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Salary Range **$13.00 - $16.00 Hourly**

Travel Percentage **None**

Category **Operational/Non-ERD**

Nursery Associate

**Job Title:** Nursery Associate

**Location:** Houston, TX

**Employment** Type: Full-Time

**Reports to:** Nursery Manager

**Compensation Range:** $13-$16 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

**Benefits:** Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and travel opportunities

About TGU

TGU (The Ground Up, Inc.) has carved a niche for itself in the sustainable and green waste recycling sector, with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. We provide products to retail and wholesale markets, as well as operating as a significant support system for the Ceres emergency response division and operate out of Houston, Texas.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At TGU, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in supporting sustainable practices and community resilience.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on innovation and teamwork. If you show up with dedication, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a Nursery Associate to join our Houston, TX team. This role is essential in supporting our customers with their nursery, garden, and landscape needs, while also maintaining the health and appearance of our nursery products. The ideal candidate will thrive in an outdoor, fast-paced environment, demonstrating reliability, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills.

What You Will Do

+ Assist customers with nursery, garden, plant, and landscape purchases.

+ Provide excellent customer service by answering questions and offering product knowledge.

+ Load customer vehicles with plants and bulk materials, including gravel, bases, and stones.

+ Care for plants by pruning, deadheading, watering, and managing weeds.

+ Maintain nursery areas in a clean, safe, and organized condition.

+ Load and unload delivery trucks, trailers, and semis as needed.

+ Support nursery deliveries and assist with logistics when required.

+ Uphold all company safety standards and procedures.

Required Qualifications

+ Minimum 1 year of experience working outdoors in a physically demanding environment.

+ Ability to read and write legibly and perform basic mathematical calculations.

+ Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

+ Ability to work required shift hours, including Monday–Friday and Saturdays.

+ Reliable transportation and a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Bilingual skills in Spanish and English.

+ Experience in a nursery, garden center, farming, or related wholesale environment.

+ Education or training in horticulture, agriculture, or related field.

What to Expect

As a Nursery Associate, you will spend much of your time outdoors in all weather conditions, engaging directly with customers while supporting nursery operations. This is a hands-on role requiring physical stamina, a proactive approach to plant care, and the ability to safely handle materials and equipment. Success in the first year will be measured by excellent customer interactions, maintaining high standards of plant health and nursery appearance, and contributing to a safe and collaborative work environment.

Physical Requirements and Environment

The Ground Up provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. The physical requirements listed below reflect the essential functions of this role. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.

+ Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during shifts.

+ Must safely lift and carry plants, pots, and materials up to 50 lbs. regularly, with or without assistance.

+ Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach overhead, crouch, balance, and push/pull items as needed.

+ Use of both hands for repetitive actions such as grasping and handling plants or tools.

+ Vision abilities required include color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

+ Daily exposure to dust, dirt, and varying outdoor weather conditions.

+ Must be willing to wear PPE as required.

Why Join TGU?

At TGU, you won’t just have a job—you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the efficiency and sustainability of our operations.

We offer:

- A collaborative, mission-driven culture.

- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

- The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.

_The Ground Up is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law_

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position unless stated otherwise.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.