Horticulturist

The primary function of the Horticulturist/Customer Service Associate position is to manage, grow and/or maintain, and service customers (retail and wholesale) via email, on the telephone, and at the counter and process orders accurately, effectively and courteously.

Key Responsibilities

• Participates in the following Customer Service-related activities:
  • Help service “house accounts” via walk in (counter), phone, and internet customer traffic.
  • Help fulfill customer orders and transactions.
  • Help resolve customer issues.
  • Manage and support designated customer accounts.
  • Ensure customer experience is positive.
  • Offer and share product and industry knowledge and expertise with all customers and colleagues.
  • Schedule customer deliveries upon request.
  • Assist in customer plant tagging and selection.
  • Participate in industry trade shows and networking events.
  • Participates in the following “at-large” branch activities:
  • Participate in the sourcing and procurement of customer product needs.
  • Assist branch manager/ buyer with Purchase Orders and Purchase Receipts.
  • Participate in branch and corporate buying activities and buying trips.
  • Assist with branch and corporate inventory activities (periodic cycle counts and quality control, QC).

Physical Requirements

• Capable of sitting, standing, stretching, lifting and bending. Ability to move freely through the office. Ability to spend long stretches of time at the counter or desk. Capable of lifting and moving items up to fifty (50) pounds in weight.

Working Conditions

• Work will be done most of the time in a climate controlled, well-lit office atmosphere with moderate noise. There will be required time in the yard areas of the Company to become familiar with the products. These locations may be visited throughout the year and during all weather conditions.
• Workdays will often extend beyond 8 hours as activity and responsibility dictates; weekend work will be required during the spring and summer season. Attention to detail, fast-paced activity and response time to customer and/or company requirements and results oriented expectations could be the norm.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of experience in the horticulture industry
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in English.
• Must be able to address individuals confidently and effectively communicate with management, other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Must understand and be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have the ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions and customer information of a general and specific business nature.

Preferred Qualifications

• Horticultural courses or degree in horticultural studies
• 5 years of experience in the nursery field, with two or more years of supervisory experience
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Administrators or Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Work Location

• This is an on-site position.

The base salary for this position typically falls within the range of $61,200.00 to $79,500.00 annually. Starting wage may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the position being offered, location, education, training, and/or experience. SRS Distribution offers additional competitive and non-financial benefits. Depending on the role, associates may also be eligible for performance-based bonus programs, commissions, profit-sharing programs, car allowance or automobile and fuel program, and reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with company travel policy.

Job Location: - Lake Zurich

20433 IL Route 22 Lake Zurich, IL 60047

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer SRS Distribution Inc., including all its subsidiaries, provides job opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, uniform service, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation in applying for any posted position, please contact Human Resources at US: 855.556.3221, or by email to: [email protected] with the nature of your accommodation request and include the Business name, location and title of the job opening. Please allow one (1) business day for a reply. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen, as permitted by law.

Competitive weekly/bi-weekly pay, discretionary bonuses, 401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, volunteer, holidays, birthday, floating), medical/dental/vision, flexible spending accounts, company-paid life and short-term disability, plus optional long-term disability, and additional life insurance.