Nursery & Native Plant Technician

The Natural Garden, an ecological landscaping, native plant nursery, and habitat restoration company, is currently interviewing candidates for the staff position of Nursery & Native Plant Technician. The successful candidate will aid the nursery in the production, care, and sale of herbaceous perennials and woody plants, native to the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont.

The Natural Garden promotes cross-training for team development and personal enrichment. On occasion, you may be asked to join the field team in support of specific installation work.

Nursery Responsibilities: (Year-round)

• Assist with regular plant care tasks.
• Assist with seed preparation, stratification, sowing, and storage.
• Assist in maintaining well-organized nursery tools, supplies, and work areas.
• Assist with daily watering, as well as be available for weekend water rotation.
• Follow all safety standards, company protocols, and daily instructions with.

Plant Sales Responsibilities: (Seasonal)

• Assist with our local Farmer’s Market Booth (Apr. – Jun., Sep. – Oct.)
• Assist with the pulling of plant orders and maintaining displays for retail plant sales.
• Assist with additional plant sales tabling events.

Hours: 

Average of 40 hours per week with seasonal variation to 50+ hours per week during peak periods in the Spring and Fall and no more than 40 hours in the winter based on weather. Spring and Fall plant sales require a flexible weekly schedule with required weekend work.

Compensation: 

The hourly rate for this position is based on the candidate’s depth of experience, knowledge, and quality of references. 

Starting Pay Range: $15.00 – $17.00 

Benefits:  PTO, Paid Holidays, and Health Insurance.  Option to earn semi-annual bonus.

Desired Skills or Experience: 

Preferred, but not required to have knowledge in basic plant care, past nursery or outdoor work experience. Should be comfortable working with customers in a sales environment or have past sales experience. 

Required: 

Applicants must have a valid Virginia driver’s license, reliable transportation, clean driving record, and regular access to a smart phone for daily use.

• Dependable — more reliable than spontaneous.
• People-oriented — enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects.
• Adaptable/flexible — enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction.
• Positive attitude/team player — work with a positive, can do attitude as a team player.
• Belief — have the belief of the mission statement of The Natural Garden.