Assistant Grower/Team lead - Jobs in Napanee

Job Description

Assistant Grower/Team leadOrganization: JplantLocation: Napanee, OntarioWage: 21$/hourContract Duration: Full-time; from March 1st 2024 to December 6th 2024 (annualised hours to be discussed)Hours: 40 to 50 hours per weekApplication Deadline: Feb 26nd, 2024A reliable vehicle is needed for this onsite positionJplant is a plant nursery located just north of the 401 in Greater Napanee, Ontario. We grow over 1000 varieties of perennials, ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs, fruit-bearing shrubs, and bamboo. We carry some unique selections of kiwis (over 30 varieties), bamboo (20 varieties), goji berries. All sales are made online via our website; and shipped to clients across selected Canadian provinces.

• Candidates must be able to work flexible hours as required, which may include some weekends.
• This position is anticipated to begin with 9 months full time progressing to a permanent full-time position (with annualised hours) dependent on the skills of the candidate; and their success in the position.

Job descriptionThis is an opportunity to work under and learn from a Master Horticulturist. Under his direction, the Assistant Grower will be in charge of leading Teams; and a myriad of tasks ensuring a strong, healthy product is propagated, grown and organized for shipping. This will include, but is not limited to:

• Plant Propagation: implementing and overseeing cutting, division and transplanting planning of over 1000 varieties.

• Watering Team and System Management: participate in, and oversee the watering Team (using manual and controller controlled irrigation); cleaning filters to ensure proper water quality and pressure; and maintaining an adequate water Ph level by ensuring acid injector is working properly and refilling acid tank when necessary.

• Pruning Team Management: participate in, and oversee the Team ensuring plants are pruned according to their needs by using motorized trimmer or hand pruners.

• Weed management: oversee the team weeding the plants. Ensure all the areas are weeded on a regular basis.

• Anticipating plant needs: proactively planning to space, move, force, and winterize crops.

• Fertilizer application: follow safety and best practices guidelines.

• Oversee plant health and pests/diseases control by using pest management techniques (such as, better irrigation control or spraying when necessary)

• Shipping: help pick plants, dispatching and packing orders on shipping days.
• Human Resources: ensure staff are well-trained and productive; supervise Team as directed; and assist with employee performance review meetings.

• Site Maintenance: help with snow removal during winter months if needed; and help with construction projects if needed.

Requirements· Fast learner (ability to quickly assimilate numerous plant varieties and their specificity).· Excellent problem solving and communication skills.· Ability to multi-task effectively with excellent attention-to-detail.· Able to manage and work in a small Team to meet company goals.· Able to work under some stress/pressure· Self-motivated.· Able to work in adverse weather conditions and be physically able to meet demands such as standing for long periods of time, bending, kneeling, lifting.· Available to work additional hours as required; especially during seasonal demands from April through August.· Available to work some evenings and weekends.· Interest in plant propagation.· Growing experience an asset.· Certificate, Diploma, Degree in Horticulture/Agriculture an asset.· Valid G class driver’s license required.