Nursery Workers

Job description

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. 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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. 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.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a 2 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 2 day introductory period if the worker's performance fails to satisfy the employer's reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable. Employer may terminate a worker for lawful job-related reasons, including but not limited to situations in which the worker: (1) Is repeatedly absent or tardy; (2) malingers or otherwise refuses, without cause, to perform the work as directed; (3) commits act(s) of misconduct or repeatedly violates the Work Rules; and/or (4) fails, after completing the 2 day introductory period, to perform work in a competent and skillful manner, consistent with the employer's reasonable expectations. Non-U.S. workers may be displaced as a result of one or more U.S. workers becoming available for the job during the employer's recruitment period. Job abandonment will be deemed to occur after five consecutive workdays of unexcused absences. Workers may not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company premises is prohibited and will be cause for immediate termination.

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.