What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wholesale Nursery Propagation Manager position at Sester Farms?
About Us:
We are a well-established wholesale tree and shrub nursery with a strong reputation for quality plant material and consistent production. Our greenhouse propagation program is the foundation of our operation, utilizing a range of techniques including seed, tissue culture tip cuttings, and hardwood cuttings. We are seeking an experienced and driven Nursery Propagation Manager to lead this critical function.
Position Summary:
The Nursery Propagation Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of greenhouse propagation, ensuring the successful production of healthy, uniform plant material ready for container stepping or field planting. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, forward planning and thinking, and a hands-on approach to daily operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and oversee all propagation activities including seed, tissue culture tip cuttings, and hardwood cuttings
- Develop and execute propagation schedules aligned with production goals
- Monitor and optimize environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, irrigation, light) within greenhouse facilities
- Ensure high success rates in rooting, germination, and early-stage plant development
- Supervise, train, and lead propagation staff, fostering a productive and accountable team environment
- Coordinate with production teams on timing for stepping up liners or transitioning to field planting
- Maintain strict quality control standards for plant health, uniformity, and readiness
- Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices in propagation areas
- Track and report propagation metrics, crop progress, and labor efficiency
- Manage inventory of propagation materials, supplies, and inputs
- Continuously improve propagation techniques, efficiencies, and outcomes
Qualifications:
- Minimum 10 years of hands-on wholesale nursery propagation experience
- At least 5 years in a lead or management role within a propagation or greenhouse setting
- Proven expertise in seed propagation, tissue culture tip cuttings, and hardwood cuttings
- Strong knowledge of greenhouse systems, climate control, and irrigation practices
- Demonstrated leadership and team management skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to plant quality
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple propagation cycles simultaneously
- Experience with nursery production software or tracking systems is a plus
- Bi-lingual in English and Spanish a plus
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Relocation allowance provided for hired candidate moving to the Gresham, OR area
- 401k w/Match
- Health benefits package
- Paid time off and holidays
- Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a large and established nursery operation
Work Environment:
- Primarily greenhouse-based with some outdoor nursery exposure
- Physically active role requiring standing, walking, and occasional lifting
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Physical Setting:
- Office
Education:
- Associate (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $100,000