Description
Under supervision, perform manual and semi-skilled nursery work to produce, maintain, and ship forest tree seedlings and native plants. Duties include sowing and transplanting; operating and maintaining irrigation, greenhouses, and nursery equipment; monitoring and treating pests and diseases; grading and culling stock; and lifting, packing, and transporting seedlings for reforestation and restoration projects.
- • Inspect and maintain irrigation systems, greenhouses, seeders, and sprayers.
- • Coordinate with crew leads on safety, production schedules, and work priorities.
- • Monitor seedlings for pests, diseases, and stress; report issues promptly.
- • Mix, calibrate, and apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides per labels and SOPs.
- • Prepare seedbeds and containers; blend media; sanitize trays and tools.
- • Sow seed, cover and mulch beds, and set germination conditions in houses.
- • Thin seedbeds and transplant or prick out seedlings to containers or field beds.
- • Root prune or top prune seedlings to meet target size and morphology.
- • Grade, count, and cull seedlings to quality standards; update inventory records.
- • Install or maintain shade cloth, windbreaks, benches, and protective coverings.
- • Maintain drainage, weed control, and sanitation in nursery blocks and facilities.
- • Lift, bundle, and pack bare-root or container seedlings; label and stage orders.
- • Load and unload trucks; operate forklifts, tractors, and small equipment safely.
- • Maintain cold storage units and monitor temperatures for stored stock.
- • Collect or handle cones and seed; label lots and assist with stratification.
- • Follow and enforce safety, chemical handling, and biosecurity procedures.
- • Keep work areas, equipment, and restrooms clean; dispose of waste per guidelines.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
