Nursery Workers

Job description

Perform manual and mechanized labor to plant, cultivate and harvest flowering and ornamental plants, shrubs and containerized trees and maintain nursery field stock using hand gardening tools. Operate tractors and other machines and equipment. Spray, weed, fertilize, water, transplant, pot and label plants, shrubs and trees. Prune, stake, tie and trim plants, shrubs and trees into forms according to individual varietal needs using hand tools and ladders. Label, tie, drag, lift, stack and load plants onto trailers, vans and trucks. As a minor duty, workers may utilize mechanical equipment to assist in the loading of product. By way of example, and not limited to, equipment used to load may include front end loaders, pallet forks, and forklifts. Feel plants' leaves and note their coloring to detect the presence of insects or disease. Fertilize, cultivate, harvest and spray plants. Inspect plants to assess quality. Cut and transplant seedlings, trees and shrubs. Take, prepare and place cuttings for propagation. Identify proper variety and growth stage of cuttings for propagation. Inspect, adjust and replace micro irrigation tubes and emitters. Move and transport containerized shrubs, plants, trees and plant material using carts, wheelbarrows or tractors with clutches. Clean work areas and maintain grounds and landscaping. Haul and spread topsoil, fertilizer, pine bark media and other materials to condition soil using wheelbarrows or carts, shovels and tractors with clutches. Dig, rake and prepare irrigation ditches. Workers may perform minor task associated with the repair or general maintenance of farm vehicles, implements and mechanical equipment. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may be asked to drive other workers to and from worksites and into town for weekly visits. GreenForest Nursery, Inc. is dedicated to providing a positive work environment. We always encourage the opportunity for our employees to suggest improvements and changes in production practices to ensure efficiency and equality.

Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker's Sabbath or federal holidays. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a 2 day introductory period, during which the employer will evaluate workers' performance of required tasks. Employer reserves the right to terminate a worker at the conclusion of the 2 day introductory period if the worker's performance fails to satisfy the employer's reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable. Employer may terminate a worker for lawful job-related reasons, including but not limited to situations in which the worker: (1) Is repeatedly absent or tardy; (2) malingers or otherwise refuses, without cause, to perform the work as directed; (3) commits act(s) of misconduct or repeatedly violates the Work Rules; and/or (4) fails, after completing the 2 day introductory period, to perform work in a competent and skillful manner, consistent with the employer's reasonable expectations.

Special Requirements

One month of verifiable nursery work experience required. Perform prolonged walking, bending, reaching, heavy lifting, carrying and loading up to 50 lbs., pushing and pulling nursery carts weighing up to 200 lbs. and climbing 6 ft. ladders. Most job duties require workers to work in extremely cold, wet and/or hot weather. Must be 18 or older. Employer is a Drug Free Workplace. Drug testing is conducted post hire at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process. Negative results are required before starting work.