In operation for 43 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 are seeking a motivated production assistant to join our greenhouse team.
Job Description & Duties:
The Production Assistant is responsible for fulfilling the daily needs of two greenhouses and adjacent outdoor growing spaces. Daily tasks include assessing crops to determine irrigation needs, programming and/or manually running overhead irrigation, using a fertilizer injector, hand watering, and keeping accurate irrigation records. You will coordinate with and divide the (seven days a week) task of watering with the Greenhouse Grower.
The primary responsibility of this position is watering. Once trained, you will be expected to independently assess crop needs and irrigate according to growing plans. Beyond irrigation responsibilities there will be opportunities to assist with other greenhouse-related tasks including sowing, thinning, transplanting, weeding, and pulling orders. Good communication between the greenhouse manager, greenhouse grower, and production assistant is essential, and will be both written (through watering logs and email/text) and in person.
This is a physical position, requiring extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and at times repeated lifting 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. We occasionally apply fungicides to maintain crop health. You will be trained in how to safely work around pesticides, and must be willing to work around crops that have been sprayed. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided.
Qualifications:
An ideal candidate will be:
- Ready to learn on the job and willing to take on responsibility
- Extremely reliable- consistent attendance at work is essential to this position
- Independent and self-motivated- after you are trained, most hours will be spent working alone
- Able to assess competing priorities, make decisions independently, solve problems, and know when to ask for help
- Able to safely perform the physical aspects of the position
- Possess good communication skills and strong attention to detail
- Have professional or academic experience in a nursery, greenhouse, or farm setting, including irrigation experience
- Familiarity with native plant species and botanical nomenclature is helpful but not essential
Terms of Employment: This is a part-time seasonal position with a desired start date between March 16th and April 1st. The position averages 16-20 hours/week, although during training and through the end of sowing season (month of April), more hours are available. Your work schedule is negotiable and can be determined at the time of hiring, but will be at least two consecutive days and consistent from week to week (Sunday-Monday or Sunday-Tuesday, for example). Weekend work may be required. The position ends September 30th.
Compensation: $19-20 hourly
Benefits: Employees receive 8 hours of paid leave for every 160 hours worked
Closing Date: We will begin reviewing applications on Thursday, February 19th and will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.
Business Address: 5652 Sand Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226
Contact: Kelly Broadlick
Email: kelly@fourthcornernurseries.com
How to apply: Please send a resume and a statement about your interest in the position (350 words or less) via email to kelly@fourthcornernurseries.com. We look forward to hearing from you!