Nursery Team Leader

Overview

Since 1956, Berns Garden Center and Landscaping has been the heart and soul of delivering exceptional horticulture and landscaping services to our community in Southwest Ohio. With locations in Middletown and Beavercreek, we take pride in cultivating beautiful spaces and fostering meaningful connections with our customers, employees, and community. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a knowledgeable and passionate Nursery Team Lead to lead the daily operation of the nursery sales area at our Middletown location.  In this key role, the ideal candidate will oversee the unloading and setting up of plant materials in the retail sales areas, as well as training, mentoring and leading the retail nursery team in all daily tasks.

Duties Including but not Limited to:

• Lead the retail nursery sales staff in providing exceptional customer service, offering extensive product knowledge and creative ways to use nursery plants in home landscapes
• Facilitate and monitor the sale of all Nursery related stock
• Help solve tree and shrub related disease and pest problems for customers and offers sound advice on using plant care products
• Is responsible for the training of staff members in retail selling techniques, nursery area procedures and product knowledge
• Monitor the quality control of both newly delivered plant material and the current material on the sales floor
• Plan and direct the physical nursery set-up, ensure proper stocking and marking of all items, and oversee and assist with physical changes required to meet seasonal needs
• Monitor and assist with hand-watering or irrigation of container trees and shrubs
• Help create new ideas and methods to increase sales in the nursery category
• Communicate regularly any necessary information to both management and staff members
• Buying of bulk mulch, straw and bagged goods with management supervision
• Unload deliveries of Nursery products and plants with a Bobcat and/or forklift and instruct other Nursery staff in the safe use of this equipment
• Is responsible for safety, performance and well-being of all employees working in the Nursery
• Schedule plantings and deliveries with proper documentation of both
• Responsible for moisture control, fertilization and trimming in the Nursery area
• Responsible for the maintenance of Garden Center irrigation lines
• Maintain positive relationships with staff, outside vendors, customers and management
• Assume any other responsibilities that the Nursery Supervisor may assign

Additional Functions:

• Oversee the arrival nursery product and presentation of this product
• Participate in pricing determinations. Provide marketing input to initial pricing decisions and recommend adjustments and sales as necessary to move specific merchandise
• Communicate often with the advertising function to discuss in-store signage and outside advertisements for the nursery department
• Handle customer-oriented problems and disputes in a manner that builds good faith and develops good personal relations
• Assist with the loading of bagged goods, hard goods and much into customer's vehicles when necessary
• Ensures the O.C.N.T – Master certification and any other certificates remain current
• Attend available seminars, conferences and tours to update personal knowledge base

The Ideal Candidate has the Following Skills and Abilities:

• Ethical, dependable, accountable and trustworthy

• Extensive knowledge of all trees and shrubs that can be successfully grown in this area

• Strong attention to detail

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Positive attitude and ability to work as a team

• Experience in customer service a must

• Willingness to learn, open minded and adaptable

• Experience using Microsoft Office, Email and POS systems regularly

• Supervisorial and training experience necessary

• Experience identifying nursery plant material, diseases, and pests

• Ability to talk, see, and hear with or without reasonable accommodation

• Ability to frequently lift 50 pounds

• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Work Environment:

Much of this job is performed outside in all types of weather: heat, high humidity, rain and cold.  The work environment is occasionally noisy, dusty and dirty.  There is exposure to packaged soil and soil amendments, packaged chemicals, pollen, seeds and various types of plants. The physical demands of this job are moderate to high. While the job requires mostly standing and walking, there is also an equal amount of lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, handling, pulling and pushing.  The person in this position must be proficient in the safe operation of some power equipment and operate a Bobcat and forklift. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see and hear.

Berns Garden Center & Landscaping is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Work with Us?

Be Part of Something Bigger: Join a team that values community, creativity, and integrity.

Room to Grow: Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, we offer opportunities for personal and career development.

Supportive Culture: We foster a friendly, family-like environment where every voice matters.

Employee Perks: Enjoy discounts on plants and products, competitive benefits, and the satisfaction of making a difference in the community.

Learn more about Berns by visiting Berns Garden Center