Nursery Workers

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Nursery Work: containerized plants, shrubs, trees and grasses.
Perform manual labor to plant, transplant, cultivate, and tend to containerized ornamental plants, fruit, shrubs, trees and grasses using hand and gardening tools (60%). Sort, classify and pack (30%). Operate tractors, nursery vehicles and equipment (10%). Weed, fertilize, spray, trim, space, and water plants, shrubs, and trees including azaleas, evergreen hedges such as boxwoods and hollies, shade hydrangeas, ferns, blackberry vines, figs, blueberries, and other ornamental grasses and plants using hand tools and gardening tools including gas powered pruners. Feel plants' leaves and note their coloring to detect the presence of insects or disease. Inspect plants and bud ties to assess quality. Space and prepare planting areas. Pot and label (tag) plants. May work with tractors, nursery vehicles and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, and spray plants. Load and unload plants, planting tools, and materials. Move containerized shrubs and plants using wheelbarrows, tractors, or loaded rolling racks, and deliver plants to market. 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. Perform irrigation and climate control duties. Dig, rake, and screen soil. Select plants for shipping. Implement freeze-protection measures. Perform routine upkeep, nursery and greenhouse sanitation duties including picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms and sweeping floors. As a minor activity, workers may assist in the assembly of nursery buildings. Work is very fast paced during busy season. 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.

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;

Special Requirements

One month of verifiable nursery work experience required. Requires prolonged stooping, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, heavy lifting and carrying including 50 lb. bags of fertilizer and 15 gallon potted plants. Work outside in extremely hot, cold, and/or wet weather. 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.