Field Crew Leader and Plant Propagation Jobs – WA

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Field Crew Leader/Native Plant Propagation Technician Jobs in Rochester, WA

BACKGROUND

The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is a nonprofit 501(3)(c) organization, created in 1990, whose mission is the perpetual stewardship of natural and created conservation lands, sensitive species, and their resident ecosystems. Stewardship activities are currently divided between California and Washington. In the State of Washington, CNLM’s South Puget Sound Program focuses on conservation of one of the rarest ecosystems in the United States, the prairie and oak woodlands of Cascadia, especially those lands and habitats within the South Sound Region. In that Region, the Program aims to protect, restore habitats, and support recovery of rare species that are candidates for federal listing.

CNLM’s Seed Production/Nursery team produces native seed with the goal of filling the seed needs of our restoration partners throughout Washington and Oregon.  We produce seed of close to 100 native plant species (including rare and endangered species) on 4 production sites, totaling 19 acres.

Field Crew Leader JOB DESCRIPTION

The Field Crew Leader will have the opportunity to step into an exciting and unique agricultural system that has grown significantly over the past few years.  They will have the opportunity to apply their agricultural knowledge in innovative ways to a challenging set of crops.  The Field Crew Leader will lead a team of ~4-6 people in accomplishing daily farm tasks efficiently and effectively.

We are looking for candidates with a positive attitude who are motivated, communicative, and intuitive.  Ideal candidates are looking to expand their farming knowledge, have an interest in conservation, and are looking to participate in a collaborative agricultural environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with Project Manager to prioritize daily and weekly field tasks

Consistent communication with Project Manager and other permanent staff

Lead seasonal crew members, AmeriCorps, and occasionally volunteers in field tasks

Provide instruction for proper tool use and body mechanics

Anticipate and plan for tools and resources needed to achieve tasks

Critically evaluate situations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and positive crew morale

Maintain daily record-keeping

Participate in field walks on a regular basis

Actively participate in program meetings, tours, and events

Other tasks as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Prior agricultural experience

Excellent communication skills

Ability to anticipate and initiate

Capable of juggling logistics and priorities for multiple sites

Detail-oriented

Experience instructing and motivating groups

Ability to ask for direction as needed

Comfortable working with minimal direct supervision

Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work with a diverse group of people

Positive attitude in all types of weather

Sense of humor

Willingness to acquire an herbicide applicators license and use herbicide as needed (minimally)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Crew leadership experience

2+ years of farm experience and/or seed production experience

Experience operating tractors and/or other farm machinery

Knowledge of Washington native plant species

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Position to begin immediately.

Season duration: 7 months from hire.

Working Hours: This is an hourly position, generally Monday-Friday from 8-4:30.  No more than 40 hours/week.

Compensation: $15 – 16.50 DOE plus benefits.  Benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance; paid holidays; vacation and sick time accrual.

TO APPLY for the Field Crew Leader of Plant Propagation Jobs:

Hiring immediately.  Applications accepted until position is filled.  Please see the following link for official position description:

https://cnlm.org/wp-content/uploads/Native-Plant-Prop-Tech-Seasonal2017-SS.pdf

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references.  For consideration, submit application materials to: careers-nursery@cnlm.org

Questions? Contact Kathryn Donovan, Seed Production Project Manager, kdonovan@cnlm.org