Section Grower in Schomberg, Ontario at Brookdale Treeland Nurseries

Job Title: Section Grower

JOB OVERVIEW

The Section Grower is a key member of the BTN Schomberg Grow Team and is responsible for overseeing crop production, plant health, labour supervision, and daily growing activities within assigned crop sections. The successful candidate will combine horticultural knowledge with hands-on leadership to ensure crops meet company standards for quality, timing, inventory accuracy, and cost efficiency.

This position plays an important role in supporting BTN's container nursery operations, including seasonal production programs such as the Braided Willow Program and, when required, the Christmas Program.

Full-time, year-round position. Typical schedule is Monday to Friday; however, additional hours, weekends, and seasonal flexibility are required to support nursery operations during peak production periods.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Plan and prepare space for incoming plant material.
• Inspect incoming plants for quality, health, and accuracy.
• Help oversee potting activities and provide feedback to the Production Lead.
• Execute daily crop care activities including irrigation, fertilization, spacing, pruning, and winter preparation.
• Monitor crop health and scout for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and irrigation concerns.
• Monitor and evaluate EC/pH levels and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate crop labels, inventory counts, shrink reports, and move reports.
• Complete crop status reports and readiness updates.
• Walk assigned crop sections daily and communicate concerns promptly to the Nursery Manager.
• Supervise and train crews while ensuring safety, quality, and productivity standards are met.
• Take attendance, assign work, monitor performance, and provide coaching and feedback.
• Ensure crews remain productive (achieving set UPWH rates) and understand assigned tasks.
• Conduct a weekly saleable crop walk of responsible sections, to provide quantities of ready plans for sales.
• Communicate labour requirements and upcoming priorities to the Nursery Manager.
• Follow up on maintenance, spray, irrigation, and operational requests to ensure completion.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe production areas.
• Participate in propagation, rooting, and seasonal production activities as required.
• Assist with the growing, production and crop management aspects of the Braided Willow Program from January–April.
• May require assisting with the Christmas Program activities where needed in October-November.
• Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must continue to learn and improve in growing, cultural practices, pest knowledge, plant knowledge and general growing techniques.

DAILY EXPECTATIONS

• Check and respond to emails and texts throughout the day.
• Communicate regularly with the Grow Team regarding crop status, labour movement, receiving activities, and irrigation requirements.
• Excellent ability to understand and follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Plan work in advance and ensure materials and tools are ready before crews arrive.
• Ensure critical tasks and loose ends are addressed before leaving for the day
• Take ownership of crop quality and plant health within assigned areas.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Minimum 2 years of horticultural education or equivalent nursery growing experience.
• General Understanding of container crop production.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and supervisory skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks.
• High level of accountability, integrity, and ownership.
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Spanish language skills are considered an asset.
• Experience supervising crews is preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Exposure to plants, dust, machinery, and noise.
• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.