Garden Center Associate - Alternative Reduced Hours

About the Company

Costa Farms is one of the world's largest horticultural growers, headquartered in Miami, Florida, and founded in 1961. Starting on just 30 acres, the company has grown to more than 5,000 acres worldwide, with farms in North and South Carolina, Central and South Florida, the Dominican Republic, and an office in China. Costa Farms employs nearly 6,000 people across engineering, marketing, accounting and analysis, human resources, growing, and plant science. The company operates by the values of H3: being Humble, staying Hungry, and always Hustling, with a mission to enrich the world by bringing plants into everyone's life. They grow more than 1,500 plant varieties and are continuously testing new plants and sustainable growing methods. The culture emphasizes learning, collaboration, diversity, and a supportive team environment.

About the Role

The Garden Center Merchandiser serves as the face of Costa Farms in retail garden centers, maintaining brand standards, optimizing product presentation, and ensuring customers have a positive experience. This role is responsible for the care, display, and replenishment of products in store, as well as maintaining accurate inventory and upholding high merchandising standards. This position is located in garden centers around Kenai, AK.

Responsibilities

• Ensure Costa Farms and/or third-party products are neatly displayed, fully stocked, and visually appealing at all times.
• Follow Costa Farms merchandising standards and planograms to maintain consistency across stores.
• Rotate inventory based on freshness and product lifecycle.
• Provide excellent customer service to stores and store personnel by exhibiting impeccable professionalism, integrity, and decorum.
• Maintain availability for flexible schedule changes based on business needs, including seasonal demand and additional hours outside of the regular work schedule (weekends, nights, and holidays).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information or help as required.
• Comply with safety standards while working in stores and demand the same of other Costa Farms employees.
• Exhibit high levels of productivity and accuracy while merchandising products.
• Energetically execute tasks as directed by team members.
• Strive to learn quickly and improve execution and productivity every day.
• Complete surveys and Go Spot Check missions correctly and promptly.
• Track and report inventory levels using designated systems.
• Arrive at set locations to meet with the team as needed and consistently complete assigned schedule.
• Prepare stores for tours, meetings, and other events as required.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with store personnel.
• Ensure consumers are treated well by projecting a cheerful, helpful, and friendly persona.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Previous retail, merchandising, or garden center experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of plant care is a plus

Physical Demands

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Work Environment

• Physically active, hands-on position based in the garden centers of retail locations such as The Home Depot.
• Work outdoors or in semi-covered environments, exposed to varying weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, and cold.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing racks, and reaching; must be able to lift and move plant products or displays up to 50 lbs. safely.
• Expected to work independently and manage time effectively while meeting merchandising and operational expectations.
• Reliable mode of transportation necessary, as team members may be assigned to multiple retail locations within a designated territory.

Skills

• Ensures plants are merchandised to Costa Farms' standards, displays are clean and organized, and product presentation is consistent and appealing.
• Effectively prioritizes daily tasks and manages time independently across multiple locations or responsibilities.
• Clearly communicates with store associates, supervisors, and internal teams; reports inventory updates, issues, or store needs in a timely manner.
• Acts as a positive representative of Costa Farms while engaging with store staff and customers in a friendly, respectful manner.
• Identifies and addresses issues (e.g., damaged product, inventory discrepancies, or display adjustments) with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable working in changing conditions (weather, seasonal product changes, or shifting schedules) and adjusting priorities as needed.
• Works well both independently and collaboratively; supports peers and fosters a culture of shared success and accountability.
• Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, standing for long periods, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic; maintains consistent attendance and follows through on responsibilities.
• Able to use a smartphone or tablet to submit reports, photos, and updates through company platforms (e.g., Teams, internal apps).

Competencies

• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Time Management
• Accountability
• Customer Focus
• Dependability

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care
• Telemedicine / Mental Health Services
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance (Aflac)
• Growth Opportunities
• Challenging and exciting work environment
• Costa Farms Scholarship
• Employee discounts on plants