Garden Center Manager
Wildwood, Missouri
Full-Time, Year Round
Shape the future of a 5.5-acre destination garden center.
Chalily began more than 15 years ago with a simple focus: celebrating water in the garden.
What started as an aquatic plant and pond business has grown into a nationally recognized source for water lilies, lotus, pond plants and water-gardening expertise. Today, we serve customers in St. Louis and across the country while remaining proudly family-owned.
In April 2026, we opened our new home in Wildwood, Missouri, on the historic former Fahr Greenhouses property. The 5.5-acre site gives us the opportunity to create something we’ve dreamt of: a destination where gardeners can experience plants, water, education and nature in one place.
Our roots are in aquatic plants, but our vision is much bigger. We’re building a destination that celebrates every corner of the garden, from ponds and fountains to pollinator habitats, veggie gardens, seasonal blooms and beyond.
We’re looking for a creative Garden Center Manager who can lead our retail team and turn bright ideas into a living, growing destination.
Strong plant knowledge is required for this role, but aquatic plant experience is not.
This is a full-time, year-round position that requires weekend availability during the peak season.
The Garden Center Manager we’re looking for:
- You want to build something new. You’ve worked in plant-focused retail, love creating displays and want people to feel like they discovered something special every time they visit.
- You LOVE plants. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and beyond, you’re genuinely excited by plant life in all its forms.
- You think in experiences. Our 1950s greenhouse is coming back to life and we need someone who can shape that into something magical.
- You connect with people. You’re just as comfortable helping customers as you are working with plants, and you enjoy teaching what you know.
- You lead from the floor. You’re comfortable lifting, moving and working outdoors in all weather and you set the standard by doing the work.
In this role, you will:
- Create a destination people talk about and bring their friends to
- Design seasonal displays that stop people in their tracks
- Shape a customer experience worth driving for
- Lead day-to-day retail operations and seasonal staffing
- Oversee inventory management and merchandising
- Foster a culture of curiosity, hospitality and expertise
Required skills + experience:
- Retail management experience (garden center, nursery, or similar)
- Knowledge of terrestrial plants (annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, etc.)
- Strong communication and people skills
- Self-motivated, organized and calm under pressure
Work environment + physical demands:
- Year-round indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters.
- Greenhouse areas may exceed 100°F during warmer months.
- Requires standing, walking, bending and reaching for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting up to 40 lbs. (e.g., plants, boxes or display materials).
- Frequent interaction with customers in a retail environment.
Ready to GROW SOMETHING?
We’d love to hear what you’d build here.
Send us your resume with a short note about your experience to apply.