What are the responsibilities and job description for the Propagation Assistant position at Treadlight Farm?
Propagation Assistant
About Us
Treadlight Farm (est. 2015) is a certified-organic cut-flower farm and native plant plug nursery operating on 20 acres of fields at the Arrowhead Agricultural Center in Kerhonkson, NY. We grow annual, biennial, and perennial plants in our fields and greenhouses and sell cut flowers and nursery stock from March through November to wholesale customers in the Hudson Valley, Westchester and NYC.
At Treadlight Farm, we take pride in our work and believe in the responsible production of ornamental plants.
Among our highest priorities are working in ways that minimize our environmental impact, and maintaining a positive, constructive, and comfortable work environment. We value honesty, clear communication, a can-do spirit, and intellectual interest in all things plant-related. We believe that every task and every team member is important, and that every job is worth doing well.
Job Description
The propagation assistant executes propagation activities for our cut-flower and native plant plug nursery enterprises. Working in our two propagation greenhouses and outdoor container areas, and overseen by the propagation manager, the propagation assistant tends to the production of many thousands of annual, biennial and perennial plants. We grow plants primarily from seeds, but also from cuttings or divisions. Most of the plants we grow are herbaceous, though we do propagate some woody plants as well. We grow hundreds of species, many of them native to our region.
The propagation assistant also tends to the successful growing-on of all containerized plants using certified organic methods: watering, temperature and humidity control, fertilizing, managing pests and diseases, pruning, moving and organizing trays, hardening off, and more. Additionally, the propagation assistant organizes and maintains all equipment, materials and supplies needed for their work, and maintains clean and organized work spaces.
The propagation assistant also helps with our dahlia division efforts throughout the winter and spring.
Responsibilities
- Help seed, fill trays, move trays as needed, prune, weed, fertilize or amend trays and other containers as needed.
- Help with watering, ventilating or heating as needed.
- Communicate any problems or questions to the farm owners clearly and expediently
- Maintain a calm, positive attitude at work at all times.
- Contribute ideas to improve workplace safety, efficiency, productivity, fun, well-being, etc.
Wage/Benefits
- $19/hour
- 30-minute paid lunch daily
- One week unpaid vacation (to be taken from June-August)
- Year-end bonus in profitable years (as % of total hours worked)
- Annual raise
- Free flowers and plants, depending on availability
Schedule
- Approximately 8 hours/day
- 40 hours/week most of the year; less in winter and in July-August
- Must be willing to work weekend shifts or cover watering chores on weekends and holidays
- Flexible start/end times possible
- 30 minute paid lunch daily
Qualifications
- Have reliable transportation to/from work
- Have some familiarity with all common matters of plant propagation and husbandry of herbaceous annual, biennial and perennial plants.
- Knowledgeable and competent in greenhouse management in our climate zone.
- Knowledgeable about plants native to our region.
- Competent with installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, including filters, injectors, pressure reducers, miscellaneous fittings, PVC.
- Three years of propagation experience in cut-flowers, ornamental horticulture, or similar experience. Note: in considering candidates, vegetable farm propagation experience is weighted less than ornamental plant propagation experience.
- References for relevant work experience.
- Passionate about all things plant related.
- Unafraid to ask questions and proactive about learning about ornamental plants.
- Must be able to lift 50lbs frequently throughout the day.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid sick time
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Weekends as needed
- Year round work
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Commute:
- Kerhonkson, NY 12446 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Kerhonkson, NY 12446: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19
