Customer Service Associate

Gardeners; Burlington, Northern (VT, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Gardens Alive is seeking a customer-focused associate for the Burlington, VT garden center. You will deliver exceptional service across departments, representing our values in every interaction and helping to maintain a positive, inclusive workplace.

You will drive sales by sharing knowledge, assisting with stock and merchandising, and supporting promotions and events. The role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to research solutions for customers.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills with a positive attitude and willingness to research solutions for customers.
• Strong problem‑solving and multi‑tasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage customers effectively.
• Proficiency with POS/Cash Register systems and online purchasing protocols.
• Familiarity with internet search engines and online research.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service across all garden center departments.
• Represent Garden center values in every interaction and maintain professional appearance.
• Promote an inclusive, positive work environment and support store operations.
• Drive sales by sharing product knowledge and suggesting related merchandise.
• Assist with stock organization, replenishment, and seasonal merchandising changes.

Skills

Customer service

Product knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

POS experience

Job description

• Provides exceptional customer service across all departments at the garden center.
• Takes personal accountability for representing the values and company appropriately in all situations (service, dress code, interpersonal skills).
• Promotes a positive work environment through an inclusive and respectful approach.
• Celebrates and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Strives to drive sales by sharing product knowledge and leveraging expertise to suggest additional products and merchandise.
• Promotes customer loyalty by encouraging customers to sign up for the Gardener’s Club so they can stay connected with us and get exclusive notifications of sales and in-store promotions.
• Builds rapport with customers by listening, connecting, and sharing personal experiences with product.
• Resolve problems through active listening to gain understanding of customer’s needs. Leverages product knowledge and problem‑solving skills to solve problems promptly and effectively.
• Competently leverages technology to provide seamless and efficient customer service.
• Remains calm when faced with uncertain issues. Demonstrates passion for learning new things. Turns a challenge into a selling opportunity.
• Assists with store operations goals to remain efficient, accurate and productive through processes such as organizing stock, replenishment, receiving, seasonal merchandising changeovers, transfers, cycle counts and physical inventory.
• Remains current on all retail division promotions/offers and informs customers of value offers, events and educational opportunities.
• Identifies pest problems, weeds, propagation, and culture for a wide variety of plants from flowers to fruits.

Requirements

• Remains current on product offer and upholds company focus on recommendations for earth friendly gardening solutions.
• Perform carry out duties and other duties as assigned.
• Excellent customer service skills, including very positive attitude; ability, patience, and enthusiasm to research solutions to help solve customer problems or answer questions.
• Strong problem‑solving and multi‑tasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• POS/Cash Register experience required.
• Strong understanding and of on‑line search engines and on‑line purchasing protocol.
• Familiarity and proficiency with internet search engines and on‑line research.
• Intermediate plant and gardening knowledge along with a passion for gardening.
• Knowledge of divisional product and service offer with a focus on hardgoods, gift, outlet, soils, fertilizers, pottery, etc.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. occasionally.
• Work a flexible schedule including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Standing on hard surfaces with regular lifting for shifts of up to 8 hours.
• Adhere to all company policies as outlined.

Gardens Alive is an Equal Opportunity Employer