Greenhouse Grower- Native Plants

In operation for 42 years, Fourth Corner Nurseries is a renowned propagator of native plants for the ecological restoration and container nursery markets for the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We specialize in source-identified, seed-propagated, bare root native plants including trees and shrubs, perennials, bulbs, graminoids, and aquatics. We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced grower to join our greenhouse program.

Job Description & Duties:

Under the direction of the Greenhouse Manager, the Greenhouse Grower is responsible for overseeing the daily needs of two greenhouses and adjacent outdoor growing spaces. Daily tasks include assessing crops to determine irrigation needs, watering and fertilizing by programming or manually running overhead irrigation, hand watering, and/or using a fertilizer injector. You will coordinate with and divide the (seven days a week) task of watering with the Production Assistant. Weekend watering may be required.

Beyond irrigation, plant propagation and production are also a responsibility of this position. Under the direction of the Greenhouse Manager, spring work includes sowing, thinning, and transplanting, and summer and fall work includes crop monitoring, weeding, grading, and preparing orders. Winter work will vary- greenhouse work is light but there is plenty of other work to do at the nursery.

The Greenhouse Grower will also be the primary point person for the greenhouse integrated pest management (IPM) program. In addition to program development and routine crop monitoring, preventative and curative pesticide applications will be the responsibility of this position.

This is a physical position, requiring extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and at times repeated lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds in a wide range of temperatures and humidity. This is also a mentally challenging position, requiring frequent decision making, thinking on your feet, juggling competing priorities, strong attention to detail, and accurate record keeping.

The greenhouse program is a new and expanding part of the business. Protocols are still being developed and refined, and trials are being conducted alongside production crops. There will be opportunities for a successful candidate to develop or grow into roles that are yet to be defined. There will also be times when your help will be needed with other tasks around the nursery (e.g. order fulfilment, seed collecting, inventory).

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have horticultural experience, interest in native plants, be motivated, energetic, ready to take on responsibility and be a part of our team. Someone who is adaptable, industrious and interested in growth will be happy here. Folks who desire a highly structured workplace will be disappointed.

Minimum requirements:

At least one year of experience growing in a production scale greenhouse, including irrigation responsibilities

Working knowledge of greenhouse systems; ability to adjust systems and troubleshoot issues to optimize for plant health

Valid WA state pesticide applicator’s license, or ability and willingness to get a license

Willingness to become the primary pesticide applicator for greenhouse crops (both preventative and curative)

Interest in a long-term position at our nursery

Ability to safely perform the physical aspects of the position

Reliable, efficient, and attentive to detail

Ability to assess competing priorities, make decisions independently, solve problems, and know when to ask for help

Possesses strong communication skills, both written and verbal; able to accept constructive feedback

Demonstrated experience working well independently and with a team

Comfortable using a tablet or smartphone and able to record data accurately both on paper and a computer

Familiar with native plant species and botanical nomenclature, or willingness to learn

Desired qualifications:

Demonstrated experience designing or implementing an integrated pest management program

Training or experience in plant pathology, disease management, crop science, nutrition, plant physiology, or propagation

Terms of Employment: This is a full-time (40 hours per week) year-round position. A part-time winter schedule may be negotiated, if desired. The position starts on January 15th, 2025.

Compensation: $22-25 hourly

Benefits: Paid vacation/sick leave, health care stipend, matching retirement plan and professional development opportunities

Closing Date: We will begin reviewing applications on Wednesday, December 11th and will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Contact: Krista Rome

How to apply: Please send a resume and a statement about your interest in the position (350 words or less) to Krista via email. We look forward to hearing from you!