Assistant Store Manager - Spencer's

Hourly rate ranges from $15.00 - $15.25 per hour and is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include: Company Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Pay, Jury Duty Pay, Contest Prize Awards, 401K Plan with Company Match, Medical/Dental/Vision Plans, Employee Assistance Program, 30% Merchandise Discount, College Scholarship Award. All Bonuses, Awards and Benefits subject to qualifications and eligibility. Brand: Spencer's The Assistant Store Manager is responsible for establishing and maintaining Guest Services. The Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting the Store Manager in the various tasks involved in the overall operation of a store, ensuring maximum sales and profitability by developing staff, controlling expenses and shrinkage as well as all aspects of merchandising and inventory control in adherence with all Company policies and procedures. The minimum age requirement for an Assistant Store Manager is 18. The physical demands of the job require in excess of 8 hours of standing, walking, climbing ladders and lifting up to 50 pounds. Prior retail and or management experience is required. As an equal opportunity employer, Spencer Gifts – Spirit Halloween considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state/provincial, or local law. Spencer Gifts – Spirit Halloween will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.

Store Manager - Spencer's

Hourly rate ranges from $19.23 - $19.48 per hour and is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include: Company Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Pay, Jury Duty Pay, Monthly Sales Bonus, Yearly Shrink Bonus, Champions Club Bonus, Contest Prize Awards, 401K Plan with Company Match, Medical/Dental/Vision Plans, Employee Assistance Program, 30% Discount Merchandise, College Scholarship Award. All Bonuses, Awards and Benefits subject to qualifications and eligibility. Brand: Spencer's The Store Manager is responsible for establishing and maintaining Guest Services. The Store Manager oversees and is accountable for the operation of a store, ensuring maximum sales and profitability through controlling expenses, shrinkage, human resources management as well as all aspects of merchandising and inventory control in adherence with all Company policies and procedures. The minimum age requirement for a Store Manager is 21. The physical demands of the job require in excess of 8 hours of standing, walking, climbing ladders and lifting up to 50 pounds. Prior retail management experience is required. As an equal opportunity employer, Spencer Gifts – Spirit Halloween considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state/provincial, or local law. Spencer Gifts – Spirit Halloween will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.

Seasonal Licensed Healthcare Team Lead

Be the spark that brightens days and ignite your career with TTEC's award-winning employment experience. Our employees have spoken. Our purpose, team, and company culture are amazing and our Great Place to Work® certification in the United States says it all! What You'll Do Do you love leading? Looking for an opportunity to learn more about the industry and gain direct management experience? You'll motivate your team to make sure they're on track to meet goals. You'll answer associate's questions, issues, and customer escalation while ensuring quality customer experience on every call as you're the first line manager for your team. You'll report to the Ops Manager. We're looking for a leader to Act as one, as you will encourage and motivate you team to resolve issues, accomplish goals and influence their career mobility. During a Typical Day, You'll Coach associates to ensure achievement of company and client goals while addressing employee related issues and coordinating training on new or revised information relating to services, products or processes of projects Manage multiple, complex, ongoing tasks and projects while monitoring absence and attendance of your team Motivate and mentor your team with your open, honest manner and in providing feedback and acknowledging a job well done Have an active Resident State Health Insurance License What You Bring to the Role Associate degree, technical school or equivalent work experience Promote a performance-driven culture and always work towards reaching for amazing Engage and support your team in making sure they have the proper tools and systems to accomplish day-to-day tasks Mentor and inspire others Customer-focused mindset Computer experience with MS Office, customer relationship management applications, and learning management systems. Compensation and Benefits The anticipated range for individuals expressing interest in this position is $19-$22/hr. Visit https://www.ttecjobs.com/en/us-employee-benefits for more information. What You Can Expect Supportive of your career and professional development An inclusive culture and community minded organization where giving back is encouraged A global team of curious lifelong learners guided by our company values Ask us about our paid time off (PTO) and wellness and healthcare benefits And yes a great compensation package and performance bonus opportunities, benefits you'd expect and maybe a few that would pleasantly surprise you (like tuition reimbursement) About TTEC Our business is about making customers happy. That's all we do. Since 1982, we've helped companies build engaged, pleased, profitable customer experiences powered by our combination of humanity and technology. On behalf of many of the world's leading iconic and hypergrowth brands, we talk, message, text, and video chat with millions of customers every day. These exceptional customer experiences start with you. TTEC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. TTEC embraces and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that respects and empowers the cultures and perspectives within our global teams. We aim to reflect the communities we serve, by not only delivering amazing service and technology, but also humanity. We make it a point to make sure all our employees feel valued, belonging, and comfortable being their authentic selves at work. As a global company, we know diversity is our strength because it enables us to view things from different vantage points and for you to bring value to the table in your own unique way. LI- Remote

