion

Ethos fosters a culture of continuous feedback, open dialogue, and transparency. We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for racism, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. We hire individuals who share our values of equity and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to list every duty or responsibility. Tasks may change or be added based on business needs.

To Apply

Please complete the form on our hiring page for the location and position you're applying for:
https://www.ethossantacruz.com/service/join-our-team

If you're unable to upload your resume and cover letter through the form, email them to [email protected] or [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Don’t meet every single qualification? If you're excited about our mission and think you'd thrive here, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value potential, personality, and passion.