Retail & Garden Associate at Midwest co-operative services – Mount Forest, Ontario

Midwest Co-op is currently accepting resumes for the position of Retail & Garden Associate. Under the direction of the Retail Location Manager, the Retail & Garden Associate - 1 promotes good customer service and support in MCS retail stores and garden centres. This role is responsible for assisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining store cleanliness. This role focuses on maintaining store appearance, assisting customers, and supporting inventory and merchandising tasks under supervision.

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

• No responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Promote and maintain a positive image for MCS and the store, ensuring a pleasant shopping environment
• Greet customers and assist in locating products or directing them to appropriate staff, including plant, garden supply, and seasonal product inquiries.
• Support customers with loading goods and ensure shipping documentation is accurate and complete
• Maintain store cleanliness and assist with housekeeping in the store, garden centre, warehouse, and storage areas
• Assist with outdoor maintenance tasks such as snow removal, grass cutting, and flower bed upkeep (if applicable)
• Operate cash registers and handle transactions accurately
• Maintain current working knowledge of farm supply, hardware, feed, and lifestyle products, programs, order procedures, and invoicing.
• Provide guidance on plant care, soil, fertilizers, and related products.

PLANT CARE, INVENTORY & MERCHANDISING

• Ensure assigned product departments and outdoor displays are stocked, labeled, clean, tidy, and well merchandised
• Ensure store merchandising is complete and current, including effective in-store displays
• Assist with inventory control, monthly/annual inventory counts, and receiving shipments, while ensuring accuracy.
• Price products only under supervision, ensuring accuracy in quantities, quality, costing, and documentation
• Water, prune, and care for live plants, ensuring they remain healthy and presentable
• Monitor plant health and report signs of pests, disease, or damage to management

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) regulations for employees: use or wear any equipment, protective devices or clothing required by the employer; report any known workplace hazard to the employer or supervisor; report any known contravention of the Act or regulations to the employer or supervisor; not use or operate any equipment or work in a way that may endanger any worker.
• Participate in MCS training which includes, but not limited to, the mandatory Ministry of Labour course, MCS Health & Safety Standards and Policies, and Accessibility Policies (AODA).
• Understands and follows all Corporate, Legislative and Health & Safety and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Represents MCS in a competent and professional manner. Maintains proper personal image and assigned company vehicle in a manner which promotes company image and sets example for the department. Represents MCS at meetings, providing information, communications, and leadership in local activities.
• Working as part of the MCS team, ensures that company objectives, customer service levels, employee relations and inter-branch relations are improved and promoted.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ideally possess 1+ years of customer service experience.
• Horticulture or garden centre experience is an asset.
• Basic plant and garden product knowledge, or the willingness to learn.
• Basic math skills, such as adding, subtracting, and calculating prices or totals.
• Proven ability to work independently, or in a team-oriented environment.
• Effective oral and written communication and organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and maintain a positive, professional manner under all conditions

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily works within a retail store environment, including indoor areas, warehouse space, and outdoor grounds
• May be exposed to seasonal weather while assisting with tasks such as vehicle loading, snow removal, or lawn maintenance
• Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and the ability to lift up to 25 kg
• May involve the use of ladders, forklifts, and other store-related equipment
• Occasional extended hours may be required during peak periods or special events

WHY WORK FOR US

Midwest Co-op believes that taking care of our employees is essential to our business. We are proud to offer our team competitive compensation and benefits programs including:

• Yearly uniform and boot allowance
• Employee discount
• Educational assistance program
• Employee Referral Program

For confidential consideration, qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter by end of day on Friday March 20, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are committed to providing accommodation for persons with disabilities. Accommodation will be provided as part of our hiring process. If accommodation is required, all applicants are requested to make their needs known in advance.

We use AI-enabled tools to sort applications based on job-related criteria. Recruiters review all results and determines who moves forward.