(Student Position) Production Assistant- Piney Island Native Plants

Reports To: Alisha Bretzman, Owner of Piney Island Native Plants

Education/Qualifications: Good Conduct and Academic Standing with the college Sheridan College Student currently enrolled Cumulative GPA is 2.0 or greater

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge and understanding and/or basic horticultural principles and practices Knowledge and understanding and/or interest in learning commercial greenhouse and nursery operations Knowledge and understanding and/or interest in learning basic entomology principles and control practices, including insect monitoring and identification, insect damage identification, and insect treatment options Experience with operation of small hand tools such as nippers, loppers, shovels, sprayers, post-hole digger, and auger. Strong interpersonal communication skills; ability to give and receive constructive feedback and take direct instruction well Ability to follow detailed, specific protocols and practices (both written and verbal) with acute attention to detail Ability to keep detailed records, both written and electronic Proficient computer skills, including competency in email, Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and Publisher), and spreadsheet tasks Ability to organize work tasks and work independently from written or verbal instructions Ability to complete physically arduous, repetitive tasks in outdoor/exposed work environments In addition, employee is expected to: Report on time and prepared for each work shift, or otherwise communicate prior to reporting time an acceptable reason for absence/delay. Diligently maintain a safe working environment at all times; promptly report any safety concerns, incidents, or near misses to supervisor Conduct themselves in a professional, civil manner at all times Maintain a positive attitude in the face of unpleasant/stressful/repetitive working conditions or tasks Maintain a professional appearance at all times; wear proper clothing and attire (including all necessary PPE) according to applicable safety and professional appearance standards Properly use and maintain all tools and equipment; promptly report any equipment damage or malfunction to supervisor Maintain confidentiality and security of proprietary property, practices, or processes – including intellectual- associated with the financial success of Piney Island Native Plants, LLC.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: The majority of work is anticipated to take place in outdoor/exposed work environments, including climate-controlled greenhouse and outdoor environments. Some work may occur in an indoor office environment. Employees needs to be comfortable/able to: Work in variety of exposed environmental conditions, including but not limited to, heat, sun, cold, precipitation, ice, mud, wind, and dust. Bend, reach, and lift up to 60lbs at short intervals Complete physically arduous, repetitive tasks for extended intervals Work with and around chemicals, fertilizers, and other potentially hazardous substances used in commercial growing operations. Employee WILL NOT be using or applying any Restricted-Use Pesticides. These are the job duties for required of the position. Percentage of time - 100%Responsibility/Duty - Employee will assist in all aspects of commercial native plant greenhouse and nursery operations. Specific duties and tasks will vary, and change, depending on the season, species under production, and other operational needs.

Responsibilities and duties: (may) include: Site and material preparation. Tasks may include: Repair/replace fencing Install mulch and/or ground fabric Clean/prepare greenhouse and grow-out area Wash/sterilize production containers Stock production containers with growing media Native plant propagation and production. Tasks may include: Seed native plant seeds in necessary containers according to specific propagation protocol Maintain seedbeds for germination Maintain (watering, fertilizing, monitoring) plants in accordance with specific protocols and procedures Keep detailed records according to established inventory systems General operational maintenance and upkeep: Maintain sanitary and hygienic production areas; clean production materials and tools Monitor, treat, and document pests in accordance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan protocols and practices Assist in researching native plant physiology/ecology and existing propagation methods Assist the development and implementation of propagation experiments, protocols, or methods