Planting Crew Backup Driver

Moon Valley Nursery Inc; Chino (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Moon Valley Nurseries is seeking an experienced Planting Crew Backup Driver in Chino, CA. This field role involves installing trees and plants, assisting with landscape installations, and stepping in as a backup driver for deliveries and site moves.

The position emphasizes hands-on labor, safety compliance, and teamwork, with weekend availability and the ability to lift heavy loads. Must have a valid driver's license and experience with larger trucks.

Qualifications

• Experience in landscaping, horticulture, planting, or outdoor labor preferred.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable MVR required.
• Ability to operate company vehicles; experience with larger trucks preferred.
• Able to perform physically demanding outdoor work and lift items over 75 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Install trees, shrubs, and other plants according to landscape plans and company standards, ensuring proper depth and spacing.
• Load/unload trees and materials, maintain clean, organized work areas, and follow safety procedures.
• Assist in driving duties as needed, transporting crew and materials safely between sites.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Truck operation

Outdoor labor

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

Highschool Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Chino, CA 91710Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $16.90 - $28.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Shift: Open Availability Day ShiftJob Category: Construction

The Planting Crew Backup Driver at Moon Valley Nurseries is a hands-on member of the planting team responsible for performing tree and plant installations while supporting daily field operations. This role works alongside the Planting Crew to complete landscape installations according to company standards and customer expectations.

In addition to performing standard planting crew duties, this position serves as a designated backup driver when needed to support delivery and installation operations. The Planting Crew Backup Driver may operate company vehicles and transport crew members, trees, and equipment when primary drivers are unavailable or additional driving support is required.

This position is primarily a field labor role and does not function as a supervisory or management position.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Planting Crew Responsibilities (Primary Role)

• Install trees, shrubs, and other plant materials according to landscape plans and company standards.
• Ensure proper planting depth, spacing, fertilization, and alignment to promote plant health and longevity.
• Assist with digging, planting, staking, backfilling, and job site clean-up.
• Load and unload trees, plants, tools, and materials safely and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, tools, and equipment.
• Follow all company safety procedures and PPE requirements including gloves, safety glasses, and protective gear.
• Recognize and follow Blue Stake / 811 utility markings to prevent underground utility damage.
• Work collaboratively with crew members to complete installations efficiently and on schedule.
• Maintain a professional appearance and represent the company positively on customer job sites.

Crew Support Responsibilities

• Assist the Planting Crew Manager or Driver in preparing materials and equipment before leaving the nursery.
• Support daily workflow by helping maintain productivity and job site efficiency.
• Assist in demonstrating proper planting techniques and safe work practices when needed.
• Help ensure tools, materials, and equipment are properly stored and maintained.

Backup Driver Responsibilities (As Needed)

• Operate company trucks, including larger delivery vehicles, when assigned.
• Transport crew members, plant material, and equipment safely to and from job sites.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
• Ensure proper loading, securement, and weight distribution of plant material and equipment.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report mechanical concerns or safety issues.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Previous landscaping, horticulture, planting, or outdoor labor experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) required.
• Ability to operate company vehicles when assigned; experience with larger trucks preferred.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in various weather conditions.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools and power equipment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety procedures.
• Flexibility to work weekends and varying schedules based on business needs.

Education

Highschool Diploma or equivalent

Physical requirements/Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 75 pounds. Able to work outdoors for extended periods of time in possibly extreme conditions, including rain, heat, sun, and wind.

OTHER

Subject to MVR and criminal background check (In accordance with applicable fair chance laws, rules, and regulations)

About Us

Moon Valley Nurseries is the largest grower of box trees and palms in North America, and is an industry leader and high growth company that offers competitive salaries with exceptional employee benefits including medical insurance, 401(k), holidays, and PTO to all eligible employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.

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