Propagation Machine Operator

Propagation Machine Operator Job Description

Job Title:  Propagation Machine Operator

Reports To:  Propagation Manager

Position Status: Full Time

Compensation: Hourly, Non-Exempt

General Job Description:

The Propagation Machine Operator runs the Ellepot and TTA Machines in order to meet the propagation production goals. This hybridized position will also assist other Propagation departments. Including but not limited to cutting retrieval and preparation and clump digging and division.  

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Ability to communicate and work with multiple department staff, leads, and managers.
• Sets up machine and operates according to manufacturer recommended instructions
  • Performs machine changeovers with limited assistance
• Troubleshoots issues and dials in the machine for accuracy 
• Performs basic maintenance on the Ellepot and TTA Machines
• Performs quality control on produced plugs
• Operates forklifts and off road vehicles to transport product, materials and waste across the property
• Utilizes pallet jacks and other hand tools to move large loads
• Follows reporting and recordkeeping procedures, and reports problems to the Propagation Manager 
• Complies with all safety and health regulations  
• Cleans machinery and maintains cleanliness in the work area.
• Keeping a clear itemized list of Ellopot and TTA equipment and reporting in advance when replacements are needed prior to running out. 
• Assisting in pruning and retrieving materials for propagation (Grass clumps, shrubs/vines, succulents,perennials etc) 
• Reporting pest or disease issues found on stock material to the Propagation Manager.   
• Retrieving/refilling Soil carts
• Routinely assisting with dump runs for the Washington departments 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Production expectations to be maintained within propagation

• Receiving and collection of material should only take a duration of 1-4 hours (depending on production load and type of material being produced.)
• Calculating cuttings per container - 1-10 minutes per variety 
• Pruning of material approximately 1-3 hours depending on production quantity and weather conditions
• Receiving vendor material can take a duration of 15 minutes if 1-5 varieties. 1-3 hours for 1-5 boxes, or 4-7 hours if 5+boxes

Production expectations to be maintained within propagation

 when assisting in sticking or TTA

• Sowing by hand 15-20 trays of 128/72 per employee per hour
• Sticking tissue culture 45-90 trays of 72 per house, 25-50 trays of 128 per hour
• 4000-8000 cuttings per 8 hour shift, or 500-1000 URC per hour

Production expectations when assisting in Growing or Phase II departments

• Grading cuttings from calluses or semi rooted material 720-1000 plugs per hour
• Weeding and consolidation 

• Light weeding: 30-40 trays per hours
• Standard consolidation/weeding: 20-30 trays per hour
• Heavy weeding/consolidation: 15-20 trays per hour

• Pruning liners:

-Mechanical pruning (hedger, weed wacker with hedger attachment, Agronomic pruning machine):19200+ units per 8 hour shift

-Hand pruning expectation: 5600-7200 units per 8 hours

Training and Testing

• Must be willing to receive training in regards to practices and critical thinking needs for position.
• Pass (in class and hands on) modules 1-7, 9. With a minimum score of 60%+ on each module 
• Willing to take extra training in areas that pertains but doesn’t directly correspond with role

Skills and Abilities: 

• High level of organizational ability, time management and task prioritization
• Needs to be able to perform mathematical calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) in different units of measurement.  
• Able to perform under stress while exercising sound judgment 
• This role also requires a high level of attention to detail to identify precise measurements and adjustments.
• Able to collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals in a diverse team setting   

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to work long shifts with very little sitting while in a stationary position.  
• Must be able to bend and lift, using both arms repeatedly. 
• Must be able to lift 75lbs (some ellopot heads weigh approximately 90+lbs and in cases of needing a size change. should involve two people to change).
• Must be able to push/pull up to 800lb. wheeled racks
• Must be able to perform tasks with arms raised above shoulder level.
• Must be able to perform tasks on low ladders. 
• Must be able to work in adverse and uncomfortable weather and temperatures. This includes temperatures below freezing and temperatures above 100*F. 
• Must be able to walk across uneven terrain

Direct Reports: 

This position has no direct reports

General Notice:

This job description is intended to cover as many elements of the job as possible. However, there may be additional tasks, duties or responsibilities that are asked of the employee in order for continued successful operations of the company.

Job duties and responsibilities may change at any time without notice, if a permanent change occurs this will be reflected in an updated job description.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: 

Walla Walla Nursery Co. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Employee Name___________________________________ 

Employee Signature___________________________________ Date_____________________________