Shipping Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Shipping Support Specialist is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the shipping department to ensure plants and customer orders are accurately prepared, staged, tagged, loaded, and shipped according to schedule. This position performs a variety of shipping-related duties and is expected to move between tasks based on daily workload, shipping schedules, and operational needs.

The Shipping Support Specialist works closely with the Shipping Director, QC Lead, QC Technician, and other team members to maintain an efficient shipping operation. Responsibilities may include plant tagging, order picking, staging, loading, preparing shipping materials, organizing work areas, and providing general support throughout the shipping department.

Flexibility is an essential part of this position. Employees are expected to assist with different shipping and operational duties as directed by management based on the needs of the business.

Shipping & Busy Season Responsibilities

• Meet with the QC Lead/Shipping Manager at the beginning of each shift to receive daily assignments, pick lists, and shipping priorities.
• Assist in preparing customer orders for shipment.
• Pick and stage plants according to customer orders and assigned truck loads.
• Prepare baskets with all required retail and/or brand tags for each truck.
• Separate and organize tags by truck and secure them appropriately.
• Clearly label tag baskets according to the assigned truck.  
• Apply the correct retail and/or brand tags to plants according to customer requirements.
• Work alongside the QC Technician during the quality control process.
• Ensure plants are properly identified and prepared before loading.
• Assist with loading trucks accurately, safely, and efficiently.
• Verify that staged plants and materials correspond with assigned orders and trucks.
• Prepare shipping materials and supplies for current and upcoming shipments.
• Maintain organized and efficient shipping lanes and staging areas.
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining shipping areas throughout the workday.
• Communicate with leads and coworkers regarding order status, missing materials, or other shipping-related issues.
• Assist with other shipping duties as assigned to maintain daily shipping schedules and operational goals.

Downtime and Changing Workload Responsibilities

Shipping workload may vary throughout the day and throughout the year. During periods when a particular shipping task is reduced or completed, the Shipping Support Specialist is expected to transition to other duties as directed by the Shipping Director or designated lead.

During downtime, all employees are expected to remain productive and assist with other departments and operational functions as directed by their manager. Employees may be assigned to departments or duties outside of their primary area based on the needs of the business. These assignments are considered a normal part of the position and may include, but are not limited to:

• Production
• Propagation
• Potting
• Picking
• Tagging
• Staging
• Loading and unloading trucks
• Preparing materials and supplies
• Cleaning and organizing work areas
• Moving plants and materials
• Assisting other shipping or nursery functions
• Other duties as directed by management

Slow Season Responsibilities

During the fall and winter months, when shipping volume decreases and seasonal staffing levels change, the Shipping Support Specialist will continue to support the overall operation by performing a variety of duties based on current business needs.

During the slow season, all employees are expected to assist in other departments as directed by their manager. Employees may be assigned to production, propagation, potting, shipping, nursery operations, or other areas where additional support is needed. The department or duties assigned may change from day to day based on workload, staffing, and operational priorities.

Responsibilities may include:

• Picking.
• Tagging.
• Staging.
• Loading.
• Shipping preparation.
• Production.
• Propagation.
• Potting.
• Cleaning and organizing work areas.
• Moving plants and materials.
• Assisting other departments.
• Other duties as necessary to maintain productivity and operational goals.

Employees are expected to remain productive throughout their scheduled workday and to assist wherever needed as directed by their manager. Helping in other departments during downtime or the slow season is an expected part of working as a member of the nursery operation.

The responsibilities of this position may change based on seasonal demand, staffing levels, customer orders, weather, and other operational requirements. The Shipping Support Specialist is expected to perform a variety of duties and assist wherever needed within the operation.

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily in a nursery and shipping environment where teamwork, safety, productivity, flexibility, and accuracy are essential to meeting daily operational and shipping goals.

The work environment and daily duties may change based on customer orders, shipping schedules, weather, seasonal demand, staffing levels, and other business needs. Employees are expected to work cooperatively with management and coworkers and to assist with assigned duties wherever needed to support the operation.

 Qualifications

• Ability to follow pick lists, work instructions, and supervisor/lead direction.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and assignments.
• Willingness to perform a variety of shipping, nursery, production, and operational duties.
• Reliable attendance and ability to maintain productivity throughout the scheduled workday.
• Ability to work cooperatively with leads and coworkers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to accurately identify, pick, stage, tag, and prepare plants for shipment.
• Ability to learn and follow customer-specific shipping requirements.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and transition between tasks as workload changes.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while working at an efficient pace.
• Ability to follow established quality, safety, and shipping procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team and assist with various operational needs.
• Positive attitude and willingness to take direction.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and carrying.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently, using proper lifting techniques. 
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements associated with shipping, loading, picking, staging, and nursery operations