Nursery Workers

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. No smoking or tobacco products allowed on nursery property at any time. 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 marketable product, avoiding crop damage, etc.; (6) reports to work consistently at the time and place instructed, and remains at work for the agreed-upon work hours unless such absence is excused or approved in advance;