Irrigation Assistant

J.D. Irving, Limited; Sussex; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in sustainable forestry practices is seeking an Irrigation Assistant to support tree nursery operations, ensuring optimal seedling hydration and health. This role involves active participation in gardening tasks, irrigation supervision, and pest management while working within a collaborative team-focused environment.

Benefits

Career growth & development opportunities

Competitive compensation & benefits

Qualifications

• On-the-job training provided, preferred background in horticulture.
• 1+ year of experience in irrigation or greenhouse maintenance preferred.
• Greenhouse management certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage seedling trays for proper growth positioning.
• Monitor seedling health and provide daily updates.
• Supervise irrigation procedures and maintain water levels.

Skills

Irrigation techniques

Seedling care

Nursery tools usage

Education

Background in horticulture or plant sciences

Job description

Irrigation Assistant – Grow Your Career !

Sussex Seed Nursery is seeking an Irrigation Assistant to join our Tree Nursery team. Located at 181 Aiton Road, Sussex East, E4G 2V5.

Do you have a passion for plant care and greenhouse operations? Are you ready to contribute to the health and growth of seedlings while ensuring sufficient irrigation processes? We’re looking for a dedicated Irrigation Assistant to help maintain optimal hydration and support seedling development.

Founded in 1882, J. D. Irving, Limited is a large, diversified enterprise based in Saint John, New Brunswick with a team of over 19,000 (FTE) in Canada, the United States, and select international jurisdictions. Our operations span the forestry, transportation, retail, shipbuilding, food & agriculture, consumer products, and construction industries.

Why Join Us?

At Sussex Tree Nursery, we’re committed to excellence in plant cultivation and nursery operations. As an Irrigation Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our junior grower, ensuring seedlings receive the proper care for strong and sustainable growth.

What’s in it for You?

• Exciting forestry projects – Play an active role in shaping the future of responsible forest management.
• A collaborative & supportive team – Work alongside skilled professionals who are committed to sustainable forestry.
• Career growth & development – Enjoy opportunities for training, advancement, and skill-building.
• Competitive compensation & benefits – Receive industry-leading pay, wellness programs, and a rewarding work environment.
• Schedule- The position follows a structured schedule of four consecutive workdays, from Wednesday through Saturday, followed by three days off. Consisting of 42 hours weekly, excluding callouts. Additional hours may be available for those interested, following a 5-2 schedule.

Ready to Grow Your Career?

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

Education:

• Minimum: On-the-job training provided.
• Preferred: Background in horticulture or plant sciences.

Experience:

• Minimum: No prior experience required.
• Preferred: 1+ year of experience in irrigation or greenhouse maintenance.

Certifications:

• Minimum: No certifications are required.
• Preferred: Greenhouse management certification.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of seedling care and irrigation techniques.
• Ability to work efficiently with nursery tools (hose wands, fertilizers, etc.).
• Physically capable of lifting and moving trays as needed.
• Awareness of safety procedures, including respirator use.

Flexibility:

• Availability to work weekends and evenings and be on-call.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assist where needed, including tasks that may require more physical labour beyond standard monitoring duties.
• Availability for Frost/Emergency duty is required at all hours during scheduled workdays, with a minimum call-out duration of three hours.

Requirements:

• Transportation required to travel to and from work site.
• Class 5 license to drive company vehicles.
• CSA Standard work boots.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do:

• Manage Seedling Trays - Move seedling trays between pallets and the ground to ensure proper positioning for growth.

• Monitoring Seedling Health - Weigh trays, observe plant conditions, and provide daily updates on seedling development

• Landscaping - Weeding, pruning and planting.

• Irrigation Supervision - Oversee irrigation procedures, manage water values, and apply necessary fertilizers to maintain healthy seedlings.

• Blackout Preparation - Assist in covering seedling trays in the afternoon and uncovering them in the morning to regulate plant growth cycles.

• Utilize Specialized Tools - Work with tweezers, rakes, watering cans, hose wands, pots, and fertilizer bags to ensure proper nursery maintenance.

• Pest Management - Follow established integrated pest management strategies, which includes the application of pesticides.