Section Grower at Brookdale Treeland Nurseries – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Limited (BTN) is one of the largest and most respected growers of garden plants in Canada. We are proud to service garden retailers, landscape contractors, municipalities, and golf courses throughout Canada and the United States.

We service our customers from four farms in Ontario and one in British Columbia with a total land base of over 800 acres. BTN specializes in building full-service programs in the following categories:

Flowering Shrubs, Evergreens, Broadleaf Evergreens, Holiday Greens, Vines, Perennials, Trees, Small Fruits and Tropicals.

JOB MISSION: Assist with the growing and care of crops at the assigned facility, producing high quality plants while meeting or exceeding shrink, efficiency, cost, and other targets.

JOB SUMMARY: The Section Grower (SG) reports directly to the Lead Section Grower at BTN's Niagara Division and is responsible for effectively executing day to day crop care activities.

This is a full-time year-round position with regular hours typically 5 days per week, and additional hours/weekends as crops and circumstances require.

BTN strives for a team environment where every individual is important to the Organization. As SG, you are responsible to set a good working example, directly contributing to a positive work environment. It is imperative that a strong working relationship exists with Distribution, Growing, Finishing and Operations. Great communication and cooperation ability between the SG and the Grower/HG and fellow SG's is an absolute expectation.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Section Growers

1. Report directly to and receive instruction from the Lead Section Grower/HG. During slower times of year, you may be assigned to other departments and be required to follow instruction from others.
2. Will be responsible for general pest knowledge, regular scouting for pests on the nursery, determining thresholds, recording pest finds, recommending and executing treatment plans, and maintaining accurate records.
3. Will be responsible for regular and timely applications of pesticides, herbicides, sanitizing/cleaning agents, and plant growth regulators as required. AG's need to be prepared to act swiftly to protect crops from threats.
4. Are recognized for and expected to possess an increased level of efficiency and understanding of all departmental needs.
5. May train, supervise and monitor a small group to assist with irrigation and pest management practices or other general crop care duties.
6. Expectation is to work amongst and alongside your group. After the release of seasonal labor (typically in mid-late fall), SG's may be required to join a senior labor pool that supports BTN Operational needs.
7. Are responsible for the efficient, safe and productive supervision and performance of their assigned group.
8. Will be required to work inside the greenhouses, outside the greenhouses, or anywhere on the nursery in all weather conditions (rain, sun, hot, cold, snow, wind)
9. Will work within and abide by the provisions in BTN's Health & Safety Policy and ensuring that employees under your care are doing the same.
10. May at times be required to attend to nursery duties alone for short periods of time, while following prescribed safety protocols.
11. May at times be required to work past scheduled hours depending on crop needs.
12. Will be responsible for maintaining irrigation standards on crops, ensure irrigation equipment is kept in good working order and notifying Maintenance/Operations of repair needs immediately.
13. Evaluating crop nutrition by visual means or measuring EC/PH using accepted methods and fertilizing as required.
14. Will be responsible for knowing and executing specified duties under BTN Niagara's Pest Management Plan according to stipulations under CFIA's D-96-12, the Canadian Greenhouse Certification Program
15. Must continue to learn and improve in growing, cultural practices, pest knowledge, plant knowledge, and general growing techniques.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree/Diploma in horticulture preferred, or 2 years container growing experience including watering and pest identification and management

JOB SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent ability to understand and follow both verbal and written instruction.
• Excellent ability to analyze and critique processes and pursue continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Possess excellent communication skills.
• Ability to transmit clear instruction, both verbally and written to employees
• Promote a positive, safe, professional and productive work environment.
• Possess good math skill level. Add, subtract, multiply & divide.
• Understanding of proper lifting procedures
• Ability to work in fluctuating indoor/outdoor temperatures & conditions
• Ability to walk freely, bend, kneel and turn free of restriction
• Must be able to drive Gators and operate hydraulic spray equipment without restriction
• Must be able to tolerate hot, uncomfortable conditions while wearing Personal Protective Equipment during warm weather
• Must possess or immediately gain a valid Pesticide operator license and keep it valid without lapse

Working Conditions

The workplace is safe and clean, with strong Covid-19 protocols in place. Mask wearing is required indoors and when social distancing is not possible. You'll need to be able to perform typical greenhouse physical work (standing bending, walking, lift 50lbs) in all weather conditions (cold, hot, rain, shine). You may have to work weekends and extended hours during busy seasons (ie. Spring/Summer).

Why you should apply

Our employees enjoy working at BTN! There are many opportunities for career advancement throughout the company. Many of our employees have worked here for 10-20 years or more. The company is privately owned and has a family feel to it. Our employees tell us that our commitment to their health and safety is strong and they appreciate that. The crops we grow are beautiful and of high quality, and you can go home at the end of the day feeling good about what you have accomplished. BTN offers a competitive salary and benefits package.