Job Description

At Smith Gardens, our business is growing: Growing annuals and perennials, growing our relationships with partners, growing our love of gardening, and growing our team's passion and expertise in horticulture--all for the benefit of the consumers who love to garden.


Whether we are out in the greenhouses or working in the office, our Smith Gardens team is dedicated to delivering the healthiest plants on the market for the biggest impact on our partners' shelves and in our customers' gardens.


One of our Core Values is People: "We value and respect all people. We are focused on developing teams and growing the potential of individuals." We encourage personal growth and continued education so that each member of our Smith Gardens family succeeds. We take as much care cultivating the ecosystem of our offices as we do our gardens. Achieving the quality we strive for in our products and culture is truly a team effort, and every role is vital.


Nurturing growth, collaboration and community is in our nature. Put down roots at any of our five locations and unearth your full potential.


The Forklift Operator in Transplanting department is responsible for safety transporting trays, pots, and hanging baskets of newly transplanted plants. This role ensures plants are moved from transplanting lines to the greenhouses or fields areas effectively, while protecting plant quality and supporting overall production flow.

JOB DUTIES:

Operate forklifts with pot-moving attachments to transport multiple pots, trays, and hanging baskets at once. Move transplanted plants from transplanting lines to designated greenhouse or outdoor growing area. Assist the transplanting team by staging empty pots, and trays before transplanting begins. Carefully handle plants to minimize damage when laying down. Follow transplanting schedules and placement locations to ensure proper laydown. Perform basic forklift inspections and report mechanical issues to supervisor. Assist with spacing parameters are correct for crop type, and tray size. Collaborate with production teams to meet daily and weekly laydown targets. Follow all company safety and operational protocols. Support with non-driving transplanting tasks when needed, including line work.

COMPETENCIES:

Excellent hand- eye coordination and spatial awareness. Operating forklift safety and efficiently in confined spaces. Effective communication skills. Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with colleagues. Ensures accuracy and consistency in plant handling. Able to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

A valid Forklift operator certificate or equivalent experience. Knowledge of safe forklift operation in various weather and greenhouse conditions. Ability to read laydown maps and follow transplanting schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work long hours as needed during busy season, including weekends and night shifts. Work indoors and outdoors, in varying temperatures and humidity levels. Must be able to stand, walk, bend and lift to 50 pounds in a warm greenhouse environment.

BENEFITS:

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) with employer contributions 401K retirement plan options with employer match Paid holidays Paid Time Off- Full-time employees accrue immediately! Annual Profit share Generous Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program Development opportunities Paid Time off for volunteering and community service Employee Assistance Program Wellness program Fun employee events throughout the year

PAY RANGE:

$20-$23 per hour



Pay rate is determined by various components including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The pay rate is one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards vary by position and location.





To learn more about our company & view a more detailed job description, visit our website at smithgardens.com/careers. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including immediate PTO accrual, Medical, Dental and Vision after 30 days plus matching 401(k) and Company-Paid LTD after one year.

We look forward to hearing from you!


Smith Gardens provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.