Trolley Collector

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Golf Cart Attendant

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Service or PersuadingPractical or MechanicalSkill Level 1

Trolley Collectors collect supermarket trolleys from car parks and other areas, and return them to the supermarket by hand or trailer. They may drive a small tractor to tow the trolleys.

Trolley Collectors play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and organization of retail environments, particularly in supermarkets and shopping centres. These individuals are responsible for the retrieval and management of shopping trolleys (carts), ensuring they are readily available for customer use and properly stored.

Most retail stores provide guests with shopping carts for carrying items. After transferring items to their cars, customers often leave the trolleys in the parking lot - haphazardly or in the trolley bay.

A trolley collector is a person responsible for bringing these trolleys back to the store or into the trolley bay. A trolley collector or cart attendant is an entry-level retail employee who is responsible for retrieving carts/trolleys from the parking lot.


A trolley collector is a thankless job, but someone needs to do it.

Trolleys in carpark

ANZSCO ID: 899922
   
Alternative names: Cleaning & Trolley Collector, Cart Attendant, Supermarket Shopping Trolley Collector, Convenience Cart Attendant, Cart Pusher, Lot Attendant,
   

Future Growth Strong
Knowledge, skills and attributes

This role requires diligence, physical stamina, and a commitment to safety and efficiency.

There are no educational requirements for this job. Retail stores may hire teenagers as young as 15 as cart attendants, depending on the labor laws in the state.

  • Cart attendants need to be able to meet the physical requirements of the job - the role requires walking long distances, often pushing heavy loads, and working in various weather conditions.
  • Attention to Detail: Monitoring the condition of trolleys and identifying those in need of repair.
  • A cart attendant spends most of the shift on foot walking on the hard pavement while collecting shopping carts.
  • A cart attendant should be friendly and hardworking - providing assistance and interacting with customers in a friendly and helpful manner.
  • Time Management: Efficiently managing time to ensure that trolleys are available when and where they are needed.
  • Safety Awareness: Understanding and applying safety procedures to prevent accidents.
  • Most stores restrict employees from pushing more than 10 carts at a time. However, mechanical cart collecting devices allow for the safe collection of up to 30 carts.

Trolley Collection
(Source: Wikimedia)

Duties and Tasks

Trolley Collectors are often the unsung heroes of the retail world, providing a service that significantly impacts customer satisfaction and store operations. Their primary duty is to collect abandoned trolleys from parking areas and other locations and return them to designated trolley bays or storage areas.

  • walks or drives about the site to locate trolleys
  • collects trolleys together - and returning trolleys from various locations to designated storage areas
  • either hitches trolley to vehicle or pushes trolleys back to trolley bay
  • corrals trolleys into trolley bay and performs minor repairs on damaged trolleys or removes trolley for more difficult repairs
  • reports damaged or faulty trolleys for repair or replacement.
  • monitoring cart inventory: It is the responsibility of a cart attendant to keep track of the number of shopping carts available in the store.
  • removes debris from trolleys and periodically cleans the trolley stock.
  • handling cart-related machinery: Some stores may have motorized cart retrievers or compactors. A cart attendant should be trained to operate these machines safely and efficiently and report any malfunctions.
  • maintains a safe environment by promptly addressing potential hazards related to stray trolleys.
  • organize trolleys in storage areas to maximize space efficiency and accessibility.

Between retrieving carts and helping customers, cart attendants may perform a variety of small tasks around the front of the store.

Common duties include straightening merchandise, cleaning up spills, and emptying bins.

 

Trolley Collector at work
(Source: UTC)

Working conditions

The typical cart attendant’s workday starts with clocking in to start a shift and checking in with a supervisor or manager. Cart attendants spend most of their shift retrieving carts/trolleys and helping guests carry large items to their vehicles.

Cart attendants are typically part-time employees. A cart attendant may work 10 to 30 hours, depending on their age and availability. Some retail stores issue polo shirts featuring the store’s colours and branding. All trolley collectors need to wear hi-vis jackets so customers can see them in the carpark.

Cart attendants often need to wear slacks and shoes without open toes.

There are always work opportunities for cart attendants, as this job includes a high turnover rate.

The hardest part of being a cart attendant is navigating a busy parking lot.

This job also requires you to be on your feet.

  • physically demanding
  • working outdoors.
  • receive an hourly rate

Trolley Bay
(Source: BSP Australia)

Does the Trolley Collector only collect their Supermarket's trollys from here?


Tools and technologies

Possess a driver's license, if the role requires moving trolleys between different locations or using a trolley collection vehicle.


Education and training/entrance requirements

Training for Trolley Collectors is primarily on-the-job, focusing on operational procedures, safety protocols, and customer service standards. While the position does not typically require formal education or training, it can serve as a stepping stone to other opportunities within the retail sector, such as:

Supervisory Roles: Demonstrating leadership and organizational skills can lead to supervisory positions, managing a team of trolley collectors or other retail support staff.

