What’s the perfect occupation?
I was recently visiting with ‘Caty’, a friend who has worked in HR for years, about looking for help in the construction of our new greenhouse production facility northwest of Wichita. Having experience in interviewing job applicants, she asked me to describe the positions available. Not realizing she was having me ‘write’ job descriptions, I started describing what I saw as a great opportunity for anyone who loved being outdoors, with no two days doing the same task (most of the time) and working with plants - from seed to sale.
Presently the job would be part of the crew assisting in the construction of a 90,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art greenhouse. Equipped with a sophisticated watering system to efficiently water plants with irrigation booms and drip irrigation, this facility will require very little pulling hoses around! It’ll be a great opportunity for those willing to help in the construction of the facility and once it’s completed, stay around. There’ll be positions in the greenhouse, maintenance of the facility, and delivery of plants to our stores. ‘Caty,’ I said, ‘This could be a place where people can spend their entire careers!’ She could hear the passion for the positions in my voice.
At that point she told me I’d just given a good description of the positions we have to offer!! ‘Just write an article about what you are looking for,’ was her sound advice. That I can do!
Employees will need their own transportation to the site, and drivers must have current licenses. We have equipment to operate, such as skid steer loaders, scissor lifts, etc. With modern greenhouse production equipment as well, the planting process will be much different and more efficient than how we’re presently growing. However, employees will still need to be at least 18 years old and able to lift 40 lbs.
She said to be sure and let people know how to apply and what the pay rate would be, in addition to what job skills would be required. I told her that I hadn’t personally hired people in years and wasn’t sure about a fair wage. ‘I don’t know,’ I said. ‘$15/hr. to start with some experience, and the opportunity to move up from there?’ Benefits are available, and we also have an excellent employee discount. I do know that any interested prospect can apply right now on our website at https://johnsonsgarden.com/pages/employment.
While Caty may or may not be my friend’s name, a conversation did occur, and the job description is fairly accurate to the best of my knowledge. I hope you’ll share this information with anyone who comes to mind and may be interested!
Click HERE to apply online.
Thanks for following along,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Center
