Nursery Associate

Ceres Global; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ground Up, Inc. in Houston, TX is seeking a Nursery Associate for full-time, on-site work. The role focuses on assisting customers, maintaining plant health, and keeping a clean, safe outdoor environment.

Responsibilities include helping customers, loading plants and materials, daily nursery maintenance, and occasional deliveries. The position requires lifting, outdoor work, and rotating Saturdays.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of outdoor work experience.
• Able to read and write legibly.
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work Monday–Friday with rotating Saturdays.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with nursery, floral, garden, plant, and landscape product inquiries and purchases.
• Load customer vehicles with plants, bulk materials, gravel, bases, and stones.
• Operate company trucks with utility trailers and mini dumps (for selected candidates with driving duties).
• Perform daily nursery maintenance including sweeping, raking, shoveling, pruning, deadheading, hand-watering, and weed control.
• Load and unload delivery trucks, trailers, and semis.
• Maintain nursery areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Assist with deliveries as needed.
• Support team members and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Outdoor work

Reading & writing

Math skills

Communication

Driver's license

Reliable transportation

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Houston, TX 77043

Position Type: Full Time Regular

Salary Range: $14.00 - $15.00 Hourly

Job Category: Operational/Non-ERD

About TGU

TGU (The Ground Up, Inc.) has carved a niche for itself in the sustainable and green waste recycling sector, with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. We provide products to retail and wholesale markets, as well as operating as a significant support system for the Ceres emergency response division and operate out of Houston, Texas.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At TGU, we believe you're more than just an employee; you're part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in supporting sustainable practices and community resilience.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on innovation and teamwork. If you show up with dedication, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you'll fit right in. We don't just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

The Nursery Associate plays a key role in supporting TGU’s retail and wholesale nursery operations by assisting customers, maintaining plant health, and ensuring a clean, organized, and safe environment. This role is part of the Nursery team and does not include supervisory responsibilities. Success in the first 12 months looks like consistently delivering excellent customer service, mastering equipment operation (as applicable), maintaining high-quality plant care standards, and contributing to efficient daily operations in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

What You Will Do

• Assist customers with nursery, floral, garden, plant, and landscape product inquiries and purchases.
• Load customer vehicles with plants, bulk materials, gravel, bases, and stones.
• Operate company trucks with utility trailers and mini dumps (for selected candidates with driving duties).
• Perform daily nursery maintenance including sweeping, raking, shoveling, pruning, deadheading, hand-watering, and weed control.
• Load and unload delivery trucks, trailers, and semis.
• Maintain nursery areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Assist with deliveries as needed.
• Support team members and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience working outdoors.
• Ability to read and write legibly.
• Basic mathematical skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work required shift hours, including Monday–Friday and rotating Saturdays.
• Reliable transportation and a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience in a garden center, nursery, or farming environment.
• Education or experience in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field.

What to Expect

As a Nursery Associate, you can expect a hands-on, fast-paced role that blends customer service with physical outdoor work. You will spend most of your time assisting customers, caring for plants, and supporting daily nursery operations. The work involves regular lifting, equipment operation (if selected), and exposure to outdoor weather conditions. You will collaborate with a supportive team, follow safety protocols, and contribute to a clean, organized, and customer-friendly environment. The schedule includes weekdays and rotating Saturdays, with opportunities to learn new skills and grow within the organization.

Physical Requirements and Environment

The Ground Up provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. The physical requirements listed below reflect the essential functions of this role. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to safely lift and carry plants, pots, and other products; may be required to lift 50 lbs. or more regularly with or without assistance.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach above shoulder height, crouch, balance, and push/pull.
• Ability to use both hands for repetitive actions such as grasping and manipulating.
• Specific vision abilities including color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions with daily exposure to dust and dirt.
• Commitment to following all safety standards and protocols.

Why Join TGU?

At TGU, you won't just have a job—you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the efficiency and sustainability of our operations.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a lasting difference in sustainable practices and community support.

The Ground Up is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Afffirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. TGU does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position unless stated otherwise.

E‑Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.