Manager, Nursery Operations (Silvaseed)

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce high quality forest seedling crops by applying effective nursery practices and principles
• Supervise and delegate growing tasks to junior growers
• Assist in training seasonal forest nursery workers in required nursery work activities
• Plan crop cycles including stratification and sowing schedules, bench assignments, and packing schedules
• Mix fertilizers and monitor water quality
• Monitor and measure crop growth rates and conduct audits on lifted crops
• Operate forklifts and other farm machinery such as tractors
• Keep neat and accurate records including computerized record-keeping systems
• Oversee facility repairs
• Implement and operate analog, computerized and other control systems
• Assist with greenhouse sanitization practices
• Maintain, repair, and upgrade nursery facilities as needed
• Help develop a company-directed IPM program, applying pesticides as needed
• Work with field grown (bare root) crops with annual and multi-year trajectories
• Help with packing, storage, and distribution of biological (plant) products to customers
• Identify and advocate for additional resources needed for overall operational success
• Support in developing solutions to identify and address phytosanitary issues or nutrient deficiencies to achieve quality and output goals
• Support in developing a strategic plan to optimize space for surging customer demand
• Support in expanding the growing capacity
• Successful applicants must obtain a Washington pesticide applicator's license within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications and Durable Qualities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in forestry/horticulture/agriculture/plant sciences or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in Nursery/Horticultural/Agriculture conifers production
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (Spanish is a plus)
• Excellent judgment with an evident “safety-first” mentality
• Experience in working with laboratory, greenhouse, and field work for plant propagation
• Excellent problem solving skills with demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple initiatives
• Experience and comfort in the greenhouse and outdoor climates (heat/cold)
• Able to travel on occasion for grower or collaborative project meetings
• Able to work in person 5 days a week.  Must have reliable transportation. Shift work and weekend work are required – regular hours are 40 hours per week with varying shift times by growing seasons.
• Scrappy, willing to dive in and do whatever it takes, regardless of the job description