Horticulturist

Heritage Pool Supply Group, Inc.•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary function of the Horticulturist/Customer Service Associate position is to manage, grow and/or maintain, and service customers (retail and wholesale) via email, on the telephone, and at the counter and process orders accurately, effectively and courteously. This role involves participating in customer service activities such as servicing house accounts, fulfilling orders, resolving customer issues, managing customer accounts, and ensuring a positive customer experience. Additionally, the role requires offering product and industry knowledge, scheduling customer deliveries, and assisting with plant tagging and selection. The position also involves "at-large" branch activities including sourcing and procurement of customer product needs, assisting with purchase orders and receipts, participating in buying activities and trips, and assisting with inventory management. The work environment is primarily a climate-controlled office with some time spent in yard areas in all weather conditions. Workdays may extend beyond 8 hours, and weekend work is required during the spring and summer season. Attention to detail, fast-paced activity, and a results-oriented approach are expected.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
3 years of experience in the horticulture industry
Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in English.
Must be able to address individuals confidently and effectively communicate with management, other employees, customers and suppliers.
Must understand and be able to perform basic mathematics.
Must have the ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions and customer information of a general and specific business nature.

Nice To Haves

Horticultural courses or degree in horticultural studies
5 years of experience in the nursery field, with two or more years of supervisory experience
Preferred Education: Administrators or Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Responsibilities

Manage, grow and/or maintain, and service customers (retail and wholesale) via email, on the telephone, and at the counter.
Process orders accurately, effectively and courteously.
Help service “house accounts” via walk in (counter), phone, and internet customer traffic.
Help fulfill customer orders and transactions.
Help resolve customer issues.
Manage and support designated customer accounts.
Ensure customer experience is positive.
Offer and share product and industry knowledge and expertise with all customers and colleagues.
Schedule customer deliveries upon request.
Assist in customer plant tagging and selection.
Participate in industry trade shows and networking events.
Participate in the sourcing and procurement of customer product needs.
Assist branch manager/ buyer with Purchase Orders and Purchase Receipts.
Participate in branch and corporate buying activities and buying trips.
Assist with branch and corporate inventory activities (periodic cycle counts and quality control, QC).