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LGVC Assistant Manager

Please email a cover letter, resumé, and the contact information for three references as a single PDF to [email protected] – include the name of the position in the subject line of your email. Applications may also be mailed to: Seed Savers Exchange | Attn: Peggy Miller | 3094 North Winn Rd. | Decorah, IA 52101.

Lillian Goldman Visitors Center Assistant Manager

Position Title: LGVC Assistant Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Regular, Full-time
Reports to: Lillian Goldman Visitors Center Manager/Customer Service Manager
Supervisory Role: No
Compensation: $17.00/hour

Primary Role

The Lillian Goldman Visitors Center (LGVC) Assistant Manager will serve as an informative resource for visitors to Heritage Farm, aid customers in the gift and garden store, address inquiries regarding SSE’s origin and mission, and assume the role of the point person in the absence of the LGVC manager. A commitment to working at least one weekend day is necessary from March to October. Additionally, during the months of November to February, the LGVC Assistant Manager will transition to working in Seed Savers Exchange’s Seed House, where responsibilities will include assisting with seed packing, providing customer service, and fulfilling orders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

March 1-October 31
Typical schedule: Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 5:30pm 

  • Carry out opening and closing procedures as documented  
  • Assist the LGVC Manager with researching new merchandise; determining replenishment needs  according to stock levels of products; ordering products from vendors 
  • Merchandise and curate products to make them inviting; follow basic principles of merchandising ( e.g.  abundance, balance, placement). Create seasonal displays 
  • Assist with the planning of pop-up informal mini events to boost sales; offer hands-on interactive  displays to enhance visitor experience 
  • Complete cleaning tasks as scheduled 
  • Oversee the appearance of the LGVC and areas around the building, including the office, checkout area,  front gardens, hanging baskets, sidewalks, and paths 
  • Offer excellent customer service, answer questions, and ensure visitors and customers have a great  experience at Heritage Farm 
  • Basic care for Heritage Farm poultry 
  • Be available to work during the large events each season such as, SSE’s annual plant sale, conference  and campout, benefit concert, etc. 
  • Work with the marketing department on advertising and signage 
  • Assist the membership department in implementing initiatives to increase membership for SSE
  • Accurately enter purchase orders into NetSuite, making sure the inventory item number, quantity, and  rate matches the vendor’s invoice 
  • Make inventory adjustments according to processes as necessary 
  • Assist with pricing of merchandise according to requirements for profitability of store operations
  • Handle confidential information appropriately 
  • Assist with scheduling to ensure the continuous operation of the LGVC, seven days per week, from  10am-5pm daily
  • Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the LGVC Manager 

November 1 – February 28
Typical schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm 

  • Assist with general Seed House duties as needed, including but not limited to:
    • Hand packing seed packets
    • Assisting with seed packing machine duties
    • Fulfilling customer orders (picking/packing/shipping)
  • Assist with customer service duties including but not limited to: 
    • Answering phones and emails
    • Placing orders for customer over the phone or by entering them manually from mail-in orders
    • Handling confidential information appropriately
    • Providing relevant information to satisfy customer questions or concerns
    • Relaying customer feedback to the customer service manager and offer suggestions for  improvement
  • Support the LGVC Manager in off-season duties for the Visitors Center related to planning, inventory, and staff training

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to perform store and garden duties that involve bending, stretching, kneeling, walking, and lifting up to 30 pounds

Qualifications: 

  • High School diploma or GED 
  • Broad knowledge of SSE’s work, programs, and seed preservation 
  • Knowledge of growing, gardening, soil health, organic methods preferred 
  • The ability to engage people and communicate effectively 
  • Capable of decision-making and problem-solving in complex situations 
  • The ability to follow procedures and manage many different tasks each day 
  • The desire and ability to be a leader in customer, visitor, and team member care 
  • NetSuite software proficiency as it relates to customer care and inventory management within 3 months of hire
  • Retail experience required

Benefits: 

  • Paid holidays & PTO 
  • Long Term Disability & Life Insurance (paid for by the company) 
  • Employee merchandise discounts 
  • Wellness program with annual stipend and paid day off 
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage available 

Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from a wide  variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. Seed Savers Exchange does not discriminate on the basis of  race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, mental or  physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law.

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