About us:
Humming Bee Nursery is a small, certified organic nursery that specializes in locally adapted and heirloom vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, and pollinator-friendly flowering plants. We are dedicated to offering healthy, vibrant starts for our wholesale buyers and gardeners that will easily thrive in Willamette Valley gardens. We are also committed to creating a workplace that is safe, inclusive, and rewarding. We are entering our sixth year of business and have been expanding rapidly in our new location in Corvallis. As we grow, we’re looking for one special person to lead much of the hands-on production during the growing season.
Responsibilities:
Execute weekly planting plan by coordinating with other staff to fill pots and trays with potting soil, seed, and pot up plants. Occasionally adapt planting plan in response to time constraints, increased demand, seed supply, etc.
Help retrain returning staff and train new staff in all production practices, including optimally efficient techniques and work flow
Tend seedlings by thinning plug trays, pricking and filling trays, pinching and pruning plants, and scouting for pests and diseases on a weekly basis
Manage watering carefully, adapting to weather and day length
Coordinate sales order preparation by guiding staff in organizing trays, labeling pots for sale, checking for quality, and moving trays to harden off and load into delivery vehicle
Inventory plants for next week’s sales. Occasionally help create availability sheet and send to buyers, receive and track orders over the weekend
Act as the primary quality control person - fix issues before any plants go out for sale and hold back plants if not up to standards
Track any waste or donations and properly handle unsold plants
Maintain sanitary conditions in nursery with weekly cleaning tasks
Scout and treat for pests and diseases as appropriate
Scout for and remedy fertility issues as appropriate
Occasional work in our nursery stock and seed fields including weeding, fertilizing, harvesting, pruning, planting, and more
Communicate closely with owner to ensure operations are running smoothly, staff are well trained and content, and management tasks are shared cohesively
Desired attributes:
At least 3 years experience working on a vegetable farm, flower farm, and/or greenhouse nursery, including regular greenhouse propagation work
Experience coordinating diverse tasks among a group of people, working as part of a team, and fostering a positive work environment
Knowledge (through education and/or work experience) of botany, plant pathology, and plant propagation
Familiarity with Google Sheets, ability to interpret and edit extensive spreadsheets, and ability to work at a computer for short periods of time
Knowledge and experience propagating and growing native plants, medicinal herbs, edible shrubs, and/or heirloom vegetables - including seeding and potting up at scale
Ideally, experience using power tools to build and modify wooden and metal structures
Familiarity with and commitment to organic growing techniques
Enthusiasm for hard work and completing projects efficiently
Clear and open communication style, ability to give and receive feedback regularly
Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs, squat and kneel for long periods of time, stand for long periods of time, work delicately with small plants
Keen attention to detail and willingness to tune hands and eyes to the diverse needs of seedlings
Schedule:
This position is designed to meet the very increased demand for plants in the spring:
Start mid January: 3 days/week (20-24 hrs)
February: 3-4 days/week (22-32 hrs)
March-August: 5 days/week with occasional weekend watering (40-48 hrs/week)
September-October: 2-3 days/week (14-24 hrs)
Potential for some work past October depending on infrastructure needs
Compensation:
$23-25 DOE with potential for pay increase in summer
Extra plants, cuttings, herbs, and produce whenever available
$20/month cell phone stipend to support administrative tasks on personal phone
5 days (40 hours) PTO available Jan-Feb and July-October, with further unpaid time off negotiable during those months
Traditionally we give an end of season bonus based on performance
How to Apply:
Please email resume, cover letter, and contact information for 2 references using the subject “Production Leader”. We’ll begin to review applications on December 8th, and position will remain open until filled.
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, veteran status, or national origin. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t match all of the desired attributes listed in this description - you could still be a great fit!
