Staffing

The most important element for any business is the people that they employee. For North Star Bonsai to provide the high level of products and services, it is crucial that we staff people that are knowledgeable and passionate about bonsai

Below is a list of job opportunities currently available. Our screening process is rigorous for selecting the right person for a specific job. So if you feel you have what it takes and can meet our qualifications, then we invite you to inquire by using the Contact Us link on the navigation menu.

North Star also offers intern jobs for certain people that may not have all the qualifications described for a certain position. We feel that this is a great investment to develop individuals for future job positions. Likely candidates would be college students pursuing a Horticultural or Arts degree or individuals that have some background in horticulture as it pertains to bonsai but at present can't make the time investment but want the experience. Interns are compensated by form of stipend and are eligible for educational grants from North Star Bonsai.

At present we offer the following jobs at one of our two locations:

Lead Specialty Grower:
Propagates and grows horticultural-specialty products that pertain to bonsai. Plans acreage utilization and work schedules, according to  crop culture, climate and market conditions. Oversees or performs bud or graft scion stock and layering on plantings to alter growth characteristics.

Attach farm implements, such as disc and fertilizer spreader, to tractor and drives tractor in fields to till soil and plant and cultivate crop. Inspects fields periodically to ascertain nutrient deficiencies, detect insect, disease, and pest infestations, and identify foreign-plant growth, and selects, recommends, and schedules materials, such as fertilizers and herbicides, to ensure quality control. Oversees field workers; assigns their duties according to scheduled activities, such as planting, irrigating, weeding, and harvesting; and oversees their activities. Maintains personnel and production records. Arranges with customers for sale of crop.

A degree in agriculture is preferred with three years minimum experience; however, we may accept equivalent education and experience combined.

This position may also oversee activities, such as product cleaning, grading, and potting/packaging. May provide customer services, such as planning and building grow rows for ground lease customers. May develop new variations of species specialty to produce crops with specialized market-appeal. May cultivate out-of-season seedlings using greenhouse. May cultivate cover crop, in rotation with horticultural specialty to rejuvenate soil. May drive and operate heavy machinery. May lubricate, adjust, and make minor repairs on farm machinery and equipment. May build, remove, and repair farm structures, such as fences and sheds.

Bonsai Tech I
Bonsai Tech I is an entry level position for our nursery. Duties include potting, soil preparation, plant irrigation, weeding, fertilizing, display rotation, identifying plant pests and disease and medicinal applications.

A solid background in bonsai is strongly encouraged. The candidate should have some educational background in the form of workshops and /or a dedicated school where the instructor has been a recognized professional.  The candidate will be required to provide a photographic resume of their work. This position is also open to interns.

This position may also  build, remove, and repair structures, such as greenhouses and cold frames. It may also involve building or repairing stands, displays and monkey poles. Customer service maybe required from time to time. May assist in design, wiring and pruning. May involve setup for workshops and classes.