SEASONAL Garden Support

Garden Center Support Associate

Since 1978, Big Tool Box has been the family-owned hardware haven where “all the expertise is under one roof,” putting customer service at the heart of everything it does. Spanning five powerhouse categories—Ace Hardware and Tools for every nut, bolt, and power tool imaginable; the Rental & Repair Center to keep projects moving without breaking the bank; the Highlands Garden Center bursting with plants, soil, and green-thumb guidance; the Lawn & Sprinkler Center for flawless outdoor irrigation and landscape solutions; and the Grillin and Chillin Center stocked with premium BBQ grills and all the accessories for perfect backyard cookouts—Big Tool Box remains the go-to destination for contractors, gardeners, grill masters, and DIYers alike.

Job Summary

• Maintain a vibrant, customer-ready garden center by performing watering and loading duties.
• Ensure plants stay healthy and hydrated while safely loading bulk materials, heavy nursery stock, and bagged goods into customer vehicles.
• Deliver Ace’s signature “helpful hardware folks” service through hands-on plant care and efficient carry-out support.
• Seasonal, Part-time, and Full-time roles with flexible scheduling and cross-training in both roles.

• Praise worthy customer service is our goal in every customer interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Plant Hydration & Care (Waterer)
  • Water trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and houseplants using hoses, cans, or overhead systems per schedule and species needs.
  • Monitor soil moisture, identify stress/pests, and report issues to Garden Center Lead.
  • Rotate stock, remove damaged plants, and consolidate trays to keep displays full and appealing.
• Customer Loading & Bulk Handling (Loader)
  • Safely load mulch, soil, stone, pavers, bagged goods, and large plants into customer vehicles using carts, dollies, or pallet jacks.
  • Scoop, bag, and weigh bulk materials; secure loads to prevent damage.
  • Verify receipts, assist with add-on sales (tarps, gloves), and offer carry-out help proactively.
• Display & Area Maintenance
  • Sweep aisles, clean up spills, and eliminate hazards in both nursery and load-out zones.
  • Restock bulk bins, refill plant tables, and maintain impulse displays near exits.
  • Assist with unloading deliveries and staging new plant or bulk shipments.
• Customer Service & Team Support
  • Greet customers warmly, answer basic plant-care or loading questions, and promote seasonal items.
  • Collaborate with cashiers and garden staff via radio or in-person for smooth transactions.
  • Follow opening/closing checklists, safety protocols, and participate in team huddles.

• All other duties as assigned by store management

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Education
  • No formal education required; high school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience
  • Prior plant care, landscaping, warehouse, or loading experience helpful; full training provided for both roles.
• Skills & Abilities
  • Observant eye for plant health and accurate watering techniques.
  • Strong spatial awareness and safe lifting/loading practices.
  • Friendly communication and ability to upsell during customer interactions.
  • Basic math for weighing bulk items and counting stock.
  • Comfort operating hoses, pallet jacks, and (if certified) forklifts.
• Physical Requirements
  • Stand/walk for entire shift; work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and sun.
  • Lift/carry up to 50 lbs repeatedly (watering cans, mulch bags, pavers, trees).
  • Bend, kneel, shovel, push/pull heavy carts, reach overhead, and climb short ladders.
  • Tolerate pollen, dirt, and wet conditions.
  • 16 years of age or older (18 years of age or older for power equipment use)
• Other
  • Passion for plants, physical strength, and commitment to safety and helpful service.
  • Valid driver’s license preferred (for forklift certification).
  • Reliable attendance, especially during peak spring/summer seasons.

Salary : $16 - $18