Tree Farm Manager

Rost, Inc. is a diversified and employee-owned company with tree farm and nursery operations, retail and wholesale, landscaping installation and maintenance, and irrigation divisions. The Tree Farm Manager at Rost, Inc. serves a vital role in management, quality control, plant care, and continuous improvement of farm operations. This position will oversee the growing operations at our tree farm, encompassing over 300 acres and providing guidance to more than a dozen laborers. The position is a full-time, hourly position with opportunities for overtime and profit sharing bonuses. Pay is based on experience and a pre-employment drug test is required. If you are a hard-working individual with tree and/or agronomy experience and the ability to motivate a team, we would love to speak with you!

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Business Manager and Field Supervisor to plan for daily and seasonal farm labor needs and allocate shared labor appropriately
• Ensure consistency and quality in plant care, providing feedback and hands-on support to supervisor and crews on growing practices, including pruning, fertilizing, pest control, staking, and irrigation
• Scout regularly and provide recommendations on pest control schedules to supervisor, assisting as needed with chemical paperwork and compliance
• Work alongside crew to manage logistics and execution of planting, spraying, pruning, harvesting, and shipping timelines, communicating with Business Manager on any upcoming labor needs or concerns
• Assist Field Supervisor with tree digging logistics and execution as needed
• Cultivate relationships with customers and expand sales and customer base alongside Business Manager, such as spearheading farm tours, attending industry events, etc.
• Collaborate with Business Manager to develop accurate inventory systems to accurately forecast plant and land availability
• Operate farm equipment such as tractors and skidsteers as needed
• Assist Business Manager with creating annual budget for farm and forecasting upcoming expenses
• Work with Business Manager to develop an annual calendar for all farm ordering, logistics, maintenance, etc. and ensure that the farm is meeting all internal timelines
• Continuously expand knowledge of products, production methods, and best management practices
• Collaborate with Business Manager to develop standard operating procedures to improve farm safety, efficiency, inventory management, training, etc.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years' previous farm or nursery experience required
• Knowledge in nursery operations and Midwest trees and shrubs preferred
• Previous management experience or a proven track record of leadership experience preferred.
• Class E Driver’s License or ability to obtain, must be able to pass Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)
• Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain
• Bilingual in Spanish or willingness to learn is required
• Ability to operate farm equipment such as tractors and skidsteers
• Ability to train, lead, and motivate a team
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Profit sharing
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• tree farm/nursery: 2 years (Preferred)
• spraying: 1 year (Preferred)
• operating farm equipment: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000