Plant Trials Gardener

North Creek Nurseries, Inc.; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plant nursery in Bothell, WA is seeking a Plant Trials Gardener responsible for maintaining display gardens and stormwater management systems. The ideal candidate should have experience with perennial gardens and a strong interest in native plants. This role requires good time management and the ability to work in a team. The position is physically demanding and requires physical stamina. Join a nursery that values quality and exceptional customer service.

Qualifications

• Minimum one season experience maintaining perennial gardens.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a PA Pesticide applicator's license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain display and trial gardens through weeding and watering.
• Maintain stormwater management systems and BMP sites.
• Assist with greenhouse work and production trials.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Skills

Interest in native plants and their culture

Time management and organizational skills

Effective listening and communication skills

Knowledge of gardening tools

Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Education

College education desired

Tools

Shears

Knives

Trimmers

Mowers

Tractors

Job description

The Plant Trials Gardener will beresponsible for maintaining the display gardens, stormwater management systems, trial beds and new plant collections. They will perform various operational and ancillary functions to ensure the effective operation of the Plant Trials & Gardens Department at North Creek Nurseries by ensuring that prescribed schedules, policies, and procedures are followed.

North Creek is a wholesale propagation nursery that grows perennials, grasses, and ferns, with a large selection of North American natives. We are committed to offering the highest quality starter plants in the industry. But quality plants are only part of the equation. North Creek is devoted to being the number one source for perennial, grass, and fern plugs by providing exceptional customer service, real-time availability, on-time delivery, the newest varieties plus time tested favorites and sustainable growing practices.

Essential Functions

• Plant and maintain display and trial gardens, including tasks such as weeding, watering, mulching
• Maintain stormwater BMP sites, including rain gardens, bio-swales, and retention ponds
• Maintain turf & grounds—mowing, edging & string trimming, raking, herbicide applications
• Assist with greenhouse work and production trials
• Perform additional duties as required

Experience

• Minimum one season experience maintaining perennial gardens

Necessary Job Skills

• Dedicated interest in native plants and their culture
• Be able to obtain and maintain a PA Pesticide applicator's license, continuing education as required
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work with team in the completion of gardening tasks
• Effective listening and communication skills
• Knowledge, proper use, and maintenance of tools (e.g., shears, knives, chain saw, trimmers, tractors, mowers) or desire to learn
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Desired Job Skills

• Ability to work in all weather conditions at tasks that are sometimes physically demanding
• Adhere to standard work procedures, company policies and safety procedures
• Be reliable and consistent in attendance and punctuality, report to work on time; follow the timekeeping process
• Follow and sustain LEAN practices in day-to-day tasks
• Maintain a clean working area ("starts clean, works clean, finishes clean")
• Ability to follow directions, work independently and/or with a crew and carry out/perform assigned tasks; be a team player
• Approach work with a positive attitude; invest the time and effort to do a good job, and take pride in accomplishments
• Maintain a strong work ethic, show initiative and attention to detail
• Keep supervisor informed of daily/weekly progress and garden issues as they arise
• Work in a safe manner, reporting any unsafe conditions or safety incidents
• Follow Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) practices in day-to-day tasks and strive for continual improvement of our facility practices and internal procedures

Education Requirements

College education desired but not required