Grower

Hoffman Nursery, Inc.; Rougemont (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoffman Nursery, Inc. is seeking a Section Grower 2 to learn and perform greenhouse activities in a designated section, ensuring optimum growth, quality, appearance, and health of plants.

The role involves identifying grasses, sedges, and rushes, applying IPM knowledge, and maintaining cleanliness and order in the facilities. You're expected to learn watering strategies, assist with minor repairs, and train team members while adhering to Hoffman Nursery standards.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Strong interest in horticulture and willingness to learn.
• Able to work in extreme weather conditions (hot or cold).
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. and perform physical work.
• Good hand-eye coordination and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Learn and identify Hoffman Nursery grasses, sedges, and rushes.
• Apply IPM knowledge to growing crops.
• Maintain clean greenhouses and surrounding areas.
• Assist with minor greenhouse repairs and winterizing.
• Manage watering schedules and soil moisture guidance.
• Train assistants to perform tasks according to Hoffman Nursery standards.
• Operate equipment safely and work at a steady pace.
• Attend work regularly and reliably.

Skills

Strong interest in horticulture

Extreme weather tolerance

Good hand-eye coordination

Attention to detail & safety

Strong work ethic

Education

N/A

Tools

Hand tools such as trowels

Job description

Job Title: Section Grower 2

Supervisor: Assistant Head Grower

Purpose: To learn and become proficient in directing and controlling a section of greenhouse activities to ensure optimum growth, quality, appearance, and health of plants within that section.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn and be able to identify the different Hoffman Nursery grasses, sedges, and rushes, and if they are cool season or warm season.
• Gain basic knowledge of Hoffman Nursery integrated pest management program (IPM) and apply that knowledge to growing crops.
• Keep greenhouses and surrounding areas clean and help keep common areas clean.
• Assist with minor greenhouse repairs and winterizing of greenhouse structures.
• Ensure greenhouse environment is maintained to optimize plant growth by actively controlling weeds.
• Notify supervisor of insect, fungus, moss, liverwort, or other pest problems evident on the plant.
• Understand the Hoffman Nursery soil moisture level (SML) guide and water plants based on the guide.
• Create basic watering schedules based on plant needs and weather.
• Know when to cut plants for health and use most effective method to cut, i.e., Supercut machine, hand pruning, etc.
• Fertilize crops with top-dress
• Manage house temperatures for desired growth and maintenance of crop by opening and closing doors.
• Train any assistants or other workers within your section or the department to perform their jobs as efficiently and effectively as possible, and to Hoffman Nursery, Inc. standards.
• Keep houses organized and like crops together for easier maintenance.
• Help plan and make space for new plants coming from production.
• Work at an acceptable pace while performing different tasks.
• Operate all equipment in a safe manner.
• Attend work regularly and reliably.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by Managers and/or Supervisors.
• Maintain a clean workspace and help keep common areas clean.
• Comply with all safety laws, rules, regulations, and Hoffman Nursery safety and other policies.
• Be in alignment with Hoffman Nursery core values.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Wear personal protective equipment (provided).
• Regularly perform general physical activities requiring considerable use of hands, arms, legs, and entire body, such as lifting, carrying, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and handling materials.
• Frequently move around the nursery on gravel paths and unpaved areas.
• Regularly stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Regularly talk and hear.
• Occasionally sit, climb, or balance.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, with or without corrective lenses.
• May be exposed to extremely hot or cold weather while working.
• Indoors in greenhouses, hoop houses, head house, outdoors. Some work in office space is possible.

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years old or older
• Strong interest in horticulture
• Eligible to work in the US
• Positive attitude
• Able to work in extreme weather conditions, such as heat or cold
• Able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Have reliable transportation to and from work
• Able to perform physical work and willing toget dirty
• Work well with hands (good hand-eye coordination)
• Work well as part of a group and independently
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and safety, and follow all safety rules
• Ability to use hand tools such as trowels and others
• Great work ethic
• Strong attention to detail and safety
• Must be able to drive golf cart, MULE, and small tractor.

Position Type:

This is a full-time, onsite, hourly position averaging 42-45 hours per week, with occasional weekend and holiday work required.

This job description is not an employment contract. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change. Other tasks may be assigned at any time based on business needs and the supervisor's or management’s requests.

Hoffman Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all employment is At Will. Hoffman Nursery, Inc. participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employees are authorized to work in the U.S.