Position Summary

The Plant Care Specialist is responsible for the assisting with the care of all plants, trees, shrubs, and perennials located at the Inventory control (IC) Dock, in order to ensure quality product and providing good service to our customers. The Plant Care Specialist may provide supervision to employees in the absence of the IC Dock Supervisor or Crew Leader.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for plant care of all trees, shrubs, and perennials at the IC Dock, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, weed control, and identifying/controlling for diseases and insects. May include pruning at multiple locations.
• Responsible for identification of weeds, insects and diseases and proper control measures. Performs spraying to control as needed.
• Maintain spraying records for all plants treated.
• Good understanding of plant needs to ensure quality plant material is going to customers.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and their use.
• Manages the perennial area, including unloading shipments, tagging material, pulling plants for orders, taking inventory, and assisting with reclassifying plants.
• Assists if customers have questions about our plant products.
• Help in loading and ensuring customers have all the material requested.
• Maintain a neat and organized work area to service the customers as efficiently as possible.
• Communicates any issues related plants and quality to the immediate Supervisor.
• Communicates effectively with coworkers, customers, delivery drivers and sales staff to ensure efficiency.
• Works in a safe manner, along with other employees.
• May operate equipment including trucks, tractors, and skid steer loaders.
• Assist with snow removal during the winter months as business needs dictate.
• Follows company safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor/manager.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed outdoors during all seasons.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including inclement weather (rain, snow, heat or cold).
• Work is often performed on uneven ground conditions (mud, snow, rocks, etc)
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Hearing protection is required for duties such as equipment operation that expose the individual to elevated noise levels.
• Duties of this position expose the individual to chemicals and fertilizers

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual will demonstrate and perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The ability to effectively communicate and interact, in a positive manner, with all Company personnel, regulatory agencies, consultants and other contractor personnel is also required. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education, Certification and License:

• Valid driver’s license with good driving record is required.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or similar is preferred.
• Must possess or obtain a Chemical Applicator’s License within 30 days of hire.

Experience:

• Previous experience working in Horticulture related field is required.
• Previous equipment operating experience (loader, bobcat, tractor or other used in nursery production) is a plus.

Specific Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
• Basic pruning skills and knowledge of perennials, shrubs, trees, and insect/disease identification is required.
• Must be organized and able to maintain accurate records.

Physical Requirements:

• Stands and walks for long periods of time throughout the day.
• Stoops, bends, squats or kneels and lifts objects from ground frequently.
• Full extension of arms above head and in front of body.
• Repetitive lifting of heavy loads weighing 50 pounds or more
• Regularly carries and pushes/pulls weights of up to 50 pounds.
• Activities requiring agility and balance, such as climbing
• Possesses good balance to work on uneven ground conditions.
• Ability to communicate in English; bilingual with ability to communicate in Spanish is helpful.

Job Specifications

• This is a Full-time position.
• Typical work hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 5:00pm (40-55 hours per week) during our peak season. Occasional Saturday hours as needed.
• Hours vary in winter months based on snow removal.
• Overtime may be required as workload dictates.

Full time employees are eligible for a competitive benefit package including, medical, dental, vision, and life insurances as well as a 401(k) retirement program.