Native Plants Nursery Production Assistant Job – WA

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Native Plants Nursery Production Assistant Job (Seasonal) at Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center in Carnation, Washington

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.

Native Plants Nursery Production Assistant

The nursery production assistant will work with the full time nursery staff in all aspects of plant production, research and restoration during the growing season. The position requires someone able to take on responsibility, work with attention to detail, a background and interest in botany, horticulture, nursery science and/or environmental stewardship, and an enthusiasm for native plants and their production.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform duties around crop production, including: sowing, thinning, transplanting, pruning, pest and disease management, re-organizing nursery stock, weeding, irrigation, seed collection and cleaning, and inventory practices
• Assist in putting together plant orders, loading delivery vehicles
• Maintaining organization and cleanliness of the nursery and equipment
• Assist with nursery research projects: maintenance and data collection
• Participate in site preparation, maintenance and native planting activities on site

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong background in botany, environmental science, horticulture, or related field (nursery experience and/or higher education in the field preferred)
• Experience in gardening, plant propagation, or restoration activities, and a strong desire to learn more
• Consistent attention to detail
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Clear, consistent communication
• 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
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Positive leadership skills
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is a plus
• Ability to work independently and within a team

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.

COMPENSATION

This is a seasonal, full-time position, paying $11.50-$14.50 per hour, DOE, with some paid time-off and access to food from the fields.

REPORTS TO: Native Plant Nursery Manager

TO APPLY for the NATIVE PLANTS NURSERY PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JOB

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Email a resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to:

Megan Boyce-Jacobs
Finance & Operations Manager
Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center
thedirt@oxbow.org

Please write NPN Seasonal Production Asst. in the email subject line and include where you found this position in the message body.

We are looking to fill the Native Plants Nursery Production Assistant position immediately, applicants will be reviewed as they are received. To see this job posting, and our other open jobs, on our website, click here.

 

To learn more about farming jobs and internships or to post an opportunity on beginningfarmers.org, go to: https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/