Nursery Worker (45-2092.00)

Job description

Crops: Ornamental Shrubs, Flowering Shrubs, Grasses, Perennials, Bierhals, Annuals, Flowering Trees, Fruit Trees, Shade Trees, Ornamental Herbs, Lilies, Palms, Topicals, etc.
Worker must possess the physical strength and endurance (ability to continue or last) to repeat the harvest process though out the workday, working quickly and skillfully to perform activities assigned during that activity. Workers must work at a sustained (continuing for an extended period of time without interruption), vigorous pace (quick and steady) and make bona fide efforts (made in earnest intent) to work efficiently (performing or functions in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort) and consistently (same way for a long time) that are reasonable under the climatic and other working conditions, Workers may not leave trash, or other discarded items in work areas or vehicles but must dispose of such items in provided receptacles. Workers must wash hands with soap and water after all bathroom and meal breaks. Allergies to varieties of ragweed, goldenrod, insecticides, related agricultural chemicals, etc., may affect worker’s ability to perform the work described herein.

Workers will perform all of the duties associated with working in a greenhouse/nursery:
• Haul, spread, dig, rake and mix media for growing areas.
• Cover and fill cold frames and greenhouses in preparation for planting.
• Haul, plant, weed, water, prune, trim, shape and space products
• Fertilize with granular or liquid fertilizer.
• Tie, Bunch, wrap, and pack trees
• Unload and load trucks for marketing
• Work in a potting line and/or greenhouse
• Use hand tools such as shovels, hoes, pruning, hooks, shears and knives.
• Till and mix soil.
• Transplant plants
• Plant trees, shrubs and other plants in the field or potting machine
• Operate wheel tractors pulling planting wagons.
• Operate a tractor, ATV, UTV, loader, golf. (only properly licensed and trained workers will operate farm equipment)
• Drive a tractor pulling a wagon through or between fields.
• Start some crops from seed, and stick cuttings
• Clean work areas
• Unload pallets from trucks and wagons.
• Painting of nursery buildings, fence repair, weed eating, mowing and other ground maintenance.
• Count, load & unload plants to and from trucks or wagons
• Run Irrigation pipes.

GENERAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CROPS: Fieldwork begins at assigned time usually shortly after daylight. Work is performed during light rain and in high humidity and in temperatures ranging from 100 (+) degrees to 35 degrees F. Workers will work on their feet in bent, stooped, and crouched positions for long periods of time. Workers will make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists. Workers must be able to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs. Workers will use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects, such as potted plants. Workers will frequently lift trees ranging in weight up to 75 lbs. Workers may occasionally over trees weighing up to 100 lbs working in teams. Workers will supply their own work clothes. All the tasks in this Job Description constitute one (1) job; the employer may assign workers to different tasks on any day or to multiple tasks during the same day in the sole judgment of the employer. This is a very demanding and competitive business in which quality specifications must be rigorously adhered to. Sloppy work cannot and will not be tolerated.

Special Requirements

All applicants must have at least 3 months experience working in a diverse tree and shrub nursery. Workers must possess a valid drivers license or obtain one within thirty days of hire. Workers will operate trucks and other farm equipment both on site and on public roadways. Applicants must be able to furnish affirmative job references from recent employers operating comparable operations establishing acceptable previous experience. Must be physically able to meet and perform all job specifications stated in job order. Must be able to work in the hot humid weather for extended periods of time. Workers are subject to random drug testing at no cost to the employee. Failing or refusing a drug test will result in immediate termination.