How Hiring CDL-A Solo and Team Company Drivers

Kottke Trucking, Inc. is Now Hiring CDL-A Solo and Team Company Drivers! Competitive Pay - Consistent Home Time - 98% No-Touch Freight $2,500 Referral Bonus 1 Week Paid Vacation per Referral Top Pay & Benefits for Company Drivers: Solo Company Drivers: Earn up to $1,200-$1,700 weekly Team Company Drivers: Earn up to $3,000-$5,000 weekly, split 98% no-touch freight $2,500 Referral bonus 1 week paid vacation per referral 401(k) with company match up to 3% of wages Medical, dental, and vision plans - short/long-term disability Full benefits Monthly bonus program Join Our Kottke Family - Get Started: STEP ONE: Request info by submitting this form STEP TWO: Complete the Kottke online driver application (Provided upon completion of step one and takes about 10 min) STEP THREE: We will contact you at the number provided to connect you with a recruiter Additional Driver Benefits: Regular and consistent home time Paid vacation - 2 weeks after 1 year Detention, layover, and stop pay Passenger & pet policy Clean DOT inspection bonus Newer equipment: 53' refrigerated freight Route Info: Solo Company Drivers home every 10-12 days & position will run all the Midwest to Southeast, covering our entire customer base Team position will run all the Midwest to the Southeast, with a lot of runs between Minnesota and Georgia Will pull 53' refrigerated freight, dry van freight, and produce Interested in Driving for Kottke? Apply Today! Requirements: CDL Class A License 12 months of experience Pass DOT physical and drug screen Approved driving record About Kottke: Kottke is family-owned and operated by former truck drivers. Since 1938, Kottke has prided itself in knowing that there is nothing more important to the trucking industry than the men and women who are behind the wheel of our rigs. Our mission at Kottke Trucking, Inc. can be stated simply: Delivering world-class logistics services. We provide dependable customer service using a team that emits integrity and excellence. After eight decades of being in business, Kottke Trucking, Inc. has established itself as an eminent presence in the transportation industry. Service-driven, with old-fashioned work ethics, we strive to build long-term customer relationships through outstanding customer service. As We Grow, We Are in Search of More Drivers to Join Our Family - Apply Today!

STNA (Birch) - Full Time, 3rd Shift, Weekend Warrior

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION The primary purpose of this position is to support the licensed staff by giving direct resident care and performing Nurse aide functions such as care for the personal needs and comfort of residents under the supervision of a Charge Nurse, and in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, Birchaven Village policy and procedure, Birchaven Village ethical statement and resident rights, subject to the employee handbook. JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Duty 1: Demonstrate knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to needs of the residents served on his/her neighborhood. To facilitate the identification and reporting of changes in resident condition or behavior. Duty 2: Provide direct resident care and room preparation as directed by the nursing staff to address resident needs and safety. Duty 3: Communicate ordering needs to inventory personnel to restock resident care supplies as needed and provide adequate stock to meet daily resident care needs. Duty 4: Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor. Duty 5: Displays service excellence and emulates the standards of behavior as evidenced by practicing the mission, vision, and values of the organization to promote resident satisfaction. Duty 6: Complies with organizational policies, procedures, and practices to ensure quality job performance and regulatory compliance. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Meet the minimum required age of 16 years old Active registry as a State Tested Nurse Aide with the State of Ohio Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required. Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to needs of the residents served on his/her neighborhood. The individual must demonstrate basic knowledge of the principles related to the aging adult and problems associated with aging. Possess the ability to assess data reflective of the resident status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each residents needs. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position requires a full range of body motion with intermittent activities in walking, sitting, lifting, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting and standing. The associate will be required to lift 50 pounds or more. This position requires individuals to lift work above the shoulder. The associate must have corrected vision and hearing in the normal range. Individual must have excellent communication skills to perform daily tasks. This position is classified at risk for possible occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (HBV, HIV etc.)

