Nursery Growers

Willowbrook Nurseries Inc.; Fenwick; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group benefits

Company vehicle

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Prescription drug coverage

Job summary

Willowbrook Nurseries Inc. in Fenwick, Ontario, is seeking seasoned Nursery Growers with extensive commercial growing experience to lead an area of crops and supervise staff.

This on-site, hands-on leadership role focuses on crop management, production planning, and timely decision-making to protect plant health and quality. You will oversee daily crop care, adjust irrigation and fertility, coordinate pruning and labour, and mentor crews while coordinating with Production Management and HR.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in commercial nursery or ornamental plant production.
• Strong technical knowledge of irrigation, fertility, plant health, pruning, crop development, and production timing.
• A proven ability to deliver consistent crop quality through changing seasonal conditions.
• Sound judgment to diagnose growing problems, establish priorities, and make effective decisions independently.
• Demonstrated experience leading crews, organizing labour, and developing employees.
• Clear communication, strong organization, and a constructive approach to working with fellow growers and management.
• Experience with woody ornamentals, perennials, and container nursery production is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee crop health and quality within your assigned growing area, producing consistent, market‑ready plants.
• Assess crops regularly and adjust irrigation, fertility, and maintenance practices to suit growth conditions.
• Plan and coordinate pruning, pinching, spacing, and other crop care.
• Identify pests, diseases, nutritional issues, and environmental stress; coordinate corrective measures.
• Anticipate growing challenges and act early to protect quality and reduce losses.
• Plan crop care and labour around production targets, seasonal priorities, and shipping schedules.
• Contribute updates on crop progress and resource needs during production meetings.

Skills

Crop management

Team leadership

Irrigation knowledge

Plant health monitoring

Labour planning

Communication

Education

Horticultural education

Pesticide Applicator Licence (asset)

Job description

Nursery Growers

Willowbrook Nurseries | Fenwick, Ontario

Starting wage: $36.00 per hour, with higher compensation negotiable based on proven experience and expertise | Group Benefits | 6% Vacation Pay

Willowbrook Nurseries is seeking seasoned Nursery Growers with extensive commercial growing experience and a proven record of producing high-quality ornamental plants.

You know how to read a crop, anticipate problems, and make timely decisions that protect plant health and quality. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of an assigned growing area, lead employees, and bring your expertise to crop management and production planning.

About Willowbrook

Willowbrook Nurseries is an established wholesale nursery in Fenwick, Ontario, producing trees, flowering shrubs, evergreens, perennials, vines, fruit trees, and specialty crops for customers across Eastern Canada and the United States. Our core values are Honesty, Respect, Dedication, and Teamwork.

The opportunity

Working closely with Production Management and fellow growers, you will oversee daily crop care, establish priorities, and guide your team through the demands of commercial nursery production. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring sound independent judgment and a strong presence among the crops and the people caring for them.

Crop management and production

• Oversee crop health and quality within your assigned growing area, producing consistent, market‑ready plants.
• Assess crops regularly and adjust irrigation, fertility, and maintenance practices to suit plant development, weather, and growing conditions.
• Plan and coordinate pruning, pinching, spacing, and other crop care.
• Identify and investigate pests, diseases, nutritional issues, and environmental stress; coordinate effective corrective measures.
• Anticipate growing challenges and act early to protect quality and reduce losses.
• Plan crop care and labour requirements around production targets, seasonal priorities, and shipping schedules.
• Contribute informed updates on crop progress, readiness, risks, and resource needs during production meetings.
• Maintain clear crop observations and recommend practical improvements to growing methods and efficiency.

Team leadership

• Direct the daily work of full‑time, seasonal, and migrant employees, setting clear expectations for quality, productivity, and safety.
• Train and mentor employees, strengthening their crop knowledge and practical skills.
• Monitor work, provide constructive feedback, and address concerns respectfully with support from Production Management and Human Resources.
• Promote responsible equipment use and report maintenance needs promptly.

The experience we are looking for

This role requires an established growing professional with substantial practical experience and demonstrated responsibility for crop outcomes.

• Extensive hands‑on experience in commercial nursery or ornamental plant production.
• Strong technical knowledge of irrigation, fertility, plant health, pruning, crop development, and production timing.
• A proven ability to deliver consistent crop quality through changing seasonal conditions.
• Sound judgment to diagnose growing problems, establish priorities, and make effective decisions independently.
• Demonstrated experience leading crews, organizing labour, and developing employees.
• Clear communication, strong organization, and a constructive approach to working with fellow growers and management.

Experience with woody ornamentals, perennials, and container nursery production is particularly valuable. A Pesticide Applicator Licence is an asset, or candidates must be willing to obtain one. Horticultural education is valued alongside substantial practical experience and a proven growing record.

Compensation and benefits

• Starting at $36.00 per hour, negotiable based on proven growing experience. Seasoned growers with a strong record of crop management and leadership may be considered for a higher starting rate.
• Group benefits including dental, vision, and 85% prescription drug coverage, subject to plan eligibility.
• A company vehicle may be available to growers residing within the Town of Fenwick, subject to employment terms.

Schedule and seasonal responsibilities

This position is based on‑site in Fenwick, Ontario. Growers participate in rotating weekend crop checks and coordinate essential crop coverage during the annual Christmas shutdown. During slower production periods, growers contribute to other nursery projects and operational priorities.

Pay: From $36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 45.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Life insurance
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Fenwick, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Growing : 3 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person