Nursery Workers

Job description

Perform manual labor to plant and cultivate shrubs, plants and trees including greenhouse annuals, field grown perennials, potted vegetable transplants, hanging basket plants, potted herbs, bedding, and tropical plants using hand gardening tools. Transplant, spray, weed, fertilize, water, pot and label plants, shrubs, and trees. Sort, select and pull plants that meet quality specifications as instructed for orders. Graft plants and trees onto different root stock to reduce disease by inserting and tying buds into incisions in rootstock. Dig, cut, and transplant seedlings, cuttings, trees, and shrubs. Dig, rake, and screen soil. Fill cold frames and hot beds in preparation for planting. Move containerized shrubs, plants, and trees, using wheelbarrows or tractors. Clean work areas and maintain grounds and landscaping. Haul and spread topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, and other materials to condition soil, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels. Maintain and repair irrigation systems. Feel plants' leaves and note their coloring to detect the presence of insects or disease. Inspect plants and bud ties to assess quality. Record information about plants and plant growth. Fill growing tanks with water. Tie and bunch flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees. Wrap plant roots and place plants into boxes to fill orders. Regulate indoor and outdoor irrigation systems. Dip cut flowers into disinfectant, count them into bunches and place them in boxes to prepare them for storage and shipping. Maintain inventory and ordering materials as required. Construct trellises, repair fences and nursery buildings, or participate in irrigation activities. Trap and destroy pests such as moles, gophers, and mice using pesticides. Implement freeze protection. Clean work areas and maintain grounds, landscaping and nursery structures. Maintain and repair irrigation systems. As a minor activity, operate, maintain, and repair vehicles and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest, and spray fields and plants.

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. Prior to any termination for cause, employer evaluates workers' performance of required tasks and compliance with Work Rules and other employer policies. Employer may terminate a worker for cause if the worker's performance consistently and/or substantially fails to satisfy the employer's reasonable expectations (in accordance with the criteria set forth herein), or otherwise engages in serious or egregious misconduct that endangers health, safety, or property. In assessing whether workers' performance meets reasonable expectations, employer evaluates, among other reasonable criteria, whether the worker: (1) has adequately complied with the Work Rules and any other policies or procedures; (2) has complied with all health and safety guidelines, including the use of tools or equipment in accordance with best practices to protect the employer's property, crops, and in a manner that avoids injury or damage; (3) has treated company property (tools, equipment, crops, fixtures, etc.

Special Requirements

One month nursery work experience required. Work outside in inclement weather conditions. Perform prolonged bending, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying of 50 lb. potted plants continuously. Climb 6 to 8 ladders. 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.