Garden Center Associate at Costa Farms in Lake City, FL

Description

Company Overview

Who is Costa Farms? We’re one of the world’s largest horticultural growers—but without an ego to match our acreage. Our headquarters are in Miami, Florida, where we were founded in 1961. Costa Farms started on just 30 acres, and over the last 60 years, we’ve grown to more than 5,000 acres around the world. We have farms in North and South Carolina, Central and South Florida, and the Dominican Republic, plus an office in China. Costa Farms now employs nearly 6,000 people: engineers, marketers, accountants/analysts, human resources professionals, and of course, growers and plant scientists!   

Here at Costa Farms, we live by the values of H3: being Humble, staying Hungry, and always Hustling. The team rallies to the mission of being a lean, green, growing machine dedicated to enriching the world by bringing plants into everyone’s life.  

True to that mission, we grow more than 1,500 plant varieties. Driven by the spirit of innovation, the team is always testing new plants and developing new solutions to make it easier for retailers and plant parents to enjoy plants. We’re also continuously testing different ways of growing our plants to increase quality and improve their ecological footprint as one aspect of our many sustainability efforts.  

We cultivate plants, as well as a winning culture. Join the team, and you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll collaborate with other driven, determined people who together keep Costa Farms an industry leader. You’ll support and be supported by a team that cares about each other, our customers, our consumers, and our community.   

You’ll also find right away that Costa Farms is committed to providing a diverse environment. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, military status, marital status or veteran status, or any other group status protected by federal, state, or local law.  

DESCRIPTION

The Garden Center Merchandiser serves as the face of Costa Farms in retail garden centers, playing a critical role in maintaining brand standards, optimizing product presentation, and ensuring our customers have a positive experience. This position is responsible for the care, display, and replenishment of our products in store, as well as maintaining accurate inventory and upholding Costa Farms’ high merchandising standards. Costa Farms has a Garden Center Merchandiser position in Garden Centers around Lake City, FL!

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure Costa Farms and/or third-party products are neatly displayed, fully stocked, and visually appealing at all times.
• Follow Costa Farms merchandising standards and planograms to maintain consistency across stores.
• Rotate inventory based on freshness and product lifecycle.
• Provides excellent customer service to stores and store personnel by exhibiting impeccable professionalism, integrity, and decorum. 

Additional Responsibilities

• Availability for flexible schedule changes based on business needs (including but not limited to seasonal demand and additional hours outside of the regular work schedule, such as weekends, nights, and holidays).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information or help as required.
• Comply with safety standards while working in the stores and demands the same of other Costa Farms employees. 
• Exhibit high levels of productivity and accuracy while Merchandising products in the stores. 
• Energetically execute tasks as directed by members of the team. 
• Strive to learn as quickly as possible and improve execution and productivity every day. 
• Complete surveys and Go Spot Check missions correctly and promptly. 
• Track and report inventory levels using designated systems.
• Arrive to set location(s) to meet with the team as needed and consistently complete assigned schedule.
• Prepare stores for tours, meetings, and other events as required. 
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with store personnel.
• Ensure that consumers are treated well by projecting a cheerful, helpful, and friendly persona.
• Perform additional duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Previous retail, merchandising, or garden center experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of plant care is a plus

Physical Demands

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects,

Work Environment:

• The Garden Center Merchandiser role is a physically active, hands-on position based in the garden centers of retail locations, such as The Home Depot. Team members will work outdoors or in semi-covered environments, exposed to varying weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, and cold.
• This role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing racks, and reaching, and team members must be able to lift and move plant products or displays up to 50 lbs. safely. Merchandisers are expected to work independently and manage their time effectively while meeting merchandising and operational expectations.
• A reliable mode of transportation is necessary, as team members may be assigned to multiple retail locations within a designated territory.

SKILLS

• Ensures plants are merchandised to Costa Farms' standards, displays are clean and organized, and product presentation is consistent and appealing.
• Effectively prioritizes daily tasks and manages time independently across multiple locations or responsibilities.
• Clearly communicates with store associates, supervisors, and internal teams; reports inventory updates, issues, or store needs in a timely manner.
• Acts as a positive representative of Costa Farms while engaging with store staff and customers in a friendly, respectful manner.
• Identifies and addresses issues (e.g., damaged product, inventory discrepancies, or display adjustments) with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable working in changing conditions (weather, seasonal product changes, or shifting schedules) and adjusting priorities as needed.
• Works well both independently and collaboratively; supports peers and fosters a culture of shared success and accountability.
• Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, standing for long periods, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic; maintains consistent attendance and follows through on responsibilities.
• Able to use a smartphone or tablet to submit reports, photos, and updates through company platforms (e.g., Teams, internal apps).

COMPETENCIES

• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Time Management
• Accountability
• Customer Focus
• Dependability

All applicants must be work-authorized.

Costa Farms will not sponsor any visa for this position.

After applying, follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on what’s happening around Costa Farms and to start becoming part of our family. Come Grow with Us™!

 Costa Farms offers competitive wages and benefits, including:  

• 401(k) Plan  
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions  
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care
• Telemedicine/ Mental Health Services  
• Health Insurance  
• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance  
• Pet Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance (Aflac)  
• Growth Opportunities  
• Challenging and exciting work environment  
• Costa Farms Scholarship  
• Employee discounts on plants