Native Plant Trust seeks a full-time Nursery Technician to work as part of a small dedicated team that propagates and collects seed for approximately 60,000 New England native plants per year for retail sale, ecological restoration, and display at Garden in the Woods, its botanic garden in Framingham, MA. The position is based at Nasami Farm, located in Whately, MA, which is a 75-acre property with a Native Plant Center, 6 greenhouses, and related support structures, maintained by nursery staff. The start date for this position is July 1, 2024.

Propagation and Nursery Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists with seed propagation and plant maintenance for horticultural- and restoration- grade native plants of known ecotype
• Coordinates and leads nursery volunteers for production tasks and seed cleaning
• Provides input to Nursery Manager and Nursery Coordinator for nursery production plan
• Collaborates on creation and design of research projects, and carries out duties involved
• Helps maintain detailed source and production records on all species. Adheres to the highest standards of uniformity and efficiency
• Updates the database with accurate information about seed acquisition, propagation, and inventory
• Ensures propagation facilities are impeccably maintained to the highest standards
• Adheres to an intensive IPM program, scouting for pests and diseases. Applies corrective and preventative measures as necessary, with required documentation. Works with nursery staff to proactively seek and test alternative control measures with a goal of sustainability
• Maintains propagation supply inventory and follows all purchasing protocols
• Assists with ongoing training of seasonal staff and interns on care and maintenance of nursery and retail plant inventory, including best practices for watering, weeding, and IPM. Helps educate new staff about native plants
• Participates in lectures, classes, and tradeshows as time and interest allows

Seed Collection and Seed Inventory Responsibilities

• Participates in seed collection within a 50-mile radius of Nasami Farm, under direction of Nursery Manager and Nursery Coordinator. Adheres to Native Plant Trust’s seed collection policies
• Assists with seed processing, cleaning, storage, and inventory. Helps coordinate and lead volunteer activity
• Manages and updates seed cleaning/processing handbook, including building a high- quality seed photo catalog
• Helps maintain seed inventory, records, facilities, and equipment. Adheres to the highest standards of quality and efficiency

Operations Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates farm equipment and maintains access areas around greenhouses and facilities in all seasons
• Assists with regular maintenance and light repairs of equipment and facilities
• Helps monitor and provide documentation for the facility budget, as needed
• Assists with coordinating and maintaining inventory for the nursery
• Assists in gardening and maintenance of grounds and property
• May lead occasional farm tours if time and interest permits
• Occasional travel to Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA, or to headquarter offices in Wayland, MA

Work Environment

Position entails exposure to outdoors and greenhouse production facilities and at times working in inclement weather. Includes heavy lifting and physically demanding tasks. Schedule includes weekends and may include holiday work to ensure plant health and to deal with facilities issues. Supportive and collaborative culture that prioritizes diversity, innovation, creativity, health, and wellbeing.

Hours and Compensation

This is a non-exempt, full-time, year-round position with a starting rate of $21.50/hour, plus health insurance and benefits.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest and resume (MS Word or PDF format, with your last name as part of the file name) to Alexis Doshas, Nursery Manager, adoshas@NativePlantTrust.org, using the subject line “Nursery Technician Application.” Deadline for applications is 6/12/2024.