Employment Opportunities
Evergreen Nursery has been serving the East Bay gardening community for 40 years. We are recognized for our high quality plant selection and our friendly, knowledgeable team who are dedicated to helping customers choose the right plants for their indoor and outdoor spaces. Below are the positions that are currently available at our San Leandro nursery and garden center.
Retail Nursery & Garden Center Buyer
Employment Type: Full Time
Compensation: Commensurate with Experience
Job Title: Retail Nursery Buyer
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Buyer to join our retail nursery and garden center team. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in both selecting and caring for quality outdoor nursery plants, as well as a strong understanding of pricing and margins. This customer service oriented professional ensures that our retail inventory aligns with our customers' gardening needs throughout the seasons while also promoting environmentally-friendly practices and contributing to Evergreen’s financial health.
1) Essential Duties & Functions:
- Product Selection & Purchasing: Research, evaluate, and purchase a diverse range of perennial, annual, edible, ornamental, California native, and water-wise plant varieties. Maintain a competitive selection of plants and gardening supplies that meet the preferences, values, and price sensibilities of our diverse community of East Bay area home gardeners.
- Supplier Relations: Establish, build, and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to negotiate optimal pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules. Ensure quality and sustainability in all product offerings.
- Inventory Management: Closely monitor inventory levels, forecast customer demand, and manage stock replenishment to ensure season-driven product availability and inventory turn. Track and reduce all plant waste.
- Quality Control: Ensure the health and quality of all plants in the nursery. Oversee correct and timely care for all plants, including any that require quarantine or special management to address pest outbreaks or disease states.
- Nursery Operations: Participate in the daily retail operation of the nursery. Assist customers with questions and purchases. Help the nursery team with regular watering, fertilizing, and maintenance care for outdoor plants. Contribute to a safe, efficient, and well organized nursery environment.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Advocate for and source environmentally sensitive products, ensuring alignment with Evergreen’s commitment to protecting local ecosystems through native plant selection, pollinator-friendly offerings, and Water-Wise gardening practices.
- Market Trends: Stay informed about industry trends, customer preferences, and innovative products, incorporating these insights into purchasing decisions.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with the staff and the General Manager to understand customer feedback regarding plant quality and product performance. Coordinate with the General Manager and Marketing Team to achieve optimal timing and inventory levels for seasonal promotion campaigns.
2) Skills & Competencies:
- Horticultural Knowledge: Possess a broad understanding of plant varieties, gardening techniques, and sustainable practices, with a desire for continuing education and professional growth in the field.
- Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers to secure the best pricing and terms while building long-term relationships.
- Analytical Thinking: Proficient in analyzing sales information, trends, pricing patterns, and inventory data to make well-informed purchasing decisions.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to both staff and customers.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Have a genuine interest in understanding and meeting the needs of our diverse customer base, with a desire to share gardening knowledge and create a satisfying shopping experience.
- Team Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively with all staff and management, contributing to a positive workplace culture and a vibrant plant nursery.
3) Requirements:
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail purchasing within the nursery and garden center industry.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with ordering and pricing methods, inventory
management systems, purchase orders, invoice and receiving reconciliation, plus basic financial principles related to purchasing. - Education: Degree, Certificate, or significant studies in Horticulture, Business Management, or a related field are preferred.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry plants and gardening supplies (up to 50 lbs), as well as the physical stamina to work in an outdoor retail environment year-round in all kinds of East Bay area weather.
- Availability: Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed, aligning with the nursery's operational hours.
To Apply:
Please submit a current resume with a brief email describing your most relevant qualifications for this position to: [email protected]
Evergreen Nursery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers.
Seasonal Part-Time Garden Center Associate
Compensation: $16/hour for entry level; more based on experience.
Employment Type: Part-Time
Job Title: Nursery Associate
Position Overview:
During the spring and summer growing seasons we frequently have openings for seasonal employment for day shifts and weekends. Joining our team offers many opportunities for those who enjoy working with customers, caring for plants, and creating a welcoming shopping environment.
Job Description:
• Enthusiastically greet customers and visitors
• Provide friendly and efficient customer service
• Water and groom houseplants
• Stock, merchandise and clean interior store displays
• Maintain the exterior nursery via watering, cleaning, signage, bagging, and other duties as assigned
• Check-out customer purchases using computer point of sale system
• Receive and move goods physically; heavy lifting required 35 lbs
• Re-stock merchandise as necessary
Competencies:
• Excellent Communications skills
• Friendly disposition; enjoy working with people
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Love for gardening and garden plants
• Enthusiasm and initiative
• Self starter
Requirements:
• High School Diploma or higher desired
• Proficient in use of PC computer system
• Capable of learning new technology and software applications
• Desire to significantly expand horticultural knowledge and selling skills
To Apply:
Email your resume to [email protected] OR
Download an Application and return it to the nursery.