Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager - Lititz Retail Nursery

Position Title

Nursery Manager

Department

Retail Nursery Department

Reports To

Store Manager

Classification

Full-Time

Location

Lititz Retail Nursery, Lititz, PA

Experience Requirement

Nursery, landscaping, horticulture, woody ornamental, or closely related retail experience is required; management experience is preferred.

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 leaders who want to make an impact while staying grounded in the values that define us.

Job Summary

The Nursery Manager is responsible for the day-to-day direction of the Nursery Department at the Lititz retail location. This role oversees nursery operations, customer service, merchandising, plant care, inventory, labor, expenses, safety and team leadership to support a clean, profitable and customer-focused department.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in trees, shrubs, woody ornamentals, nursery stock, landscaping and retail sales, along with a hands-on leadership style and a desire to continually build product knowledge. This position directly supervises Nursery associates and plays an important role in helping customers bring their outdoor visions and projects to life.

Key Responsibilities

Department Management

• Manage daily operations within the Nursery Department, including staffing, merchandising, cleanliness, safety, customer service and sales performance.
• Take responsibility for general cleanup, maintenance and presentation of the nursery yard and related display areas.
• Maintain a clean and safe nursery environment, carefully monitoring trip hazards and ensuring employees follow safety rules and exercise caution in all activities.
• Manage department inventory, sales, labor and expenses to support a profitable department.
• Manage hard goods inventory, including mulch, stone and related nursery supplies.
• Complete purchase orders and department paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Partner with store leadership, buyers, vendors and other departments to support store operations and customer service.

Team Leadership

• Directly supervise Nursery Department associates.
• Train, manage, schedule, coach and support department employees to maintain strong service, productivity and accountability.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers, employees, vendors and management.
• Attend employee meetings and training sessions and support ongoing department knowledge and skill development.
• Provide cross coverage in other departments as needed to support the overall store operation.

Buying, Inventory and Plant Care

• Monitor inventory levels and communicate reordering needs to buyers to maintain appropriate product availability.
• Maintain knowledge of weekly sales items and keep cashiers updated on in-store and advertised Nursery Department specials.
• Ensure plants receive proper care, including watering, fertilizing, pest management, pruning and general maintenance.
• Provide attractive, creative and properly signed displays for customers, including seasonal rotation of flowering plants as appropriate.
• Support mulch and nursery deliveries, including loading and unloading trees, shrubs and hard goods for customers and vendors.

Customer Experience

• Provide polite, prompt, energetic, enthusiastic and courteous service to every customer.
• Approach customers with a smile and positive attitude, offer assistance as needed, answer questions politely and follow up when additional information is needed.
• Use strong product knowledge and communication skills to suggest helpful solutions, product tie-ins and add-on sales.
• Support Esbenshade's Customer Loyalty Card Program and help customers understand available benefits.
• Do everything possible to provide customers with a positive, successful shopping experience that encourages them to return.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of trees, shrubs, woody ornamentals and nursery stock is required.
• Good knowledge or background in nursery stock, water gardening, landscaping and retail sales is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, pest-control methods and related nursery products, or the ability to quickly build this knowledge.
• Ability to solve problems, make sound decisions and provide helpful suggestions to customers.
• Ability to move and set up displays, pot up nursery stock, maintain nursery areas and support hands-on department work.
• High level of initiative, strong work and personal ethics and a desire for excellence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with customers, employees, vendors and management.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in nursery, landscaping and retail sales preferred.
• Management experience helpful.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license required.
• Ability and willingness to be trained to operate a forklift, Bobcat and other necessary equipment is required.

Work Schedule and Physical Requirements

• Full-time schedule with availability Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays, though some Sunday plant care may be required.
• Every other Saturday during the regular season, with a weekday off.
• Required availability every Saturday during spring peak season and the Christmas holiday season.
• Shared responsibility for store opening and closing with other managers.
• Willingness to work evenings, typically one to three per week.
• Overtime may be required during the busy spring season and other peak periods.
• Ability to open and close the store when scheduled.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand and work on your feet for long periods of time, including 10- to 12-hour shifts during peak seasons.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow and high humidity.
• Ability to commute or relocate to Lititz, PA before starting work is required.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

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

To apply, please submit your resume to [email protected] or fill out an online application.