Lead Hand Bareroot

Ferguson Tree Nursery is looking for 2 Lead hands to work in our bareroot program who, under the

direction of the Section Grower Bare Root, will take a lead role in the production of bareroot seedlings

by working directly with the products. Our native trees, shrubs and perennials are used by our clients in

reforestation and naturalization projects that provide habitat for wildlife and combat deforestation and

(bending and lifting), has good attention to detail to ensure the seedlings are taken care of, can work in

a team or alone, is self-motivated, and can be flexible with shifts to account for Mother Nature.

**Your Role**:
As part of a team, you will work with others to plan and execute the work required to grow healthy, high

quality trees and shrubs. Once the plan is set, you may find yourself working independently to execute

the plan or leading a team to accomplish key tasks. There is a lot of variety during the growing season,

but some key duties will include:

- Seeding of all tree and shrub seedlings in the field;
- Caring for all bareroot stock throughout its lifecycle including fertilizing, irrigation, weeding,

pruning, thinning, spraying, sorting and all other activities to ensure a quality product that

meets required standards;
- Inventory management - Accurate counting and mapping of all bareroot stock including stage of

development as directed;
- Taking a lead with staff during the spring and fall tree lifts;
- Assisting the Section Grower Bareroot as needed;
- Customer service - ensuring orders are packed accurately with quality product on time for pick
- up or delivery;
- Cleaning and proper storage of trays, vehicles, tools and equipment and maintaining a clean and

organized work environment that is safe and efficient

**Are you up for the challenge?**

In order to succeed in this position, you will possess training, knowledge and experience in the relevant

tasks mentioned above:

- You are self motivated and can work independently or in a team, you take direction well and

ensure your work meets expectations of quality and timeliness;
- As a team leader, you are skilled at providing clear direction, motivating staff to meet

production and quality standards, and mentoring to improve performance. Staff supervisory

experience is preferred;
- A valid pesticide license or the ability to obtain it would be an asset;
- You have an interest in native species of trees, shrubs and perennials as demonstrated by a

degree or diploma in forestry or horticulture or previous work experience. 1-3 years experience

in a nursery or greenhouse setting is preferred;****:

- Ability to work full time hours with some variations to schedule due to weather and work load

(early starts due to heat, longer hours during the busy season, time off due to inclement

weather)
- Ability to work weekends during spring harvest as well as a flexible work schedule to

accommodate either production needs or climatic conditions;****:

- You are physically capable of doing the duties identified and repeatedly lifting products

weighing up to 25kg ;****:

- Ability to work in various climatic conditions including rain, heat and cold;
- Willing to follow all appropriate laws and nursery policies;
- G class license with clean driving record;
- Experience operating a fork lift, UTVs and trucks is preferred

**What we Offer:
Ferguson Tree Nursery provides a collaborative, team-oriented work environment with an interesting

variety of tasks plus the opportunity to work in a field that is promoting sustainable forestry and

contributes to increasing tree planting in Ontario and beyond.

Ferguson Tree Nursery provides a competitive wage between $19-$21/hour depending on experience.

In addition, we offer a boot/clothing allowance.

This position is a 10-month seasonal contract typically from mid-February to mid-December and off in

the winter months. Normal work hours are 4 10-hour shifts per week, usually 8am till 6:30pm. Summer

hours are 7am till 5:30pm to reduce staff’s exposure to the heat. Shifts run Monday-Thursday or

Wednesday to Saturday and will be alternated so you must be available for both shifts. Alternative work

schedules may be followed depending on production needs, climate or staffing needs. For example,

during the busiest season, typically April and early May, some extended hours may be required. Shifts

may extend to 5- 6 days a week.

**To Apply