Garden Center Seasonal Associate

Mackey's Inc.; Colchester (CT); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Mackey's Inc. is seeking a Garden Center Seasonal Retail Associate in Colchester, Connecticut. This role involves engaging customers, managing live plants, and supporting store operations from April 1st to July 4th. Successful candidates will show a strong work ethic, be dependable, and possess effective communication skills. Physical demands include lifting up to 50 lbs. and working in seasonal outdoor conditions. Prior retail or agricultural experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Ability to lift and transfer merchandise up to 50 lbs.
• Experience in retail or agricultural environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage customers with enthusiasm and product knowledge.
• Water and care for live plants and seasonal products.
• Operate cash register and assist customers.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Dependability

Physical stamina

Communication skills

Job description

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

About Mackey’s

Mackey’s has been helping Connecticut families care for their homes, pets, farms, and gardens for over 55 years. 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

• 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.

What You Must Bring

• 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.