Retail Operations: Experience gained as a Trolley Collector can be valuable for transitioning into other roles within the retail environment, including sales, customer service, or inventory management.

You can work as a Trolley Collector without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided.

Cart attendants do not need any special education or schooling. This is an entry-level retail position. Cart attendants do not need any previous experience. It’s a common first-time job for teenagers.

However, some businesses may require new hires to watch a short introductory course.

Have completed a first aid course, though this is not a common requirement.


Employment Opportunities

Advancement opportunities for Trolley Collectors may be limited within the specific role, but the skills and experience gained can open doors to other positions within the retail industry.

Demonstrating reliability, efficiency, and a positive attitude can help Trolley Collectors move into roles with greater responsibility and potential for career growth.

Trolley Collectors play an indispensable role in ensuring the functionality and customer satisfaction of retail environments. While the position might be considered entry-level, it requires a set of specialized skills and offers valuable experience in the retail sector. For those starting their career journey or seeking a role with physical activity and customer interaction, becoming a Trolley Collector presents an opportunity to contribute significantly to the day-to-day operations of retail businesses.

Other roles that a trolley collector can become include: [linked jobs are found on other pages within On the Job]

Did You Know?

According to the Guinness World Records, the farthest push and ride of a shopping cart was 34.64 feet by Richard Firth of the United Kingdom.

Push Ride
(Source: Carts of Darkness)

 

Golf Cart Attendant
Baker

Service or PersuadingPractical or MechanicalSkill Level 1

 

Golf cart attendants are responsible for loading and maintaining golf carts and assisting members. Future Growth Strong

The golf cart attendant works closely with the Assistant and Golf Professional on the outside golf operations to assure a smooth transition for members and their guest around the club. Primary responsibility falls on service to members, efficiency of cart loading, cart cleanliness, staging, and storing.

Golf Carts
(Source: Golf)

ANZSCO ID: 899999
   

Alternative names: Golf Service Attendant, Golf Car Operator, Golf Car Attendant,
  

Specialisations: Hotel Golf Services Attendant,


Knowledge, skills and attributes

The Cart Attendant must have excellent listening skills and an eagerness to provide excellent
service. Must be flexible in meeting the varying scheduling needs of the Club and may be
required to work additional hours than scheduled, if necessary. Cart Attendants must be neat
and well-groomed in accordance to Country Club’s Team Member standards.

  • Flexible availability including days, nights, weekends and holidays.
  •  Must be able to clearly communicate Member needs to other Team Members
  •  Must be able to frequently lift and carry up to 50K
  • Must have a good knowledge of the game of golf
  •  Minimum Age 16
  •  Ability to Stand 6-8 Hours
  •  A positive attitude while on the job is also essential.

 

Unpluging carts
Cart Attendant unplugs the carts to take them out to the line for people to use. The most important part of the job is making sure the carts are charged for the day.
(Source: Piedmont Photojournalism)

Duties and Tasks

  • Meet and greet all members and their guests in a warm, friendly and professional manner in accordance with all facility policies and procedures
  •  Responsible for daily operations of range ball recovery utilizing both mechanical and hand machinery and equipment
  • Cleaning the Cart Exterior – This step ensures that the cart looks great and doesn’t suffer from any kind of exterior damage, such as stains and rust, that may otherwise spread across its surface without careful and regular inspections and upgrades from cart attendants.
  • Fix Up the Interior – At this point, the attendant may also have to clean the interior of the cart, including vacuuming the floor, removing any debris left over from the previous day, and straightening up anything on the cart that may be out of place.
  • Check the Tire Pressure – Each golf cart needs to have a proper amount of air in their tires. Attendants often have to make sure that these carts have as much air as necessary and fill them up – or leak out air if too much is in the tire – to keep them at a safe and reasonable level.
  • Charges Batteries – In both electric and gasoline carts, attendants must make sure that the batteries are fully charged. This process involves testing the battery first and then applying a charger as needed. Often, this step is handled at the end of a carting day to open up the early part of the day for other steps.
  • Refilling Gas Tanks – On courses that use gas-powered carts, the attendant needs to make sure that there is a full tank at the beginning of the end of the day. Cart attendants also disperse gas to golfers if they run out during a golfing trip. This duty is rare because few golf courses use gas-powered carts.
  • Repairing the Cart – At times, a golf cart may break down and need quick repairs. Attendants must be capable of performing some basic repairs and must possess a good knowledge of the cart’s engine and design. Though not mechanics, they can do some fixes that don’t require that kind of help.
  • Cleaning the Outdoor Areas – Most cart attendants must tend to outdoor areas near their carts and in other areas where they are assigned. Cleaning requires them to pick up trash and repair any damage that may occur to turf, if they are capable of performing them properly.
  • Taking Care of the Club House – Many golf cart attendants have to do basic cleaning steps in the club house, such as vacuuming and picking up some trash. They may also help in the pro shop by restocking items, working directly with customers on sales, and keeping track of stock.
  • Customer Service Duties – Surprisingly, a golf cart attendant also needs to work directly with customers to ensure that they are satisfied. These duties include selling beverages and snacks, making sure that they have a good golf cart, and handling any of their complaints as well.
  • Scheduling Tee Times – Though golf cart attendants aren’t usually fully in charge of tee times, they often have to help out with this process. They help out here by making sure that carts are properly documented and assigned and that no tee times get crossed with other golfers.
  •  Responsible for the collection of, organization of, and cleanliness of all range baskets used for ball transportation according to policies and procedures established by management
  •  Help keep all working areas attractive, neat and clean free of trash and waste.
  •  Responsible for washing the range balls to maintain their cleanliness and usability.
  •  Follow procedures for proper opening and closing of the cart and range operations
  •  Keep the outside area uncontested, neat, and clean. Do not allow carts to clog passage area, arrange them neatly after having been used.
  •  Inspect the condition of golf carts with specific attention to their cleanliness and appearance
  •  Responsible for cart cleanliness, cart supplies, cart condition and fueling. As well as the rotation of golf carts to ensure uniform usage amongst the fleet.
  •  Assist golf shop personnel in the tournament setup of golf carts and range operations
  •  Refer all major problems/complaints to a manager and/or assistant manager
  •  Follow procedures in management of the cart
  •  Maintain order and continuity of player traffic
  •  Tracking and reporting the need for supplies necessary for day to day operations of their given areas
  •  Perform other duties as required.

