Nursery Supervisor

Berns Garden Center & Landscaping; MIDDLETOWN (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Berns Garden Center & Landscaping in Middletown, OH is seeking a Nursery Supervisor to lead the nursery department, oversee plant health, pricing, displays, and staff training. The role requires strong supervisory experience and horticultural knowledge, with emphasis on customer service and inventory control.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in nursery retail, plus proficiency with MS Office and POS systems. Degree in horticulture is preferred, and safe operation of power equipment is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Degree or certification in horticulture or related field preferred.
• Herbicide/Pesticide license or certification preferred.
• 5+ years of nursery retail experience preferred.
• Proficient in safe operation of power equipment (Bobcat, forklift).

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of nursery operations and plant health.
• Direct nursery set-up, displays, stocking, and labeling.
• Maintain daily inventory control and reorder processes.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement for nursery stock.
• Supervise and train nursery staff; schedule personnel and manage time records.
• Assist customers with plant health issues and questions.
• Ensure safety, maintenance, and proper operation of equipment.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Plant knowledge

Customer service

Communication skills

MS Office

POS systems

Bobcat/Forklift safety

Physical strength

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree or certification in horticulture or related field

Herbicide/Pesticide license or certification (preferred)

Job description

Since 1956, Berns Garden Center and Landscaping has been the heart and soul of delivering exceptional horticulture and landscaping services to our community in Southwest Ohio. With locations in Middletown and Beavercreek, we take pride in cultivating beautiful spaces and fostering meaningful connections with our customers, employees, and community. We are looking for a nursery expert to join our team as the Nursery Supervisor at our Middletown location.In this key role, the ideal candidate will be responsible for the complete operation of the nursery department, overseeing all aspects of processing plant material, plant maintenance and health, pricing, displaying and selling of all woody and perennial nursery stock, as well as training, mentoring and instructing nursery retail personnel in effective selling techniques and daily tasks.

Duties Including but not Limited to:

• Manage daily care for living inventory, maintaining plant health and quality for nursery and landscape divisions.
• Plan and direct the physical nursery set-up and displays meeting seasonal needs, ensuring proper stocking and marking of items.
• Monitor and maintain daily inventory control.
• Manage the reordering and delivery of plants, bagged goods and hard goods for the nursery.
• Constantly evaluate vendor performance, offerings, and price; developing and maintaining vendor relationships that deliver value to the department categories.
• Supervise, develop, and evaluate team members in the nursery department.
• Plan for annual staffing needs, ensure effective selection of employees, and provide training of all team members.
• Schedule employee workdays and ensure time records are accurate and timely.
• Responsible for the overall performance of the designated product categories.
• Help answer customer questions and problems that pertain to tree, shrub, and perennial diseases and pests in a horticulturally sound and environmentally concerned manner.
• Handle customer-oriented problems and disputes in a manner that builds good faith and develops good personal relations.
• Develop goal setting figures and assist nursery staff in achieving each monthly goal.
• Manage the maintenance of irrigation lines, moisture control, fertilization, and trimming of the nursery department.
• Operate power equipment such as a Bobcat or forklift to move inventory.
• Load customers’ vehicles when necessary.
• Keep abreast of new developments within the industry through trade and university periodicals and newsletters.
• Maintain membership and interest in trade organizations.
• Schedule visits to other garden centers.
• Collaborate with other supervisors on labor projections.
• Assist other managers and owners in the operation of the garden center as needed.

The Ideal Candidate has the Following Skills and Abilities:

• Ethical, dependable, accountable and trustworthy.
• Polite, courteous, patient, and the ability to handle difficult situations with tact.
• Extensive knowledge of trees, shrubs, perennials and the insects and diseases of woody ornamentals.
• 3+ years of experience in a supervisory role and training other employees.
• Previous experience in a nursery retail setting.Positive attitude and ability to work as a team.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and have an open mind.
• Enjoy working with the public.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Planning, organization, and strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and tasks.
• Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs and point of sale (POS) systems.
• Must be proficient in the safe operation of some power equipment such as a Bobcat and forklift.
• Ability to frequently lift 50 pounds.
• Degree or certification in horticulture or a related field is preferred.
• Herbicide/Pesticide license or certification is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working in a nursery retail setting is preferred.

Up to 80% if this job is performed outside, and the remaining 20% inside the building. There are temperature extremes that range from very hot and humid in the summer months to much cooler in the winter. There is some exposure to fumes, chemicals, fertilizers, dirt, dust, pollen, seeds, noise and water. It is necessary to be in good physical shape, enjoy high amounts of physical labor, and be able to work in all-weather elements. The person in this position must be proficient in the safe operation of some power equipment and operate a Bobcat and forklift. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see and hear.

Bern's Greenhouse and Garden Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Work with Us?

Be Part of Something Bigger

Join a team that values community, creativity, and integrity.

Room to Grow

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, we offer opportunities for personal and career development.

Supportive Culture

We foster a friendly, family-like environment where every voice matters.

Employee Perks

Enjoy discounts on plants and products, competitive benefits, and the satisfaction of making a difference in the community.

Learn more about Berns by visiting us on our website, Berns Garden Center