Plant Specialist - Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

 City Mill’s Plant Specialist takes ownership over the plant sections companywide to insure proper plant selection, product mix, quality and quantities are available to customers, while working with all stores to ensure all plants are properly groomed and maintained and attractively displayed to provide customers with the best products available thereby maximizing sales.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Works with store teams and merchandising to identify the appropriate plant types each location will carry to optimize space utilization and sales.

2. Responsible for ordering all plants companywide ensuring the appropriate quantities and varieties are carried, taking into consideration store location, seasonality, space availability and sell through rates.

3. Visits partner nurseries island-wide routinely to select plants for all stores, building relationships with nurseries to ensure the best and healthiest plants are provided and we are kept abreast of trends and changes in the market. Work closely with the nurseries to ensure plants at the stores are regularly inspected and wilting plants are cleared out and the presentation is fresh.

4. Works with the Merchant who handles the garden section to see if City Mill could gain additional bargaining power when purchasing from various nurseries. Also works with vendors to see if special accommodations could be made for City Mill at partner nurseries who would be willing to carry specific plants or quantities dedicated to City Mill.

5. Visits each store at least once per month to monitor presentation and overall display and health of plants. Additional visits may be necessary for stores who sell a higher volume of plants.

6. Works with Inventory Control Supervisor to maintain integrity of on-hand counts in the system.

7. Monitors in-stocks of plants and assists with store transfers when necessary. Assists Inventory Specialists with identifying and maintaining reorder levels. Follows up on special orders.

8. Stays current on plant related topics and trends, Leading and/or assisting with in store product knowledge training on a regular basis. Trains team members at all stores on possible add-on sales with plants.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High school degree.

2. Computer input experience preferred, but not required.

3. Demonstrated history of consistent, reliable attendance

4. Knowledgeable of the principles of plant biology, botany, horticulture, agriculture, or forestry; able to identify plant types, pests, diseases and the overall care of plants. 

OTHER SKILLS:

1. Excellent verbal communication skills, including listening. Must be able to project a clear and friendly voice.

2. Excellent customer service and telephone skills.

3. Ability to work effectively under pressure and maintain a high degree of accuracy.

4. Well organized and attentive to detail.

5. Ability to analyze and solve problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

7. Ability to operate a calculator, telephone, computer terminal and portable data terminal.

8. Ability to work a flexible schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Incumbent may be required to handle products or equipment that weigh up to 50 lbs., but may have assistance from another individual or equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position works in a retail store environment with the following characteristics:

• Air conditioning, with the exception of lumber, garden, and other designated areas,
• Fluorescent lighting, Moderate noise level, Fumes, Dust, and Chemicals
• Warehouse with moderately high levels of dust and noise.
• Traveling between stores located on the island of Oahu.
• Personal vehicle, valid State of Hawaii driver’s license, and current car insurance policy. Individual may not be dependent upon other driver for transportation.
• This position will be required to work evenings and weekends as the workload dictates.
• While the company will strive to provide advance notice of all work schedules, this position will be required to work a varied schedule as the workload dictates. No purchasing associate is guaranteed a specific shift, day of the week, or number of hours per week.