Plant Trials Vegetable Gardener
Location
Landenberg
About Us
North Creek is a wholesale propagation nursery that grows perennials, grasses, and ferns, with a large selection of North American natives. We are committed to offering the highest quality starter plants in the industry. But quality plants are only part of the equation. North Creek is devoted to being the number one source for perennial, grass, and fern plugs by providing exceptional customer service, real-time availability, on-time delivery, the newest varieties plus time tested favorites and sustainable growing practices.
Position Summary
The Vegetable Gardener will work under the direction of the General Manager as well as with the Plant Trials Department, assisting in gardens when available. The person in this position is responsible for maintaining the vegetable gardens, communicating with other departments as needed, and distribution of produce on both farms. They will perform various operational functions to ensure the effective operation of the facility by ensuring that prescribed schedules, operating policies and procedures are followed.
To apply, please send resume or North Creek application to HR Manager at employment@northcreeknurseries.com
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
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Select, cultivate, and rotate a diverse, unique, and relevant selection of vegetable and crops throughout the growing season |
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Harvest, wash, and distribute high quality produce from gardens in an efficient, safe manner |
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Ensure the overall health of vegetable gardens by watering, fertilizing (including mixing and measuring), applying food-safe herbicides, and taking other steps as needed |
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Work to extend the growing season to provide nutrient rich food year-round |
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Perform vegetable garden maintenance tasks such as routine weeding, planting, scouting, tilling, mulching, etc. |
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Light carpentry/construction skills: working knowledge or ability to learn to install trellises and other structures as needed |
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Working knowledge of local produce grown; sharing knowledge with staff/users through education including but not limited to harvest, storage, preserving, cooking/recipes, etc. |
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Implement a seed saving strategy among desirable crops from season to season |
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Participate and/or be actively involved in the local agriculture community to bring together resources and assets of North Creek to promote a culture of health and wellness with community-based partners (e.g., local food bank) |
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Maintain proper, organized inventory levels of tools/equipment, materials, and supplies used day to day |
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Assist other departments, primarily Plant Trials & Gardens, when available |
Experience
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Interest in garden maintenance desired but not required |
Knowledge / Skills Required
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General vegetable gardening knowledge, including plant and pest identification |
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Must be able to communicate effectively in English |
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Must be able to do simple math calculations and conversions |
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Must have a valid driver's license |
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Experience in pesticide application or desire to learn |
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Be able to obtain and maintain a PA Pesticide applicator's license, continuing education as required |
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Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment (tractor, tiller, row maker/mulch layer, line trimmer, electric golf cart, etc.) or desire to learn |
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Ability, proper use, and maintenance of tools (e.g., pruners, shears, knives, etc.) or desire to learn |
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Possess good time management and organizational skills, with ability to prioritize assigned tasks |
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Ability to work with team in the completion of gardening tasks |
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Ability to lift 50 lbs. |
Desired Skills
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Ability to work in all weather conditions at tasks that are sometimes physically demanding |
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Adhere to standard work procedures, company policies and safety procedures |
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Be reliable and consistent in attendance and punctuality, report to work on time; follow the timekeeping process |
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Follow and sustain LEAN practices in day-to-day tasks |
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Maintain a clean working area ("starts clean, works clean, finishes clean") |
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Ability to follow directions, work independently and/or with a crew and carry out/perform assigned tasks; be a team player |
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Approach work with a positive attitude; invest the time and effort to do a good job, and take pride in accomplishments |
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Maintain a strong work ethic, show initiative and attention to detail |
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Keep supervisor informed of daily/weekly progress and garden issues as they arise |
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Work in a safe manner, reporting any unsafe conditions or safety incidents |
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Follow Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) practices in day-to-day tasks and strive for continual improvement of our facility practices and internal procedures |
Education
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Current undergraduate student of horticulture or a related field with a background and |
