Grower Assistant

Sawyer Nursery is a leading supplier of perennial plants in the Great Lakes region. We exclusively supply Walmart, Meijer, Rural King, and Family Farm & Home. Operating facilities in Michigan and Alabama, we grow in over 450 varieties and ship 5 million plants annually to 900 stores.

Under direct supervision by the Propagation Dept Manager, cares for plants in area of responsibility. Performs watering, fertilizing and chemical treatment of plants by hand watering and/or running watering equipment. Monitors product quality and performs weeding and hand trimming as needed. Performs water quality and soil testing and scouts plants for diseases or insects. Observes all safety regulations and performs maintenance and housekeeping duties. Production takes place in greenhouses and outdoor in container fields which includes being exposed to extremely hot and cold temperatures. Standing, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting of up to 30 lbs. is required. Performs other duties as necessary.

1. Understands moisture requirements of plants and identifies plants to be watered and treated.

2. Cares for plants in area of responsibility. Applies water, fertilizer and/or chemicals to plant product as needed by hand watering with a hose or by programming and running watering equipment. Pulls weeds, performs hand trimming as needed.

3. Understands chemical rotations and the reasons for applying chemicals, follow safety precautions when performing applications.

4. Monitors overall quality of products, reports problems or areas of concern to Growers and scouts for insects.

5. Operates, maintains and repairs irrigation equipment including but not limited to irrigation lines, ball valves, sprinkler heads, etc. Ensures that stock tanks are full, booms are clean, etc.

6. Performs housekeeping duties. Ensures that work area/grounds are clean, free of debris, etc.

7. Performs water quality and soil testing as needed.

8. Assists Growers with duties as needed such as seeding, cutting, inspecting product for quality, etc.

9. Performs other duties as necessary in support of company goals and objectives.

1. High school diploma; or equivalent.

2. One year experience in horticulture or similar industry. Experience with perennial growing preferred.

3. Ability to visually observe, monitor and identify plants including health and quality.

4. Must be able to move around from greenhouse to greenhouse which involves working inside and outside with exposure to weather which can be have varying temperatures and levels of precipitation and sunshine. Ground is often unstable, muddy or uneven.

5. Ability to analyze, troubleshoot and problem-solve.

6. Ability to manage work schedules, timelines and prioritize work.

7. Proficiency with computer, tools and equipment related to job.

8. Ability to operate and maintain equipment used to perform job duties.

9. Good communication, social, and active listening skills; must be able to effectively communicate to others.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Hudsonville, MI 49426 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hudsonville, MI 49426: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $24