Tree Nursery Production Manager

Organization Overview

The Newport Tree Conservancy (NTC) is a nonprofit organization in Newport, RI dedicated to preserving, planting, and stewarding Newport’s urban forest. Through tree propagation, education, and community-based forestry initiatives, NTC works to strengthen canopy resilience, environmental health, and public engagement across the city.

Position Summary

The Nursery Production Manager oversees the daily operations of the Minnie Cushing Coleman Heritage Tree Nursery and is responsible for the care, production, and propagation of all trees and plants grown by the Newport Tree Conservancy. This role supports NTC’s living collections, urban forestry programs, and public horticultural education.

The Nursery Production Manager reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the Living Collections Manager and Programs Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Nursery Operations and Plant Production

• Manage all nursery operations, including irrigation, potting, fertilization, staking, pruning, weeding, pest and disease management, and overwintering

• Cultivate and maintain heritage tree accessions, native plants, and rootstock

• Maintain nursery infrastructure, grow spaces, tools, compost systems, irrigation systems, and surrounding landscape

• Purchase and manage nursery supplies and prepare for DEM nursery inspections

• Maintain accurate nursery records and logs

• Coordinate plant selection and logistics for plant sales, auctions, and distribution programs

Plant Propagation

• Support plant propagation by seed, cuttings, and grafting

• Collect and manage propagation materials and maintain propagation systems

• Maintain detailed propagation and inventory records

Data Management and Tree Tagging

• Manage tree tagging and related data using TreeKeeper

• Order, install, update, and maintain tree tags within the Newport Arboretum and urban forest

• Coordinate with staff and volunteers to verify tree identification and data accuracy

Programming, Outreach, and Supervision

• Lead and support horticulture- and propagation-based public, volunteer, and school programs

• Supervise horticultural assistants, interns, and volunteers as assigned

• Create written and digital horticultural content and engage with the local nursery community

• Participate in city and NTC planting and reforestation initiatives, including Miantonomi Park

Qualifications

• Experience in a nursery, greenhouse, garden center, or similar horticultural setting

• Working knowledge of woody plants and plant propagation

• Formal horticultural training preferred; bachelor’s degree in environmental science, horticulture, or related field preferred but not required

• Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and a commitment to ongoing learning

Work Schedule

This position requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

Employment Status

Employment with the Newport Tree Conservancy is at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without notice or cause, in accordance with Rhode Island law.

Additional Duties

Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Full-Time | Exempt

Salary: $45,000 annually

Benefits: 401k and health reimbursement