Senior Assistant Store Manager

Hourly rate ranges from $17.00 - $17.25 per hour and is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include: Company Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Pay, Jury Duty Pay, Contest Prize Awards, 401K Plan with Company Match, Medical/Dental/Vision Plans, Employee Assistance Program, 30% Merchandise Discount, College Scholarship Award. All Bonuses, Awards and Benefits subject to qualifications and eligibility. The Assistant Store Manager is responsible for establishing and maintaining Guest Services. The Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting the Store Manager in the various tasks involved in the overall operation of a store, ensuring maximum sales and profitability by developing staff, controlling expenses and shrinkage as well as all aspects of merchandising and inventory control in adherence with all Company policies and procedures. This position will work up to 38 hours per week. The minimum age requirement for an Assistant Store Manager is 18. The physical demands of the job require in excess of 8 hours of standing, walking, climbing ladders and lifting up to 50 pounds. Prior retail and or management experience is required. As an equal opportunity employer, Spencer Gifts – Spirit Halloween considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state/provincial, or local law. Spencer Gifts – Spirit Halloween will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.

Now Hiring Student Truck Driver - No CDL/Experience Necessary

TMC is now hiring Student Company Drivers! Earn $100,000 Annually - Home Weekends No CDL? No Problem! Why Choose TMC? New drivers are earning $100,000 annually! Drivers average $1,350 - $1,600 weekly Home Weekends - Our flatbed drivers typically run within a 1,200-mile radius of their home Health Insurance - Medical, dental, vision, and prescription Top-quality Peterbilt equipment Paid orientation & training - No upfront costs to you! Get Started: STEP ONE: Request info by submitting this form STEP TWO: Complete the TMC online driver application (Provided upon completion of step one and takes about 10 min) STEP THREE: A recruiter will contact you at the number provided to review your application Obtain Your Class A CDL & a High-Quality Trucking Job with TMC! Apply Today! Additional Benefits: Weekly pay & direct deposit Paid vacation Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) 401(k) with company match Eligible for CDL School Tuition Reimbursement Orientation & Training: TMC's in-house CDL Training is a three-week program that educates you in all the basics required to obtain a Class A license while earning $500 per week. Our CDL programs are located in Des Moines, Iowa, and Columbia, South Carolina . We provide transportation to training, lodging while training, and some of your meals. Week 1 (Monday-Sunday): A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on load securement training. Week 2 (Monday-Sunday): Equipment familiarization and learning how to complete a thorough DOT Pre-Trip Inspection along with backing and driving instruction. For the remainder of training (Monday-Friday) go out with a driver trainer for experience on the road! Home time is important to us, so we try our best to pair you with a trainer who lives within 150 miles of your home so you can enjoy your weekends with friends or family. Best-in-Class Training - TMC has been training students for almost 30 years Transportation to training, lodging, and some meals provided TMC takes care of all the Class A transfer paperwork back to your state of residency Requirements: CDL Learner's permit from your state of residence No recent DOT-reportable accidents or DUIs Military experience equivalency may substitute for some requirements Obtain Your Class A CDL & a High-Quality Trucking Job with TMC! Apply Today! TMC is proud to receive the 2023 Top Ten Military Friendly® Employer designation presented by Viqtory Media. TMC has been selected each year since 2017 for this recognition. An additional distinction given to TMC is the Top Ten Military Friendly® Spouse Employer award.

Fleet Maintenance Fueler Washer

Location: 11 Warehouse Row Albany, NY, 12205 What’s the Job? Ready to accelerate your career while helping our customers move forward? As a Fleet Maintenance Fueler Washer at Penske, you’ll do exactly that. You will make sure vehicles are fueled, clean and safe before they hit the road again. You will be the face of Penske—the person greeting our customers when they arrive and the one sending them off with a smile. Why join Penske as a Fleet Maintenance Fueler Washer, you ask? It’s simple. Maybe you’ve always had an interest in vehicle maintenance but haven’t had the chance to pursue it. This is the perfect place to start. No experience is required. We will introduce you to our vehicle maintenance processes. We will teach you how to use our leading-edge technology. In fact, the training and experience you get here will help you advance to become a technician. And you’ll get to do that learning at a company that offers career stability and competitive benefits. Talk about an amazing opportunity. It’s about going above and beyond for our customers—the way Penske goes above and beyond for you. It’s about building meaningful relationships. It’s about keeping our customers moving forward. Main Responsibilities: • Greeting our customers and making sure they have a great experience as you fuel and wash vehicles • Performing vehicle readiness inspections to make sure tires, fluids, and other basic maintenance items are done • Helping make sure our facilities are clean, safe environments for our customers and associates • Building your skills through training and hands-on coaching to perform minor repairs such as installing mounted tires, replacing or rotating tires and performing preventive maintenance repairs • Completing other projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor Why Penske is for You: • Competitive starting salary: $22.00/ hr. • Shift Premiums: $3.00 (2nd shift), $4.00 (3rd shift) • Career stability • Opportunity for growth • Excellent benefits, including lots of time off: Benefits - Penske ( https://penske.jobs/benefits/) • Strong, well-rounded training programs • Advanced vehicle maintenance technology • Location and schedule flexibility General Requirements: • High school diploma, equivalent, or prior work experience preferred • Valid driver’s license required • Excellent customer service and communication skills • The ability to work well as part of a team • The ability and willingness to work outside • Basic mechanical ability and tool usage (preferred) • Basic computer skills • The associate will be required to understand and comply with specific instructions, guidelines, rules, regulations, or other information established by Penske management • The associate must be able to perform all work adhering to DOT, OSHA, and all Penske safety and maintenance policies; including but not limited to the correct selection and use of appropriate tools, PPE, machine guarding, and established best safety practice. • Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job • As this position requires driving Penske and customer vehicles, it is regulated by the DOT and requires a current driver qualification file to be maintained as required by the role. The driver qualification file includes: an annual motor vehicle records (MVR) check, a successfully completed DOT Physical, and Safety Performance History records request from prior employers in the last 3 years. Additionally, CDL holders will have a DOT Drug Screening within 30 days of start and subject to a FMCSA Clearinghouse review. • Willingness to work the required schedule, work at the specific location required, complete Penske employment application, submit to a background screening (to include criminal checks, past employment and education), the ability to pass a drug screen and physical as required by the Department of Transportation, and potential travel within a near geography for training are required. This position is regulated by the Department of Transportation or designated as safety sensitive by the company, and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner is required. Associates must have the ability to accept responsibility for their own safety, as well as the safety of others. Physical Requirements: The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • While performing the duties of this job, the associate will be required to move frequently, stand, walk, climb, bend, and sit for extended length of time throughout their scheduled working period. • The associate is required to use their hands on a routine and daily basis to grasp, reach, touch, handle, feel, and/or otherwise operate required tools or controls. • The associate must be able to work safely at heights using applicable ladders and elevated working platforms. • The associate must be able to safely work in all weather conditions. • Given the frequent movement of large trucks through the workplace, the associate must be able to see and hear in order to safely navigate the work environment. • The associate must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50lbs/23kg and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100lbs/45kg. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer About Penske Truck Leasing/Transportation Solutions Penske Truck Leasing/Transportation Solutions is a premier global transportation provider that delivers essential and innovative transportation, logistics and technology services to help companies and people move forward. With headquarters in Reading, PA, Penske and its associates are driven by a dedication to excellence and a commitment to customer success. Visit Go Penske to learn more. Job Category: Vehicle Maintenance/Mechanics/Technicians Job Family: Vehicle Maintenance Address: 11 Warehouse Row Primary Location: US-NY-Albany Employer: Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. Req ID: 2509315

Senior Internal Auditor

Job Summary Job Description Job Summary: Internal Audit at Medline provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services to management in order to add and protect organizational value. Internal Audit follows a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, controls and governance in support of the overall organization’s objective to make healthcare run better. A Senior Internal Auditor works in conjunction with IA Leadership and company management to primarily support the execution of the annual audit plan which is approved by the Audit Committee. While executing planned financial and operational audits a Senior Internal Auditor assists the department in independently and objectively highlighting control gaps, unmitigated risk, compliance concerns, and process improvements. Senior Internal Auditors will also provide support for department initiatives such as data analytic projects, updates to our audit approach, and ad hoc requests from our business partners. CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Fulfill activities to support the execution of individual audits including risk assessments and scoping, audit planning, control testing and communication of fieldwork results to IA Leadership and process owners Develop an understanding of the business processes and corresponding risks related to our businesses Share audit findings; offering recommendations and insights to enhance Medline’s control environment Compose audit issues for inclusion in formal audit reports to management based on fieldwork findings Maintain knowledge and understanding of audit/accounting standards, and emerging industry and regulatory risks Partner with process owners; reviewing remediation activities to monitor and report on the status of audit issues Exhibit the highest standards of professionalism and independence in the execution of all duties Mentor and train new auditors and rotational team members on the audit process Support department and division initiatives Basic Qualifications: Education Bachelor's degree Relevant Work Experience 3-5 years of internal auditing, accounting, or controllership experience Additional Excellent verbal and written communication skills with success summarizing audit issues, risks and insights Demonstration of key finance and/or operational competencies including knowledge of internal controls Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time Strong organization and project management skills Proficient in understanding and documenting processes Capable of prioritizing and executing across multiple work streams Prior experience or interest in using analytics to evaluate processes and communicate findings Ability to work through ambiguity Desire to work in a team and results driven organization Preferred Qualifications: Education Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field Certification / Licensure CPA or equivalent, CIA, CFE, CISA Additional SAP experience Medline Industries, LP, and its subsidiaries, offer a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization. The anticipated salary range for this position: $85,280.00 - $123,760.00 Annual The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s location, education, experience, skills, and abilities. This role is bonus and/or incentive eligible. Medline will not pay less than the applicable minimum wage or salary threshold. Our benefit package includes health insurance, life and disability, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, etc., for employees working 30 or more hours per week on average. For a more comprehensive list of our benefits please click here . For roles where employees work less than 30 hours per week, benefits include 401(k) contributions as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups and the Employee Service Corp. We’re dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career. We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best. Explore our Belonging page here . Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodivergence, protected veteran status, marital or family status, caregiver responsibilities, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Global Trade Compliance Analyst (Williamston, MI)

Job Summary As the Global Trade Compliance Analyst (US), you are responsible for ensuring Medline trade compliance by adhering to US import and export regulations. This position supports all US divisions. A successful candidate will participate in projects related to people, process, and systems improvement. This individual reports to the Senior Manager, Global Trade Compliance and collaborates with other Global Trade Compliance professionals to assist in developing our overall trade compliance program. Job Description MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Uphold all trade laws and regulations and ensure compliance at a corporate level. Assist with developing, writing, and publishing important and export policies and procedures, internal SOPs, compliance manuals. Assist with management of broker compliance and efforts for quarterly broker review. Resolve day to day issues with trade compliance that arise. Collaborate with business units to proactively identify compliance issues and comply with regulatory obligations. Audit trade compliance data and post entry data, and correct issues. Participate in initiatives such as CTPAT, Drawback, and Reconciliation. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor’s Degree (International Trade, Audit, Business or related field preferred). Certification / Licensure: Customs Brokers License, Certified Customers Specialist (CCS), or other trade compliance credential preferred. Work Experience: Minimum 1-3 years of import/export Global Trade Compliance experience with international responsibilities. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Working knowledge and experience with FTZ, FDA submission, EPA, APHIS. Ability to classify a variety of goods using general rules of interpretation, harmonized tariff schedule, chapter & selection notes, explanatory notes, schedule B, and ECCN. Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, Word, Access). Understanding of valuation topics such as assists and royalties, Export processes, documentation, and compliance. Country of origin determination, TAA, textile rules of origin. Customs Entry Process. Import process for finished goods/returns into the US. GRI Rules and Essential Character determination. PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS: Work Experience: Experience with SAP and Trade Automation (E20pen). Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Able to prioritize and work independently on multiple tasks. Ability to work in a changing and ambiguous environment redefining priorities and processes to scale as needed. Ability to interpret, analyze, and effectively present information. Understanding of CATAIR and/or Supplemental Guide. Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally up to 10%. Medline Industries, LP, and its subsidiaries, offer a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization. The anticipated salary range for this position: $62,400.00 - $90,480.00 Annual The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s location, education, experience, skills, and abilities. This role is bonus and/or incentive eligible. Medline will not pay less than the applicable minimum wage or salary threshold. Our benefit package includes health insurance, life and disability, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, etc., for employees working 30 or more hours per week on average. For a more comprehensive list of our benefits please click here . For roles where employees work less than 30 hours per week, benefits include 401(k) contributions as well as access to the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups and the Employee Service Corp. We’re dedicated to creating a Medline where everyone feels they belong and can grow their career. We strive to do this by seeking diversity in all forms, acting inclusively, and ensuring that people have tools and resources to perform at their best. Explore our Belonging page here . Medline Industries, LP is an equal opportunity employer. Medline evaluates qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodivergence, protected veteran status, marital or family status, caregiver responsibilities, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.