You will also be responsible for maintaining the golf course by repairing divots, raking sand traps, and picking up litter. Additionally, you will be expected to assist with managing tee times and ensuring that the pace of play is maintained.

Golf Cart Attendant
Picking up golf balls as required
(Source: Piedmont Photojournalism)

Working conditions

The Golf Cart Attendant typically get to work fairly early to ensure that they can handle the golf cart demands of the day. Some Golfers have early starts on the golf course and the golf cart attendant has to be ready for them.

The Golf Cart Attendant unlock the cart sheds – if this is considered part of their job duties – and drive each cart out to the cart parking area. This spot is usually chosen for its proximity to the entrance and where golfers are likely to begin their trip. All carts are parked in specific areas that vary depending on the golf course.

Then, each cart is carefully inspected and cleaned to make sure that they are in good shape.

The carts are usually taken out in most weather conditions except for storms - must be able to work outside in all weather conditions, including rain and wind, etc..

Reinforcement of Rules

When golfers feel that they are not being watched, some will opt to bend or ignore some of the rules of the course. “NO Ranger, NO cart restrictions!” One of the biggest detriments to the golf course is ignoring cart restricted areas. By driving a cart across wet fairways it can take weeks to heal and encourages other players to cross over to drive on the course. Help your maintenance staff by circling the course to discourage this disobedience. Just the presence of staff driving by every couple holes can keep those outlying golfers in line.


Tools and technologies

Knowledge of working with point-of-sale systems, motor vehicles, ball washers, and powered equipment such as leaf blowers, lawnmowers, etc.

Responsible for daily operations of range ball recovery utilizing both mechanical and hand
machinery and equipment.

Utilize IBS software to book tee times, run reports, manage memberships, and manage retail.

Use POS system to correctly input transactions and reporting of sales.

Smashed
Even when things may run smooth, there’s always a bad day.
This is a totalled cart the boys had to tow back up to the barn.

(Source: Piedmont Photojournalism)


Education and training/entrance requirements

Those who want to get involved in the golf course business often find that cart attendants are a good entry-level position.

In many ways, you are the customer service representatives of a course and must know how to present a pleasant and happy façade.

Though experience isn’t always a requirement, those who have worked in this field are much more likely to get a job and enhance their career model.

However, higher-end golf carts may require you to have some type of training in recreation, such as work through TAFE.

That said, most of your training is going to be on-job.

You’ll learn how to repair carts and divots while you work at a course.

And you’ll also learn how to handle basic cleaning steps, how to handle a cart, ways to check oil, gas, and battery levels, and much more.


Employment Opportunities


There are a broad range of duties that a golf cart attendant must perform. Not all of these duties are related to the cart, interestingly enough, but also require taking care of the club house and other steps.

In many ways, cart attendants are one of the most important workers on a golf course and are in some ways the backbone of any successful golf course.

Many Golf Cart Attendants work their way up from attendants to landscape professionals and even caddies, all of which can be very rewarding jobs.

 

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Butcher

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Florist

Hairdresser

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Chef

Greengrocer

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Beautician

Newsagent

Pharmacist

Locksmith

Retail Manager

Funeral Director

Pastrycook

Entrepreneur

Barista

Tattoo Artist

Auctioneer

Events Coordinator