Assistant Greenhouse Grower & Sales Associate

Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse is seeking a motivated, dependable
Assistant Greenhouse Grower & Sales Associate to join our team in King, NC. This is a hands-on, dual-role position combining plant production and greenhouse work with retail sales and customer service.

The ideal candidate enjoys physical, fast-paced work, takes pride in plant quality, and likes helping customers succeed. This role offers variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to grow plant knowledge and skills in a family-owned nursery that grows approximately 80% of what it sells.

Duties & Responsibilities

Greenhouse & Plant Production

• Water plants by hand and through automated irrigation systems
• Learn to program, monitor, and adjust irrigation timers
• Monitor plant health, including growth stages, nutrition, pH, and EC
• Scout regularly for insects, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies
• Apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides following OSHA and NC regulations
• Maintain accurate records of pesticide applications and crop care
• Take and submit soil and tissue samples as needed
• Transplant plugs and seedlings; fill flats and containers (repetitive lifting up to 50 lbs)
• Pot shrubs and trees seasonally and assist with spacing and crop movement
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized greenhouse and growing areas

Team & Crop Coordination

• Assist with organizing planting crews to ensure:
• Correct plants and varieties are potted
• Proper containers, spacing, labeling, and watering-in
• Prepare and organize plant tags to stay ahead of planting schedules
• Communicate crop readiness, concerns, and issues with owners and team members
• Greet customers promptly and assist with plant selection
• Provide basic plant care, gardening, and landscape recommendations
• Answer phones and respond to customer questions
• Operate cash register and process payments accurately
• Assist with loading plants and merchandise
• Keep retail areas stocked, organized, and presentable
• Wrap poinsettias and geraniums, tie bows, and prepare plants for holidays and events

General Nursery Operations

• Load and unload plant shipments; report damaged items
• Assist with inventory of trees, shrubs, and incoming deliveries
• Pull weeds, prune plants, and maintain nursery grounds
• Help set up open houses, poinsettia trials, and special events
• Occasionally assist with local deliveries
• Open or close the nursery as scheduled

Schedule & Seasonal Expectations

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• 45–50 hours per week during peak seasons
• Saturdays required during spring, fall, and Christmas season
• May be asked to work 6 days per week during peak spring weeks
• Rare Sunday work for watering or special events

Qualifications

• Some plant, gardening, or greenhouse experience preferred (training provided)
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Comfortable with physical labor and working on your feet all day
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly
• Able to work outdoors in temperatures ranging from 20°F to 90°F+
• Friendly, calm, and professional with customers
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, decimals, fractions)
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NC Pesticide Applicator’s License (training assistance provided)
• Tractor or forklift experience is a plus
• Pay:$30,000–$45,000 per year (based on experience)
• Paid vacation accruing at 2 hours per week (up to 13 days per year)
• 4 paid holidays
• 3% Simple IRA employer match
• Overtime paid at time-and-a-half for hours over 40
• Sundays closed

Why Join Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse

This role is essential to maintaining the quality of our crops and the experience of our customers. The right person will grow in plant knowledge, responsibility, and leadership while helping a respected local nursery continue to thrive.