Sales Associate - Plant Specialist

About this Employer: You are applying for a job with an independently owned cooperative member of Ace Hardware Corporation, who operates this Ace Hardware store, not Ace Hardware Corporation.  The independent store owner alone is responsible for and independently makes all decisions concerning employment related matters, including hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, staffing and scheduling.  Ace Hardware Corporation will not receive a copy of any applications submitted for this position, and will have no control over interviews and/or hiring decisions, does not control and is not responsible for the employment policies and practices of the independent store owner. If hired, the independent store owner will be your only employer. Ace Hardware Corporation is not the employer for this position. The Ace Hardware trademarks, logos and designs are owned by Ace Hardware Corporation and used by independent store owners under a license from Ace Hardware Corporation.
		               
About Farmers & Builders Ace Hardware
This company and its locations are owned and operated by brothers Greg Cochran and Matt Cochran who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations.

General Summary
The Sales Associate's primary job will be to assist customers by providing an amazing customer experience unparalleled in the industry.  Other duties include receiving, stocking, pricing of all merchandise and helping to maintain a clean and orderly merchandise presentation and overall store cleanliness.  This position is primarily for the Lawn & Garden Center but the associate may, at times, be required to assist customers throughout the other departments.  This position will require caring for plants, assisting customers with plants, pots & décor, landscaping and hardscapes, chemicals, and other lawn & garden items.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Plants, bagged goods, and hardscapes:
*      Ordering, unloading, and pricing plant inventory.
*      Ordering, pricing, and maintaining hardscape and bagged goods inventory.
*      Dead-heading and general care of plant inventory.
Customer Service:
•	Provide a positive representation of Farmers & Builders Ace Hardware.
•	Proactively assist customers in solving problems.
•	Greet customers entering and throughout the store. Thank customers when finished and when they are leaving the store.
•	Possess a friendly outgoing demeanor; work well with customers as well as associates.
•	Ensure all pages and calls are answered promptly, courteously and effectively.
•	Forward any customer complaint that cannot be handled to a member of management.
•	Possess strong product knowledge and knowledge of store layout and location of products.
•	Assist customers throughout the store with personal, customized service based on the premise of amazing every customer, every time.

Store Operations
•	Assist in creating a positive, professional and safe work environment.
•	Assist with receiving, checking in and stocking of merchandise throughout the store.
•	Assist with maintaining back stock levels.
•	Assist with daily maintenance, orderliness and cleanliness of the sales floor, stock room and outdoor merchandise area.
•	Assist with providing a clean and orderly sales floor, including end caps and ad merchandise.
•	Assist with merchandise resets through the store.
•	Provide assistance to Department Specialists, i.e. price changes, special orders.
•	Ensure signage is current throughout the store.
•	Operate forklift with proper training.
•	Communicate any Store Support Center issue to General Manager for follow up.
•	Communicate any merchandising, cost control or sales idea to General Manager.
•	Participate in store meetings.
•	Be professional in appearance and actions.
•	Perform all other duties as assigned.

Other Essential Requirements


Education/Training
High School or GED equivalent.

Experience
Retail garden center, plant nursery, or working knowledge of plants and associated chemicals required.

Physical Demands
Standing, walking, lifting (up to 25lbs) and climbing.

Working knowledge of plant care.  Retail plant care and sales a plus. 

Self-starter who will work diligently to learn what he/she doesn't already know regarding plant care, retail plant sales and marketing.