Nursery Workers

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Nursery Work: Flowering and ornamental plants, shrubs and trees..
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. 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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break.

Reasonable Expectations:

All workers are subject to qualitative performance evaluation relative to employer’s reasonable expectations. In assessing worker performance, employer evaluates whether the worker: (1) adequately complies with the Work Rules and any other policies or procedures disclosed to worker; (2) complies with all health and safety guidelines, including proper use of tools or equipment according to operating instructions and best practices designed to protect employer’s property, crops, and avoid injury or damage; (3) treats company property (tools, equipment, crops, fixtures, etc.) with care and respect, avoiding damage or improper cleanliness or maintenance standards; (4) timely and consistently follows instructions duly communicated by supervisors and other management personnel; (5) adheres to employer’s quality control standards for ensuring a

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.
The employer may, at its discretion, promulgate additional written Work Rules, Housing Policies, and other reasonable policies governing behavior in the workplace and on employers property. Copies of all such policies will be provided to worker in writing (in a language understood by the worker) during orientation and/or onboarding and shall be considered binding and enforceable for purposes of job retention. Employer attests that all policies will be