Brookline Booksmith (Brookline, MA) Seeks Children's Bookseller
Job Description
Children's Bookseller
About Us
We are one of New England's premier independent bookstores, family-owned and locally run since 1961.
We offer an extensive selection of diverse new, used, and bargain books and host multiple award-winning
events series—annually offering over 325 events to our customers. We are also Boston’s finest gift-
shopping destination, well known for our curated selection of unique, beautiful, and fun gifts for all. Our
staff is inquisitive, resilient, eclectic, creative, good-humored, and some of the best in the business. If you
would like to be part of a fantastic team at a place beloved by the community and have the experience we
are looking for, please submit your application to Brookline Booksmith today!
Brief Description of Role
We are looking for an experienced full-time children's bookseller to help provide excellent customer
service and properly maintain our lively children's department.
Responsibilities
• Provide excellent customer service both over the phone and in store
• Help customers find books and other products throughout the store, make special orders, and
engage in reading
• Stay abreast of new titles and displays throughout the store
• Actively recommend titles to customers of all ages based on their preferences and your personal
knowledge
• Straighten, restock and shelve throughout each day
• Proactively maintain an organized and welcoming store environment
• Complete weekly assigned register and info shifts
Requirements
• Previous experience working in a retail setting is preferred
• Familiarity with and passion for children's books is necessary, including all ages and children's
book series
• Skilled at providing exceptional customer service
• Proactively straighten, restock, and complete other section or store-wide projects
• Energetic, disciplined, team player who takes direction well
• Open to learning and adhering to our processes and systems
• Able to work independently and collaboratively
• Adept at communicating clearly, effectively and in a timely manner
• Excellent time and task management
• Dependable, punctual and mature
• Detail-oriented, organized, and vigilant about keeping books restocked and workspaces tidy and
organized
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and maintaining a pleasant disposition
• Unafraid of hard work, heavy lifting at times, and long days on one’s feet
• Ensures a safe work environment by following safety practices
Special Considerations
• Looking for a long-term, 40hr/wk employee
• Five eight-hour shifts per week, between the hours of 8:30 am and 11 pm, spread over seven
days a week; schedules typically vary from week-to-week - flexibility is required and must be able
to work some nights and weekends
• Compensation is hourly, with potential for over-time and a year-end bonus for exceptional
performance
• Long-term employees with 20 or more hours per week are eligible for benefits, including health,
dental and vision insurance, health reimbursement account, life insurance, short and long-term
disability, employee discount, and paid time off
Supervisors
• Lisa Riddle, Head of Merchandising and Peter Win, Head of Operations
• Amy Brabenec, Children's Book Buyer
Hourly Wage
$17-18
To Apply
Brookline Booksmith is dedicated to offering books, events, gifts, and employment that reflect and honor
the lives of all and encourage individuals of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Please email your
resume and cover letter to workwithus@brooklinebooksmith.com.
Physical Demands and Work Environmental Factors
The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential
functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform these essential functions. While performing this role, the employee is regularly required to lift
boxes weighing at least 20 lbs., sit for extended periods, and use repetitive wrist and hand motions for
sorting and handling documents. The employee is also required to reach with hands and arms. Specific
vision abilities include close vision and color perception. The employee will have frequent visual contact
with a computer monitor.
Equal Employment Opportunities Statement
Brookline Booksmith is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and
accessible workplace. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any protected
characteristic or status. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with
disabilities throughout the employment process. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential
functions of this position, please let us know. We will engage in an interactive process to determine a
reasonable accommodation, barring undue hardship.