POSITION OVERVIEW

The Nursery Production Technician will assist the nursery management team in all aspects of native plant production throughout the year. Oxbow’s ideal candidate will be responsible, efficient, with precise attention to detail and an enthusiasm for native plants and their production. They will have a background and interest in botany, horticulture, nursery science and/or environmental stewardship.

Key job functions for this position will include plant propagation, fertilization, irrigation, pest management and sales.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Plant Production

Propagation

• Perform fall and spring sowing and seed treatments
• Carryout propagation via cuttings and divisions as seasonally appropriate
• Implement transplanting schedule for all species
• Assist with seed collection and cleaning activities

Irrigation and Fertilization

• Schedule and perform irrigation and fertilization according to each species’ cultural needs to ensure crop health
• Assist with maintenance and improvements in irrigation and liquid fertilizer application systems

Integrated Pest Management

• Assist with implementing the IPM program through organic pesticide applications, beneficial insect releases, monitoring, record keeping and sanitation procedures
• Ensure that correct application and safety procedures are adhered to and that application records are kept up to date

 General Plant Maintenance

• Maintain plant quality including pruning, weeding, trimming and thinning
• Assist with optimizing nursery space to allow for each species-specific needs, i.e. drainage, light requirements, hardening and protection from elements

Equipment and Facilities

• Perform timely maintenance, safe use, and inventory tracking of nursery equipment and tools
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of nursery buildings, growing areas and surrounding grounds
• Assist with the maintenance and installation of native plantings on the property
• Assist with inclement weather/flood preparation and clean up

Nursery Sales and Customer Care

• Assist with pulling, preparing and organizing plant orders
• Assist with loading and delivering plant orders

Planning and Nursery Management

• Assist the management team with supervision and training of seasonal nursery staff, volunteers, and interns, including occasional instruction, correction and communication
• Utilize record keeping systems and tools to best track propagation, inventory, IPM, and species cultural information
• Identify ways to improve and standardize production methods and record keeping practices
• Serve as lead nursery staff member in the absence of the management team
• Assist with event preparations

General

• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about Oxbow’s mission and programs
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the Native Plant Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

• Practical plant propagation/production experience, strong comprehension of plant physiology and the unique challenges of native plant propagation, familiarity with plant ID and nomenclature
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work so that production schedules are met
• Creative problem solver with the ability to develop or seek out innovative approaches and ideas
• Strong record keeping and observation skills as well as competency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work with urgency while maintaining consistent attention to detail
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary and accept constructive feedback
• Ability to communicate with customers and the greater Oxbow community in a respectful and professional manner
• Ability to work: standing, sitting, bending over or kneeling; to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 50 lbs.; perform physical work such as digging or planting; and in inclement weather
• Willingness and ability to occasionally work weekends and holidays
• Comfortable driving a box truck and cargo van
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure

Minimum requirements

• Associate’s degree in a relevant discipline, bachelor’s degree a plus
• Demonstrated one or more years work in a production nursery, work with native plants
• Familiarity with native plants and their associated ecosystems, western Washington preferred
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

Additional desired qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

The Oxbow Native Plant Nursery  is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COMPENSATION

This is a regular full-time position, paying $15-$17 per hour, with competitive benefits including: 100% employer paid healthcare, annual dental stipend, generous holiday, vacation and sick pay, and access to food from the fields.

REPORTS TO: 

Native Plant Program Manager

OXBOW’S MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

The Center is located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 30 acres of mixed vegetable crops using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation farming practice.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that produces plants for habitat restoration projects, educational gardens, and urban landscapes, and conducts research on native plant propagation using sustainable growing methods.

Connect children to nature. We offer environmental education programs for children pre-K thru high school to build their comfort in the outdoors and provide them with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Restore and sustain habitat. We carry out conservation projects and research to learn how humans can use land to our benefit while protecting biodiversity.