The Garden Center Student Intern is a seasonal hourly position structured to provide an educational experience exposing the Intern to all aspects of garden center operations in conformance with established Farm policies, strategies, and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities:

Performs any functions necessary, within scope of authority and expertise, to provide the highest level of customer service and responsiveness to the needs of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations served by the Farm.1) Receives exposure to all aspects of garden center operations through hands-on experience and training with responsibility for customer service and plant maintenance for a large variety of annuals, perennials, foliage, herb, and vegetable plants. 2) Develops strong communication skills by responding to customer questions concerning plant care and culture, and diagnosing plant problems. Advises customers on all aspects of garden design, including but not limited to; garden design and construction, window box and container design and care, vegetable garden planting and care, fertilization, tree and shrub care and design, insect and disease identification and water requirements for all plant material. Provides information and makes suggestions on greenhouse and garden center products to ensure customer satisfaction. Reports any customer complaints to the Garden Center Manager for a timely resolution.3) Assists in all areas of plant maintenance such as watering, potting, container filling, and weeding. Learns crop protection techniques and the ability to recognize, diagnose, and properly treat plants. Distributes biological insects. Receives pesticide training and may mix and apply chemicals and fertilizers, as needed, under the Garden Center Managers supervision. Learns how to maintain greenhouse environmental controls through venting, temperature control, heating, irrigation and shading. 4) Trains in garden center merchandising, assisting with plant and hard good displays, inventorying, stocking, signage, pricing, and receiving. Keeps Garden Center Manager apprised of customer product requests and make recommendations.5) Works with other garden center staff to maintain the cleanliness of the garden center display and surrounding areas. This includes recycling, sweeping, trash removal, and any other activity necessary to maintain a tidy, clean environment. 6) Supervises and trains other seasonal garden center crew in the above tasks during peak season.7) May assist garden center staff on purchasing trips for resale products.

Other Responsibilities:

8) Assists the Greenhouse Operations Manager, as requested.9) Assists greenhouse or field crew, as needed.

The above is a description of the ordinary duties of the position. It should be expected that from time to time, other duties both related and unrelated to the above may be assigned, and therefore, required.

Garden Center Intern, continued

Position Requirements:

Pursuit of Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree in Horticulture or related field. Previous horticultural or agricultural experience is preferred. Must be self-motivated, well organized and possess strong communication skills. Must be physically fit, able to lift 50lb, and stand for extended periods. This position involves both inside and outside work in both hot and cold weather. Work requirements necessitate overtime hours and weekend work; normal work-week is 5 days and time overtime pay of time and a half is paid for hours worked over 40 and on Sunday. Position requires carrying a two-way radio at all time while on duty. Valid drivers license may be required.