Wholesale & U-Pick Operations Intern

OBJECTIVE / ACCOUNTABILITY

The Sales & Customer Experience Intern provides exceptional service to wholesale customers while gaining hands-on experience in the operations of a wholesale production nursery. This internship offers exposure to customer service, sales, inventory management, horticulture, and nursery operations, allowing the intern to develop industry knowledge while supporting daily business operations.

Interns primarily support the Sales Yard and UPICK operations, with opportunities to work alongside Inside Sales, Inventory, and Marketing. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Service & Sales Support

• Deliver exceptional customer service by assisting customers with plant selection, product information, order processing, and account inquiries
• Build positive customer relationships through professional, courteous, and solution-oriented interactions
• Process customer orders, payments, and transactions using company software and point-of-sale systems
• Support wholesale sales initiatives by promoting available inventory and identifying customer needs
• Communicate customer feedback, product requests, and service opportunities to supervisors

Nursery Operations & Inventory

• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked Sales Yard and UPICK area
• Support inventory accuracy by receiving, labeling, organizing, and transferring plant material
• Assist with loading customer vehicles while following safe loading procedures
• Perform basic horticultural maintenance, including watering, pruning, deadheading, weeding, and removing declining plant material
• Assist with merchandising, signage, product displays, and seasonal events that enhance the customer experience

Professional Development & Team Support

• Develop proficiency with company systems, including order entry, inventory management, and point-of-sale software
• Gain exposure to multiple business functions, including Inside Sales, Marketing, Inventory, and Production
• Participate in cross-functional projects and departmental initiatives
• Maintain a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for customers and fellow team members
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational success

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

• 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
• Internship satisfies the educational requirements of the student's academic program
• 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 outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods
• 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.