Work at Hornbakers
We’re a great place to grow. Join our team!
Our work is our passion
Hornbaker Gardens’ greatest asset is the staff. They are passionate, caring, knowledgeable, and friendly individuals who enjoy their work. Our work is our passion, and our company mission is “growing and sharing beauty, joy, and inspiration’.
Have a passion for gardening and love working outdoors? We are seeking friendly individuals with excellent customer service and communication skills to join our team at the Garden Center. Gardening and plant knowledge is helpful but not required. Other considerations include:
- A good work ethic
- Physical demands throughout the workday such as lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying objects (plants) of varying weights.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods
- Tolerance for working in all types of weather
- Hourly, $15-20 an hour based on experience
- Direct Deposit Weekly on Wednesdays
- PTO Accrual of 1 hour per 40 hours worked
WARNING!!! Some of our staff have reported side effects such as:
- Sudden strong attachment to plants they didn’t know existed
- A feeling of calm and peace when they ARRIVE at work
- Flexible co-workers who are happy to help and deeply believe in teamwork
- Muscle gain and/or unexpected weight loss from being on the move
- Unexpected snacks, cookies, popsicles, and ice cream in the break room
- Dirt in their cars
- Sightings and photographs of wildlife, insects, birds, frogs and fish
- Sleeping really well from days full of fresh air and sunshine
- Rich Hornbaker sharing his rhubarb pie recipe, and if you’re lucky, a warm slice of pie.
- Uplifting visits and gifts from the youngest Hornbaker generation (buckeyes, cool rocks, found feathers, construction paper creations, and tiny fistfuls of flowers left behind just for you.)
- Meeting good people from all over the Midwest
Positions we staff each season
Hornbaker Gardens accepts applications for employment throughout the year. We operate seasonally, with the full season running from mid-March through October. We hire both full-time and part-time team members, and applicants are encouraged to apply for either. The positions listed below represent the roles we staff each season; availability varies based on current hiring needs.
GARDEN CENTER RETAIL TEAM
Join our Garden Center Retail Team! You’ll be out among the plants helping customers with questions about our products, services, and anything else they’re curious about. You’ll get comfortable using our point-of-sale system so sales run smoothly and efficiently. You’ll also help keep our giftware and garden décor looking great by receiving and stocking merchandise, rotating and organizing products, keeping an eye on inventory, and letting us know when supplies are running low. A clean, tidy space is part of the charm—so expect some sweeping and vacuuming, too! Strong communication, active listening, and a friendly smile are key. Reliable weekend availability is required, as these are our highest traffic days, especially throughout the spring season.
GREENHOUSE RETAIL TEAM
This is a spring-season position, typically from mid-April through mid-June. Greenhouse Retail Team members work in our annuals area that also includes houseplants, tropicals, hanging baskets, herbs, fruits and veggies. You will be helping customers find the right plants by guiding them on availability, location, and selection. You’ll also answer basic gardening questions and help connect customers with more detailed support when needed. Each day includes caring for plants by watering and rotating plant material and keeping the greenhouse tidy by cleaning and organizing. Strong communication and good listening are essential. Reliable weekend availability is required, as these are our highest traffic days, especially throughout the spring season.
GARDEN CENTER LABOR AND LANDSCAPE TEAM
Think you’ve got the strength to handle big trees, heavy lifting, and the occasional muddy boot? As a Labor and Landscape Team Member, you’ll be the hero who helps with deliveries and plantings of larger trees and shrubs—no big deal, right? You’ll also team up with our Grounds Crew to keep our gardens, grounds, and garden center looking awesome. This gig is perfect for someone who’s strong, motivated, and not afraid to get a little dirty (or a lot). If you’re the type who tackles heavy lifting with a smile and enjoys working outdoors, we want you on our team!
GROUNDS CREW TEAM MEMBER
Do you love getting your hands dirty and soaking up the sunshine? If you enjoy working outdoors and being around beautiful plants, we’d love for you to join our Grounds Crew team! You’ll be part of a friendly group of plant lovers, helping us keep our gardens, lawns, and landscapes looking gorgeous.
PLANT SALES SPECIALIST
Our Plant Sales Specialists are the heart of the customer experience at Hornbaker Gardens. In this role, you’ll help guests find the right perennials, annuals, and woody plants by guiding them through availability, locations, and plant selection. You’ll answer everyday gardening questions and help coordinate follow-up for more in-depth inquiries. We’re looking for someone who communicates clearly, listens closely, and genuinely enjoys helping people. A passion for plants—and for sharing that passion—is essential. If you love connecting others with the joy of gardening, this is the spot for you.