What are the responsibilities and job description for the Garden Center Seasonal Associate position at Mackey's?
Description
Grow with Us!
Mackey's is a third-generation family business built on hard work, genuine service, and community — since 1968.
Position: Garden Center Seasonal Retail Associate
Schedule: Seasonal Full-Time and Part-Time | April 1st – July 4th (3–4 months)
Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older
The Mackey’s Opportunity
Mackey’s has been helping Connecticut families care for their homes, pets, farms, and gardens for over 55 years. We’re not looking for someone to just show up — we’re looking for someone who shows up for their teammates and customers. If you take pride in a hard day’s work and genuinely enjoy helping others, you will fit right in here. People who share those values tend to love working at Mackey’s. People who don’t tend to move on — and that’s okay too.
What You’ll Do
This is a physically demanding, fast-paced, team-oriented role at the heart of our spring and summer garden center season. Each day will be different, and no task is beneath anyone on this team — including management.
• Engage customers with enthusiasm, product knowledge, and a genuine desire to help
• Water, care for, and merchandise live plants and seasonal products
• Receive shipments, stock shelves, and maintain an organized, clean facility
• Safely move and handle merchandise — including loading customer vehicles
• Operate a cash register and assist customers at the service desk
• Conduct physical inventories and assist with store resets
• Support teammates across departments as business needs shift throughout the season
Physical Demands
This role requires the ability to lift and transfer merchandise up to 50 lbs., push and pull loads up to 2,000 lbs. using material handling equipment, and perform sustained physical activity including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, reaching, and climbing ladders. Work is performed primarily outdoors and within a retail environment subject to seasonal temperatures, weather, and allergens.
Requirements
What You Must Bring
We can teach product knowledge — we can’t teach character. These are the non-negotiables:
• A selfless attitude — you put the customer and your team before yourself
• Personal accountability — you own your responsibilities without being reminded
• A strong work ethic — you bring your best energy on day one and on day 90
• Dependability — your teammates count on you to show up ready, on time, every shift
• Respect for every person — customers, teammates, and vendors alike
• The ability to stay composed, positive, and solutions-focused when it gets busy
What Makes You a Standout
• Prior experience in a physically demanding retail, outdoor, or agricultural environment
• Customer service, cashier, or service desk experience
• Horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or plant care knowledge
• Clear, tactful communication skills — written and verbal
• Experience leading a team, project, or volunteering in a community setting
Pre-Employment Requirements
Candidates must be willing to comply with pre-employment screening, which may include drug testing, reference verification, and a background check.