Wholesale Nursery Container Grower
Loen Nursery is a field and container grown nursery with wholesale locations in Woodburn, Cipole, and Aurora, OR as well as a retail location in Sherwood, OR. We are seeking skilled and inspired plant people for positions in numerous departments. For viewing more open employment opportunities with us, please visit: https://order.loennursery.com/t-employment.aspx
Wholesale Nursery Master Grower
Requirements:
- Excellent knowledge of plants/trees/shrubs and the ability to identify them in the field
- Up to date knowledge of cultivars and the ability to pronounce/spell scientific (Latin) names
- Ensures plants/trees/shrubs are being grown and cared for correctly (sun/shade conditions)
- Correct practices of pruning and trimming trees/shrubs
- Excellent knowledge of growing and propagating plants/trees/shrubs in the Pacific Northwest (Zones 8, 8a, 8b, 9)
- Maintain a master growing schedule that meets the pace and needs of the sales department and their clients
- Ensures that all aspects of watering the nursery are consistent and accurate (timing, amount per plant’s need, salt flushing in winter)
- Maintains production schedule and records the movement of plants/trees/shrubs within wholesale nursery locations
- Ability to test soil PH, salt level, and provide proper soil mixes for specific plant/tree/shrub
- Grouping of plants/trees/shrubs in accordance with like cultural needs (watering, lighting, pest control, growth stages)
- Spacing plants/trees/shrubs to achieve the best growth and saleable quality
- Assure the overall cleanliness of the wholesale nursery and keep plants/trees/shrubs free of weeds, staked and secure to avoid toppling in high winds
- Directing and delegating of tasks to nursery section managers, laborers, and temporary workers
- Conduct weekly meetings with growers and nursery staff to coordinate goals and prioritize tasks
- Ensure that nursery staff have the equipment they need to work efficiently and that tools are being used correctly for their intended purpose
- Daily inspection of the wholesale nursery, general clean-up and quality assurance
- Assisting with wholesale inventory tasks, checking plants/trees/shrubs for their upcoming availability (proper growth and root establishment) and collecting quantity data on a weekly basis (active counts on wholesale stock)
- Tracking and signing for temporary laborers on a daily basis, ensuring that 10 minute breaks are allotted, not abused, and that 30 minute lunches are taken at the right time
- Directing the shifting of plants/trees/shrubs if issues are noted (over-watering, not enough sun, root-bound pots, etc.)
- Managing the use of herbicides, assuring correct amount per pot and that applications are being done at the correct time
- Maintaining records of fertilizer applications and labeling signage in the nursery with the date of most recent application when they occur
- Ensure that equipment operators have been trained and signed for approval of training
- Maintain the nursery as a safe work environment, note and report unsafe practices when using tools/operating equipment
- Training of nursery staff in all aspects of proper/effective growing practices and efficient work throughout the season
- Ability to care for and prepare plants/trees/shrubs for shipping to nationwide destinations
- Maintain records of orders pulled/flagged and plants/trees/shrubs on the loading dock awaiting shipment
- Recommend plants of interest to propagate/grow/sell
Qualifications:
- 2 to 4 year degree in horticulture/agriculture/forestry or related field/work experience
- Leadership/managerial experience a plus
- Experience growing/working in nurseries, garden centers, farm environment, etc.
- Positive attitude, empathy, and a love for nature
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to direct/lead others
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
Full-time (40-45 hours/week)
Salary: $40,000 – 50,000 /year
Benefits include health/dental insurance, paid sick leave, vacation time, 20% employee discount at retail store