Seasonal Grow Technician

The Pizzo Group•Paw Paw, IL

9d•$17 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

Work in a dynamic, outdoor environment to help us grow and restore nature! The Grow Technician grows native plants from seed to finished liners. Work as member of the Pizzo Nursery team striving to achieve high standards regarding facility appearance and quality control. At Pizzo, we strive for an exceptional level of customer service by maintaining a professional attitude when interacting with clients.

Requirements

Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Ability to work 40+ hours per week: Sunday – Thursday (Friday & Saturday off)
Has or can obtain Illinois pesticide operator license.
Reliable transportation to work.
Basic plant identification skills (native and invasive species).
A passion for the outdoors, nature, or plants!
Ability to follow oral/written directions.
Develop effective working relationships with other employees.
Closed toes shoes
Shirts that cover shoulders and arms.
Long pants, denim or equivalent. No leggings.
Long hair must be restrained.
No hanging earrings, lanyards, keychains or other flowing accessories that can get caught in machinery.

Nice To Haves

Learn native plant species and their characteristics

Responsibilities

Water, feed and apply amendments to nursery plants.
Maintain plant height with string trimmers and hedge trimmers.
Apply rice hulls (mulch) and shade cloth as needed.
Monitor systems and equipment in all growing areas.
Abide by all state and local safety regulations.
Utilize and maintain required safety equipment
Apply fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide & pesticide applications and scheduling in propagation areas.
Assist with seed harvest & cleaning.
Maintain plant height for shipping and quality control.
Cooperate with other departments regarding irrigation and spray schedule.
Monitor growing conditions and discuss changes in humidity, moisture, temperature and cultivation procedures with grow team to ensure conformance with quality control standards.
Regularly inspect crops to ascertain conditions and existence of pests or disease.
Skid steer loader operation.
Communicate with Grow Manager regarding losses or IPM issues
Application and maintenance of beneficial insect populations.
Keep track of pesticide/herbicide inventory and communicate with grow manager for chemical inventory needs.
Deep clean grow areas in between growing seasons.
Over-wintering preparation and maintenance
Inspect growing structures daily and monitor for damage and repair
Maintain heating/cooling systems in propagation areas.
Maintain application equipment and notify grow manager of inventory needs.
Respirator operation and maintenance.
Maintain cutting equipment and communicate with grow manager for inventory needs.
Weed management
Laying and repairing ground cloth.
Assist with covering and uncovering hoop bouses.
Set up hoses for production to water in newly sown transplants.
Unload deliveries of building and growing materials.
Assist in plant production and other tasks including: Transplanting, Seeding
Learn native plant species and their characteristics
Wear and follow all PPE and dress code requirements.
Read the workplace safety and health posters and comply with all applicable OSHA and Illinois safety standards.
Follow all lawful employer safety and health rules and regulations and wear/use the required protective equipment while working.
May be asked to join our health and safety committee, provide guidance on-site from a H/S perspective, or render first aid.