Inside Sales Intern

OBJECTIVE / ACCOUNTABILITY

The Inside Sales Intern is a hands-on learning opportunity for students interested in sales, customer service, business operations, horticulture, or related fields. Working alongside our Sales team, you'll gain practical experience in customer relationship management, sales operations, inventory management, and cross-functional business processes while supporting customers and contributing to the success of the organization. This internship is designed to build professional skills, strengthen business acumen, and provide meaningful, real-world experience through collaboration, continuous learning, customer engagement, and hands-on projects. The program may be tailored to align with both the intern's interests and the company's business needs, providing exposure to multiple departments and career paths within the green industry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Operations

• Assist with entering customer quotes and orders through company sales systems
• Support daily Inside Sales operations while learning sales processes and best practices
• Maintain accurate customer, quote, and order information
• Assist with order maintenance activities, including will-call orders and customer follow-up
• Support promotional initiatives and targeted product sales campaigns

Customer Service

• Respond to customer inquiries regarding accounts, quotes, orders, products, and services
• Build positive customer relationships through professional communication and service
• Learn and apply company customer service standards and policies
• Escalate customer concerns appropriately while maintaining a positive customer experience
• Assist customers through phone, email, and other communication channels

Inventory & Product Knowledge

• Develop an understanding of plant inventory management and availability
• Provide accurate inventory information to support customer needs and sales efforts
• Participate in nursery walks to build plant knowledge and product familiarity
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and other teams to support product quality and customer satisfaction
• Learn key product categories, plant characteristics, and seasonal availability

Business & Professional Development

• Learn about the company's history, culture, products, and industry
• Participate in meaningful internship projects designed to support business objectives
• Establish and work toward individual professional development goals
• Collaborate with fellow interns to develop and deliver a presentation highlighting the internship experience
• Build professional relationships through networking and mentorship opportunities

Team & Cross-Functional Support

• Gain hands-on experience in departments such as UPICK, Wholesale Operations, Order Fulfillment, or other business areas
• Cross-train with multiple departments to better understand company operations
• Support team initiatives and departmental projects as assigned
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and company events
• Contribute to a collaborative, values-driven team environment while demonstrating safe work practices

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Passion for providing outstanding customer service
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and take initiative
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Basic computer proficiency and the ability to learn new software systems
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCES

• Highschool Diploma or GED required
• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited two- or four-year degree program in Horticulture, Agriculture, Business, Marketing, Sales, Landscape Management, or a related field
• Previous experience in customer service, retail, sales, landscaping, greenhouse, nursery operations, or horticulture is preferred but not required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to work safely in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions as job responsibilities require
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and perform physical tasks including standing, walking, bending, and loading plant material
• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Strong problem-solving skills with a customer-first mindset
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, coworkers, and supervisors
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are a plus but not required
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and professional work environment

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

• $17.00/hour

BENEFITS

• Paid Holidays
• Employee Discount
• A collaborative, team-oriented workplace recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025

ABOUT THE COMPANY

For more than 50 years, Midwest Groundcovers has been a trusted leader in the Green Industry, growing and propagating more than 20 million premium wholesale plants each year. While groundcovers remain our specialty, our diverse product offering includes evergreens, broadleaves, deciduous shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, vines, and native prairie, wetland, and woodland species.

We proudly partner with landscape architects, landscape designers, contractors, municipalities, and other green industry professionals to provide innovative plant solutions that promote beauty, durability, and sustainability throughout the Midwest. Our commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service has made us one of the region's premier wholesale growers.

At Midwest Groundcovers, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to have been recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025, reflecting our commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and purpose-driven work environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally.

If you're looking to build a meaningful career with a company that values teamwork, innovation, and a passion for horticulture, we'd love to have you join our team.