Can you grow undeniably beautiful native plants?

Carolina Native Nursery, established in 2003 in the mountains of western N.C., is the industry leader in the production and sales of native shrubs, perennials, ferns, and grasses throughout the eastern U.S. Due to our growth and expansion; we are currently searching for the right individual to join our team. We are a dynamic, progressive, and innovative organization and will maintain that mindset as we continue our mission of growing beautiful and garden-center-quality native plants for our expanding clientele. You will have the opportunity to take the knowledge that you have and couple that with our over two decades of experience to make us a better nursery.

Come help redefine our nursery. On Friday September 27th Carolina Native suffered from the destructive effects of Hurricane Helene. The result was the loss of 90% of the plan inventory, damage to much of the infrastructure, and the letting go of staff. Consequently, we are rebuilding our nursery. We are looking for someone who is up to the challenge. This will include improving our growing infrastructure, hiring a new and dynamic staff to add to our award winning team, expanding our growing area, and much more. Our plan is to restock our nursery 100% by the end of June 2025. Our new Head Grower will have input on how all of this is accomplished.

Job Title: Head Grower

Reports To: Company President

Job Overview:

Carolina Native Nursery’s Head Grower will be an integral part of our outstanding team. We are looking to find a candidate who wants to make their home in western N.C. Someone who possesses the qualities of autonomy, responsibility, and attention to detail is necessary. Our mission as a company is always to grow great native plants.

The Head Grower is a new position at our nursery, and will work with our Company President and Potting Crew Leader to understand how we propagate, pot up, fertilize, irrigate, spray, and sell natives including native azaleas, shrubs, perennials, ferns, and grasses. We expect our Grower will have enough experience to offer their own decisions on how and when to grow and care for all of our plants.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Quality Control of perennial and shrub inventory
Follow all of our established standard operating procedures (SOPS)
Continue to develop SOPs to insure top quality plants
Maintenance of all existing plants on the property
Learn how we: monitor moisture and run irrigation, manage pests and diseases, fertilize, prune, and weed
Assist supervising the team of seasonal workers when they are potting up
Complete and update the daily and weekly schedules for plant care
Advise sales staff of product quality and availability
Help to develop projections and purchase schedules
Manage plant care staff
Maintain records and SOP’s of growing techniques and production to be used for review to identify trends and to forecast future space needs.
On a regular basis inspects crop to ascertain conditions such as leaf texture, bloom size and the existence of pests or disease; removing substandard or diseased plants to maintain quality standards implementing I.P.M practices

Experience/Education:

Associates or bachelor’s degree in horticulture. 2-5 years hands on grower experience
Perennial production
Skill and experience in data entry/record keeping:Microsoft Word and Excel
Hardworking and engaged team member
NC Pesticide applicator’s license
Operating skid steers and tractors skills
Able to work in outdoor conditions regardless of the weather
Managerial and supervisory skills
Understanding of and experience with integrative pest management (IPM) programs
Experience with Lean Flow concepts preferred
Demonstrated initiative and self-direction and ability to work as a team member, striving for individual as well as team success
Good interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills
Excellent time management skills \
Good attention to detail high level of safety awareness
Flexibility and the ability to pitch in when and where needed

This is a salaried, full time position with benefits including health insurance and paid time off. Salary depends on experience. We are open Monday-Friday.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person. We are looking for a self-motivated, horticultural degree holding, computer efficient, team player.

Carolina Native Nursery

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Carolina Native Nursery | Head Grower