Propagation Manager

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 manager conducts propagation year-round for our cut-flower and native plant plug nursery enterprises. Working in our two propagation greenhouses and outdoor container areas, and with the help of one assistant and sometimes other staff for larger projects, the propagation manager oversees the production of many thousands of annual, biennial and perennial plants. We grow plants primarily from seeds, but also from cuttings or divisions. The propagation manager follows two separate crop plans and keeps records of actions undertaken. 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 manager also oversees 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 manager organizes and maintains all equipment, materials and supplies needed for their work, organizing and ordering seeds, maintaining clean and organized work spaces, and ordering supplies and materials as needed.

The propagation manager also oversees our dahlia division efforts throughout the winter and spring, and throughout the season sometimes collects certain propagules from cultivated or wild-growing plants around our production areas.

Candidates who do not meet all of the necessary qualifications may be offered a position as an Assistant Propagation Manager, beginning with a lower wage but with the goal of training into the manager’s position over time.

Responsibilities

• Follow two crop plans and fill containers, seed, take cuttings, move trays, prune, weed, fertilize or amend trays and other containers as needed.
• Daily monitoring of greenhouse conditions and watering, ventilating or heating as needed.
• Recognize signs of plant stress or threats from diseases, pests, moisture and temperature conditions, etc., and take appropriate action.
• Repair irrigation, spraying, heating and fertilizing equipment.
• Maintain records of all activities required for organic certification and internal purposes, using our established systems.
• Train/oversee others, make weekly work plans, and delegate tasks.
• Communicate any problems or questions to the farm owners clearly and expediently
• Demonstrate and display safety, speed and quality expectations for crew members, always leading by example.
• Crop planning and seed ordering
• Maintain a calm, positive attitude at work at all times.
• Contribute ideas to improve workplace safety, efficiency, productivity, fun, well-being, etc.

Wage/Benefits

• $23-24/hour, DOE; potential option for salaried position (exempt).
• 30-minute paid lunch daily
• One week paid vacation, 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

• Live or plan to move within commuting distance of our farm in Kerhonkson, NY
• Knowledgeable and competent in all common, commercial scale plant propagation/husbandry techniques for 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 heating and 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: $23.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed
• Year round work

Ability to Commute:

• Kerhonkson, NY 12446 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Kerhonkson, NY 12446: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $24