Nursery Associate

Department: Nursery

Reports To: Nursery Department Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Year-Round with Seasonal Layoff Period January-February

Job Type: In Person

Schedule Note: This position is year-round; however, employees typically experience a temporary layoff in January and February each year. Employees may request available work in another department or may submit an unemployment claim. Alternate work is not guaranteed, but the company will make every effort to provide work when available.

About Esbenshade's

Esbenshade's is more than a garden center. We are a family-owned business with deep roots, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for helping things grow. For more than 60 years, we have built our reputation on innovation, exceptional customer service and lasting vendor partnerships.

We are proud of a culture that values hard work, creativity, collaboration and family. As we continue to grow, we are looking for team members who want to make an impact while staying grounded in the values that define us.

Job Summary

The Nursery Associate provides polite, prompt and courteous service to customers while supporting the daily operations of the Nursery department. This role assists customers with plant material and related products, helps maintain a clean and organized nursery area, and supports department merchandising, register, loading, unloading and general maintenance needs.

The ideal candidate is patient, helpful and eager to learn about plants and nursery products. Nursery Associates should be interested in helping customers bring their outdoor visions and projects to life while contributing to a positive and successful shopping experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to customers, employees and management.
• Approach customers with a helpful attitude, offer assistance, answer questions politely and support a positive shopping experience.
• Proactively assist customers with plant material and related nursery products.
• Maintain good communication with customers, employees and management.
• Keep the nursery area clean, neat, safe and organized, including removing trash and sweeping walkways as needed.
• Assist with loading and unloading customer vehicles and delivery trucks.
• Stay informed about weekly sales items throughout the Nursery department.
• Operate the nursery register and assist with customer checkout as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of the Customer Loyalty Card Program.
• Support the Nursery Department Manager with daily department operations and assigned tasks.
• Follow all company safety rules and exercise caution in all activities.
• Complete other duties assigned by a supervisor or management personnel.

Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to provide friendly, patient and helpful customer service.
• Tactful, cheerful, sincere, polite, honest, encouraging and accommodating approach with customers and team members.
• Interest in learning about plants, nursery products and customer project needs.
• Basic tree and shrub knowledge is helpful, but not required.
• Simple computer experience or willingness to learn.
• Willingness to learn to operate a cash register.
• Willingness to learn and safely operate small equipment, including a small electric chain saw and tree drill.

Education and Experience

• Basic knowledge of trees, shrubs and nursery products is helpful, but not required.
• Previous retail, customer service, nursery, landscaping, or garden center experience is helpful.
• Any combination of education, experience and willingness to learn that prepares the candidate for this role will be considered.

Work Schedule and Physical Requirements

• Must be available to work evenings and Saturdays as needed.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods, up to 6 to 8 hours.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain, snow and sleet.
• January and February typically include a temporary layoff period, with possible alternate work in other departments when available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Esbenshade's is an equal opportunity employer. We value teamwork, respect and a positive work environment, and we welcome qualified candidates who are excited to contribute to our continued growth.

How To Apply

Complete this Online Application, submit a paper application to our Lititz Store OR email resume to [email protected].