Retail Assistant - Antiques & Collectables Department

Join our passionate team at Fairhaven Op Shopping Village and help transform donated antiques and collectables into opportunities for people with disabilities. As an Antiques & Collectables Department Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in our mission to provide essential services to Central Coast families. Since 1962, we've been making a difference in our community, and our Op Shop is at the heart of this work.
We're looking for antique enthusiasts who can help us assess, research, and display our ever-changing collection of vintage items, ensuring they find new homes at fair market value. Your contribution will directly support our disability services while promoting sustainable shopping in our community. If you have a passion for antiques and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to welcome you to our volunteer family.
At Fairhaven Op Shopping Village, you'll join an incredibly warm and welcoming team who make volunteering feel more like catching up with friends. Everyone is valued and included here, regardless of their background or abilities, creating a truly inclusive environment where you can make a real difference. Plus, there are fun social perks like the annual Christmas party, where the whole organisation comes together to celebrate their shared achievements and enjoy some well-deserved festivity.
Key Duties:
Assess and evaluate donated antiques, collectables, and vintage items for authenticity and value - Price items according to our Fair Price Promise guidelines and current market trends - Research unique or unusual pieces to determine provenance and value - Create engaging displays that showcase items to their best advantage - Maintain organised and aesthetically pleasing department presentation - Monitor stock levels and rotate displays regularly - Assist customers with queries about antiques and collectables - Handle fragile and valuable items with appropriate care
Skills and Experience:
Knowledge of antiques, collectables, and vintage items - Good eye for detail and ability to spot valuable pieces - Basic research skills for item authentication and valuation - Physical ability to handle various sized items safely - Organised and methodical approach to sorting and display - Customer service skills and friendly demeanour - Ability to work independently and as part of a team - Previous antiques, retail, or auction house experience beneficial but not required - Must be reliable and able to commit to regular shifts