Associate / Specialist, Nursery Operations (Silvaseed)
Silvaseed is seeking multiple Forest Nursery Operations Associate and Specialists ('Specialist'). As a specialist, you will be instrumental in supporting all growing, packing, and distribution of container and bare root seedlings for a high-volume commercial forest nursery. You will join a growing team and serve essential functions to support container and field-grown (bare root) seedling production. There will be ample opportunity for skills building and personal development toward more senior positions.
You will have a broad suite of roles that require you to:
Produce quality forest seedling crops by applying effective nursery practices and principles. Follow instructions from crew lead on daily tasks and deliver the tasks on time.
Demonstrate effective teamwork skills including respectfulness, strong communication and listening skills, reliability, and conflict management. This position may work under the Assistant Nursery Manager and crew lead to maintain the greenhouse crop and facility. The specialist must coordinate activities with other permanent employees and does not report solely to the Assistant Nursery Manager. Solving greenhouse challenges is a team effort.
Assist, coordinate, and train forest nursery workers in required nursery work activities.
Mix fertilizers and check electrical conductivity (EC) readings before and after irrigations and properly mix and apply fertilizers. Record block weights in accessible files, in a timely manner to allow for quick fertigation decisions.
Take daily block weights while scouting for pests and diseases.
Monitor and measure crop growth rates and conduct audits on lifted crops.
Keep neat and accurate records including computerized record-keeping systems. Inventory crops, maximizing speed and efficiency to be mindful of reporting and delivery schedules. Follow instruction from crew lead on which crops need monitoring.
Implement and operate analog, computerized and other control systems.
Assist with greenhouse sanitization practices. As directed by your manager or crew lead assigned to you, manage weeds through manual removal in facilities. Also as directed, manage weeds in the crop through careful manual removal, being mindful of seedling quality.
Maintain, repair, and upgrade nursery facilities as needed. During periods of low activity in greenhouses, work with facilities to maintain grounds.
Assist with packing greenhouse crops, including repetitive lifting of boxes and bags up to 50 lbs.
Operate forklifts safely and with precision.
Working at height and on roofs when required
Follow a company-directed IPM program, applying pesticides as needed.
Receive a Washington State pesticide applicators' license within 90 days of hire.
Shift work and weekend work is required - regular hours are 40 hours per week with varying shift times by growing seasons.
Preferred Qualifications and Durable Qualities:
3+ years relevant work experience (or AS/BS) degree, in forestry/agriculture/horticulture.
Strong teamwork skills including respectfulness, strong communication and listening skills, reliability, and conflict management. This position works under the Senior Operations Manager, Assistant Nursery Manager, and crew lead to maintain the greenhouse crop and facility. The Specialist must coordinate activities with other permanent employees and does not report solely to the Assistant Nursery Manager. Solving greenhouse challenges is a team effort.
Resourceful and adaptable to new and changing technologies, processes, and environments.
Must be willing to learn and follow regulatory guidance and procedures.
Experience and comfort in the greenhouse and outdoor climates (heat/cold).
Excellent judgment with a clear “safety-first” mentality.
Successful applicants must complete internal training for pesticide applicator certificates within 30 days, ideally.
Must be reliable and have transportation - no public transit is available.
Ability to drive manual-transmission vehicles is preferred.