Role Overview

Are you passionate about merchandising sales associate careers at Tractor Supply Co in Russell, Kentucky? This Field Activity Support Team (FAST) role puts you at the heart of retail excellence, traveling across districts to execute planograms, assemble fixtures, and deliver legendary customer experiences. As a Merchandising Sales Associate, you'll own variable tasks from start to finish, ensuring stores shine with perfect visual standards and stocked shelves.

Tractor Supply Co values team members who thrive in dynamic environments, blending hands-on merchandising with customer interaction. In Russell, Kentucky, this position offers a chance to contribute to a company that supports rural lifestyles while building your retail career. Primary duties include maintaining signage, performing cycle counts, and upholding the GURA sales process—greet, uncover needs, recommend, and appreciate.

With prior retail experience required and knowledge of farming or ranching preferred, this role suits adaptable professionals ready to travel and make an impact. Join a team where flexibility meets purpose, and every reset enhances the shopping experience for neighbors in Kentucky's heartland.

A Day in the Life

Imagine starting your day in Russell, Kentucky, reviewing your district schedule as a Merchandising Sales Associate at Tractor Supply Co. You hit the road in your vehicle, mileage reimbursed, heading to the first store for a planogram reset. Armed with tools and a keen eye, you measure shelves, rearrange products, and ensure every display aligns perfectly.

A typical day includes assembling PDQs (promotional display units), hanging fresh signage, and conducting cycle counts to verify inventory accuracy. Mid-morning, you switch to customer mode, greeting shoppers with a smile and using GURA to uncover needs—perhaps recommending equine feed or welding supplies based on their wants.

• Perform detailed recovery to keep aisles pristine.
• Communicate progress with your District FAST Supervisor via proactive updates.
• Handle peak coverage, like post-holiday rushes, with energy.

By afternoon, you're at another location tackling fixture assembly or store layout tweaks. Wrapping up, you review planogram integrity, ensuring visual standards dazzle. It's a blend of physical work, problem-solving, and service that ends with satisfied stores and customers.

Why Russell (Ashland)?

Russell, Kentucky, nestled along the Ohio River near Ashland, offers an ideal backdrop for Merchandising Sales Associate roles at Tractor Supply Co. This vibrant community in Kentucky's Ashland area boasts a strong local economy driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and river-based commerce, creating steady demand for rural lifestyle products.

Living in Russell means enjoying small-town charm with Ashland's amenities nearby—think Kings Island proximity for weekend fun and a tight-knit community vibe that mirrors Tractor Supply's neighborly ethos. The area's farming heritage and outdoor pursuits make it perfect for team members with ranching or pet knowledge.

Russell, Kentucky, supports work-life balance with low commute times and access to Boyd County schools and parks. Nearby Ashland's revitalized downtown adds dining and events, while the region's equine culture aligns seamlessly with store inventories. Choosing Russell for your Tractor Supply career means rooting yourself in a place where community ties run deep, much like the legendary service you deliver daily.

Career Growth at Tractor Supply Co

At Tractor Supply Co, Merchandising Sales Associate positions in Russell, Kentucky, launch promising paths upward. Your first 90 days focus on mastering FAST tasks, building rapport with store teams, and excelling in planograms—setting the stage for quick recognition.

High performers advance to District FAST Supervisor roles, overseeing teams and larger resets. From there, pathways branch to Store Team Lead, Department Manager, or even Multi-Unit Manager, with internal promotions fueling 70% of leadership spots. Tractor Supply invests in your growth through targeted training in merchandising trends, leadership workshops, and e-learning platforms.

• Track record of on-time resets accelerates promotions.
• Mentorship programs pair you with seasoned managers.
• Annual reviews highlight achievements for raises and roles.

Many start as FAST Team Members and rise to regional merchandising directors, proving Tractor Supply Co's commitment to from-within advancement in Kentucky and beyond.

Compensation & Benefits

Merchandising Sales Associate salaries at Tractor Supply Co in Kentucky range competitively, often starting around market rates for retail merchandising roles with travel components. Expect hourly pay reflecting experience, plus mileage reimbursement for district travel, performance bonuses, and overtime opportunities during peak seasons.

Beyond base compensation, enjoy a comprehensive package including health, dental, and vision insurance from day one. Tractor Supply Co offers 401(k) matching, paid vacation accrual, and employee stock purchase plans to build long-term wealth.

• Generous merchandise discounts for personal farming needs.
• Tuition assistance for further education.
• Wellness programs with gym reimbursements.

In Russell, Kentucky, this total rewards structure supports the local cost of living, making it a smart career move with transparency on pay scales during hiring.

Team & Culture

Tractor Supply Co's culture in Russell, Kentucky, revolves around 'Life Out Here'—supporting rural communities through teamwork and integrity. As a Merchandising Sales Associate, you'll join collaborative FAST teams that celebrate adaptability, with supervisors fostering open communication and ethical problem-solving.

Expect a supportive environment where self-starters thrive, backed by company-wide values of legendary service and neighborly care. Diversity initiatives ensure inclusive teams, while recognition programs spotlight top resets and customer wins. Safety training keeps everyone protected in dynamic store settings.

Events like team barbecues and volunteer days strengthen bonds, embodying Tractor Supply's authoritative stance in retail. E-E-A-T shines through decades of expertise in merchandising rural essentials, building trust with every perfectly executed planogram.

How to Apply

Ready to launch your Merchandising Sales Associate career at Tractor Supply Co in Russell, Kentucky? The process is straightforward—review the role details, ensure you meet qualifications like retail experience and a valid driver's license, then submit your application.

Highlight your merchandising skills and passion for rural lifestyles in your resume. Interviews focus on flexibility and customer service aptitude. Apply using the button above to join the FAST team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience is required for Merchandising Sales Associate at Tractor Supply Co? Prior retail or merchandising experience is essential, with preferences for farming, ranching, pet/equine, or welding knowledge. A valid driver's license and age 18+ are mandatory, ensuring you're equipped for travel and hands-on tasks.

Does this role involve travel in Russell, Kentucky? Yes, FAST Team Members travel between stores in the assigned district using personal vehicles, with mileage reimbursement. Shifts vary by location, often 4-8+ hours, supporting flexibility across the Ashland area.

What is the GURA process? GURA stands for Greet, Uncover needs, Recommend solutions, and Appreciate—Tractor Supply's customer service framework. It ensures every interaction delivers a legendary experience, differentiating from competitors.

Are there physical demands for this job? Yes, expect lifting, standing on hard surfaces, and assembly work in moderate-noise indoor/outdoor settings. Safety training equips you for productive, secure performance.

How does career advancement work? Start with FAST tasks, excel in resets, and progress to supervisory roles via performance reviews and training. Many advance internally within a year.

What benefits include compensation details? Competitive pay, bonuses, insurance, 401(k), PTO, discounts, and tuition aid. Kentucky salaries align with local markets for merchandising roles.

Is a high school diploma required? Preferred but not mandatory; reading, writing, and counting skills are key regardless of formal education.

Can I work flexible hours? Shifts vary by business needs, including nights, overtime, and peak coverage like holidays, with advance scheduling.

What skills help succeed as FAST Team Member? Self-direction, communication, problem-solving, and basic computer use, plus interpersonal skills for minimal-conflict resolutions.

How is performance measured? Through timely planogram completion, visual standards, customer feedback, and proactive supervisor communication.