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. 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 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 nursery 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.