Nursery Lead

Watkins Nurseries – Midlothian, VA
101 Dry Bridge Road, Midlothian, VA 23112

About Watkins Nurseries

Watkins Nurseries is a fifth-generation, family-owned wholesale nursery and tree farm with over 500 acres of field-grown material. We provide high-quality trees, shrubs, ornamentals, mulch, soils, compost, and aggregates to landscapers, contractors, and retail customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Position: Nursery Lead

We are seeking a Nursery Lead to oversee daily operations at our Midlothian, VA location. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on plant health, nursery operations, and staff supervision. The Nursery Lead will work closely with our General Manager to ensure efficient operations and excellent product quality.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise and train nursery crew members (spacing, pruning, watering, fertilizing, pest/disease monitoring)
• Oversee plant health and diagnose issues with trees, shrubs, and perennials
• Manage inventory planning for container, field-grown, and hand-dug plants
• Maintain nursery infrastructure: irrigation systems, greenhouses, and staging areas
• Ensure workplace safety, environmental compliance, and quality standards
• Collaborate with sales, landscape, and procurement teams to meet customer demand and sales trends
• Ensure customer orders are staged, tagged, and validated for pickup and delivery.
• Track inventory, plant losses, and production records using computer systems (Word, Excel, Outlook)

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5 years of experience in nursery operations, horticulture, greenhouse management, or landscaping production
• Strong plant knowledge (trees, shrubs, ornamentals, pests, soils, irrigation systems)
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to direct, motivate, and mentor staff
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions with physical stamina for lifting, bending, and walking large nursery fields
• Valid driver’s license (equipment operation experience a plus)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and basic computer recordkeeping
• Attention to detail, safety, and quality standards

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Growth opportunities in a respected, established nursery

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a well-established, family-owned nursery with deep roots in the industry
• Take on a leadership role with real responsibility
• Work with a wide variety of plant material on a large-scale operation
• Join a supportive team with a focus on growth and quality

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 38 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25