Nursery Worker

Job description

Perform manual labor to plant, cultivate and trim containerized plants, trees, shrubs, and grasses. Using order forms or according to supervisors instructions workers will select, harvest, prepare and load plants for shipping. Take cuttings from plants and stick those cuttings, as well as consolidate plants. Use hand tools including hammers, trimmers, power shears, pruning shears, shears, three-step stool, rakes, staplers, and assorted hand tools to perform nursery activities. Insert stakes and string for spacing. Plant, transplant, pot, prune, shape, count and check plants, shrubs and trees manually in the field or greenhouse. Stack, rack, move, space and jam nursery commodities. Label pots or hang labels on plants. Inform supervisors of the presence of insects, disease or quality concerns. Must assure accurate identification and count of plants when pulling orders to load onto delivery trucks. Accurately complete checklist when pulling orders. Jam plants, gently spread cloth over plants and anchor edges of cloth to implement freeze protection. Work with other workers to cover greenhouses. Count and check pots, plants and materials. Inspect orders on carts and shrink wrap carts. Load and unload nursery commodities, tools and materials. Workers must use extreme care while handling plants so no harm is caused to the plants. Water plants and spread fertilizers. Stock supermarket/shipping dock (located on the worksite) with plants. Build cannon and cc racks and assist in construction of nursery buildings and repair nursery facilities. Operate company equipment including but not limited to forklifts. Apply pesticides and herbicides to plants. Clean and maintain grounds and facilities including weeding, picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms and sweeping floors. Using the employer’s vehicles, licensed drivers may transport workers and be offered additional hours.

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.

During the peak harvest between March 1st and May 31st, workers may be offered additional hours Monday through Saturday. Seasonal work schedules may change after May 31st due to hotter temperatures. Workers may be required to start as early as 6:00am. Additional hours may be offered but will not be required.
Workers should expect occasional periods of little or no work because of weather, crop or other conditions beyond the employer's control. These periods can occur anytime throughout the season. Workers may be assigned a variety of duties in any given day and different tasks on different days.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a two 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 introductory period if the worker’s performance fails to satisfy the employer’s reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable.

Special Requirements

One month of verifiable nursery work experience required. Work outside in extremely hot, cool and/or rainy weather. Lift, carry and load up to 50 lbs. Use a three-step stool. Perform repetitive movements. Walk, bend, and stand for prolonged periods of time. Push and pull carts loaded with plants and/or materials. Must be 18 or older. Employer is a drug and alcohol 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.