Yard Operations Section Lead

Section Lead - Yard Operations

Position Overview

The Section Lead is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the daily care, organization, and performance of a designated plant section. This position takes ownership of their area, ensuring it is healthy, well-merchandised, accurately inventoried, and customer-ready at all times.

The ideal candidate has strong plant knowledge, takes pride in maintaining a high-quality sales environment, and enjoys working collaboratively with yard operations, sales, and management teams. While not a people-management role, the Section Lead serves as a subject-matter resource and sets the standard for execution within their section.

Primary Responsibilities

· Maintain an attractive, safe, and easy-to-shop environment within the assigned section

· Ensure plant health and presentation through proper watering, pruning, spacing, re-blocking, and general grooming

· Receive, verify, tag, and process incoming plant shipments accurately, ensuring proper pricing and documentation

· Perform daily maintenance tasks including container and ground weeding, standing and straightening plants, grouping like varieties, and removing unsellable material

· Monitor plant health conditions and proactively communicate concerns related to pests, disease, or environmental stress

· Apply pesticides or plant treatments under direction or demonstrate willingness to be trained and certified as required

· Safely operate equipment and tools (carts, hoses, sprayers, handheld tools) while following all safety and horticultural best practices

· Track and maintain accurate inventory levels, performing regular cycle counts and adjustments as needed

· Support sales and customer service teams by locating specific plants, pulling and tagging material for orders, and sharing plant knowledge to enhance the customer experience

· Assist with preparing plant material for deliveries, inter-store transfers, and customer pickups

· Collaborate with other Section Leads and Yard Operations leadership to ensure consistent quality and presentation across the nursery

Qualifications & Requirements

· Prior experience in a nursery, garden center, or retail plant environment preferred

· Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

· Ability to work independently and take ownership of a designated section

· Working knowledge of plant care, pest management, and merchandising principles

· Comfort using or learning inventory tracking systems

· Positive, team-oriented attitude with a strong customer-service mindset

· Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs regularly and work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Work Environment & Schedule

· Outdoor nursery and yard operations environment

· Physically active, hands-on role

· Weekend work in season required; occasional holidays may be expected