Assistant Nursery Manager Position Announcement

Terms: Permanent, non-exempt, full-time position (40 hours per week), with benefits

Salary: $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience

Deadline to apply: Until Filled

Introduction:

Join a team that is growing native plants for environmental restoration!  This is an excellent opportunity for those with a background in nursery production to work in a beautiful location with top-notch people, producing plants that will benefit natural resources, wildlife, water quality, and so much more.

The Washington Association of Conservation Districts’ Plant Materials Center (PMC) provides high-quality conservation-grade plants, shrubs and services that benefit natural resources. The 60-acre non-profit bareroot nursery, located in Skagit County, produces over 70 species of quality conservation seedlings and cuttings. The PMC is staffed by five full-time professionals and hires contract employees during the harvesting season and at other times of the year.

We are seeking a full-time, experienced grower/assistant nursery manager for our native plant nursery in Bow, Washington. This is a unique opportunity for the right individual to join an established operation serving the needs of conservation organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. The ideal candidate will have a college degree in horticulture, at least 3 years or more of experience working in a bare root nursery, and demonstrated people management skills. Conversational bilingual Spanish is a plus. In addition, the candidate must be detail-oriented, organized, team-oriented, and an exceptional communicator. The Assistant Nursery Manager will report directly to the PMC Manager.

Duties:  The Assistant Manager will need to become well-versed in all the cultural practices employed at the PMC and take a lead role in accomplishing those tasks.  They include, but are not limited to:

• Spraying – The Assistant Nursery Manager will need to obtain a Washington State Private Applicators License within 6 months of hire.
• Root Culturing.
• Seed Collection and Processing.
• Irrigation Management.
• Nutrient Management, including soil sampling.
• Researching new species, new techniques, and development, and conducting field trials. Work with the Nursery Manager to review production practices and help determine ways to be more efficient.
• Conducting/leading nursery tours, educational and related events as required.
• Assisting with other general field practices, including operating tractors, a wheel track rototiller, a fertilizer spreader, a sawdust spreader, seed drills, and a rototiller etc.
• Be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Contributing to newsletters and other publications.
• Updating and maintaining field maps.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will have a 2-year degree or higher in horticulture, and 3 years’ experience in a bare root nursery with increasing responsibilities.  Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Benefits:  WACD offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, medical and dental, and support for training.