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Greenhouse Associate Jobs in Sumner, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Greenhouse Associate information

See Sumner, WA salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do greenhouse associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for greenhouse associate in Sumner, WA is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a greenhouse associate?

Greenhouse Associates are employees who work in greenhouse facilities to support the growth, maintenance, and care of plants. Their duties typically include watering, planting, pruning, monitoring plant health, applying fertilizers or pesticides, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Greenhouse Associates may also assist with inventory, packing, and shipping plants, as well as interacting with customers or other staff. This role is essential for ensuring that plants thrive in a controlled environment and reach customers or markets in optimal condition.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a greenhouse associate?

To thrive as a Greenhouse Associate, you generally need knowledge of plant care, basic horticulture, and experience with greenhouse maintenance or similar environments. Familiarity with irrigation systems, climate control technologies, and the safe use of fertilizers and pesticides is often required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure healthy plant growth, efficient operations, and a safe, productive greenhouse environment.

What challenges do greenhouse associates face during peak growing seasons?

During peak growing seasons, Greenhouse Associates often encounter challenges such as managing increased plant volumes, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, and preventing pest or disease outbreaks. The pace can be fast, with more frequent watering, pruning, and transplanting tasks. Strong teamwork and attention to detail are essential to ensure plant health and meet production targets. Being adaptable and proactive helps associates navigate these busy periods successfully.

What is the difference between Greenhouse Associate vs Nursery Technician?

AspectGreenhouse AssociateNursery Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require horticulture knowledgeHigh school diploma; horticulture or plant science experience preferred
Work EnvironmentIndoor greenhouse settings, controlled climateOutdoor nursery or greenhouse environments
Industry UsageHorticulture, agriculture, botanical gardensNurseries, landscaping, plant production
Job FocusPlant care, propagation, maintaining greenhouse conditionsPlant cultivation, transplanting, pest control

Greenhouse Associates primarily work indoors in controlled environments, focusing on plant propagation and maintenance. Nursery Technicians often work outdoors or in nurseries, handling plant cultivation and transplanting. Both roles require horticultural knowledge but differ mainly in work setting and specific duties.

What cities near Sumner, WA are hiring for Greenhouse Associate jobs?

Cities near Sumner, WA with the most Greenhouse Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Greenhouse Associate job openings in Sumner, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,003 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Associate / Specialist, Nursery Operations (Silvaseed)

Mast Reforestation

Roy, WA • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Silvaseed is seeking multiple Forest Nursery Operations Associate and Specialists ('Specialist').  As a specialist, you will be instrumental in supporting all growing, packing, and distribution of container and bare root seedlings for a high-volume commercial forest nursery. You will join a growing team and serve essential functions to support container and field-grown (bare root) seedling production. There will be ample opportunity for skills building and personal development toward more senior positions.

You will have a broad suite of roles that require you to:
  • Produce quality forest seedling crops by applying effective nursery practices and principles. Follow instructions from crew lead on daily tasks and deliver the tasks on time.

  • Demonstrate effective teamwork skills including respectfulness, strong communication and listening skills, reliability, and conflict management. This position may work under the Assistant Nursery Manager and crew lead to maintain the greenhouse crop and facility. The specialist must coordinate activities with other permanent employees and does not report solely to the Assistant Nursery Manager. Solving greenhouse challenges is a team effort.

  • Assist, coordinate, and train forest nursery workers in required nursery work activities.

  • Mix fertilizers and check electrical conductivity (EC) readings before and after irrigations and properly mix and apply fertilizers. Record block weights in accessible files, in a timely manner to allow for quick fertigation decisions.

  • Take daily block weights while scouting for pests and diseases.

  • Monitor and measure crop growth rates and conduct audits on lifted crops.  

  • Keep neat and accurate records including computerized record-keeping systems. Inventory crops, maximizing speed and efficiency to be mindful of reporting and delivery schedules. Follow instruction from crew lead on which crops need monitoring.

  • Implement and operate analog, computerized and other control systems.

  • Assist with greenhouse sanitization practices. As directed by your manager or crew lead assigned to you, manage weeds through manual removal in facilities. Also as directed, manage weeds in the crop through careful manual removal, being mindful of seedling quality.

  • Maintain, repair, and upgrade nursery facilities as needed. During periods of low activity in greenhouses, work with facilities to maintain grounds.

  • Assist with packing greenhouse crops, including repetitive lifting of boxes and bags up to 50 lbs.

  • Operate forklifts safely and with precision.

  • Working at height and on roofs when required

  • Follow a company-directed IPM program, applying pesticides as needed.

  • Receive a Washington State pesticide applicators' license within 90 days of hire.

  • Shift work and weekend work is required – regular hours are 40 hours per week with varying shift times by growing seasons.

Preferred Qualifications and Durable Qualities:
  • 3+ years relevant work experience (or AS/BS) degree, in forestry/agriculture/horticulture.

  • Strong teamwork skills including respectfulness, strong communication and listening skills, reliability, and conflict management. This position works under the Senior Operations Manager, Assistant Nursery Manager, and crew lead to maintain the greenhouse crop and facility. The Specialist must coordinate activities with other permanent employees and does not report solely to the Assistant Nursery Manager. Solving greenhouse challenges is a team effort. 

  • Resourceful and adaptable to new and changing technologies, processes, and environments.

  • Must be willing to learn and follow regulatory guidance and procedures.

  • Experience and comfort in the greenhouse and outdoor climates (heat/cold).

  • Excellent judgment with a clear “safety-first” mentality.

  • Successful applicants must complete internal training for pesticide applicator certificates within 30 days, ideally.

  • Must be reliable and have transportation - no public transit is available.

  • Ability to drive manual-transmission vehicles is preferred.

Salary posting and Benefits for working at Silvaseed:  The compensation package includes a base salary plus numerous benefits (see below).  As of August 2026, the geo-located base salary for this role falls within this band: $22-28 per hour, and the role is qualified for overtime. We’ll determine the final base salary based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills level and residing location during the hiring process.
 
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Location-based compensation
  • 80% health insurance coverage for Regular, Non-seasonal employees, including Medical, Dental & Vision insurance plans.
  • Voluntary insurance plans with competitive premium rates: Pet insurance, Life insurance, Accidents.  
  • Company paid Group Term Life insurance
  • Company’s incentive stock options (ISO) for eligible employee group
  • Sustainable Retirement saving plan: 401k matching, including 401(k) and Roth 401(k), with climate-focused investment options.
  • Commuter Benefits in eligible cities
  • 6 paid holidays. Two weeks of company-wide closing per year
  • Flexible PTO for Salaried employees.
  • Generous PTO accrual rate for Hourly employees.
  • Allowances for out-of-state employees
  • Relocation support for out-of-state employees
 
 
 
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.