The Strong Foundation of Nourse Farms

Job Title: Director of Growing Operations
Department: Operations 
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Job Type: Regular 
Amount of Travel Required: 20%
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
Positions Supervised: 5

Position Summary

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced manager to lead our Nourse Farms facilities in the Massachusetts and North Carolina growing operations. The Director of Growing Operations will also oversee our greenhouse strawberry propagation operations. This role will be responsible for leading a team, implementing effective growing techniques, ensuring optimal plant health, and maximizing production yields. The ideal candidate has a strong background in horticulture, a passion for strawberries and raspberries, and a desire to contribute to sustainable food production. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.

Primary Duties

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the growing operations for the company.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute strategic plans.
• Manage and optimize processes to ensure smooth operations.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement process enhancements.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
• Drive business development initiatives to expand the company's market presence.
• Manage Greenhouse Operations: Oversee day-to-day activities in the greenhouse, including planting, irrigation, nutrient management, pest control, and disease prevention.
• Crop Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive crop plans, considering factors such as planting schedules, variety selection, and space utilization.
• Irrigation and Nutrition Management: Monitor and optimize irrigation systems, ensuring proper water and nutrient delivery to plants at each growth stage.
• Pest and Disease Control: Implement integrated pest management strategies to prevent and control pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.
• Quality Control: Maintain high-quality standards throughout the propagation process, ensuring consistent plant health and exceptional fruit production.
• Research and Innovation: Stay up to date with industry trends, new technologies, and scientific advancements in strawberry cultivation, and apply them to enhance production practices.
• Budget Management: Collaborate with the management team to develop and manage the greenhouse budget, optimizing expenditures while ensuring efficient production.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, promoting a safe working environment for all staff.
• Strong background in operations management, including process improvement, project management, and strategic planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, business administration, operations management, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in greenhouse management, with a focus on strawberry propagation, operations management, or related field.
• Proven track record of success in driving operational excellence.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of greenhouse operations preferably worked and have good knowledge with Priva climate, irrigation and labor tracking system, plant nutrition, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and crop planning. Familiarity with sustainable growing practices is a plus.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to collect and interpret data, make data-driven decisions, and optimize cultivation techniques accordingly.
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams. Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges, including those related to plant health, productivity, and greenhouse operations.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various departments, team members and other stakeholders.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting heavy objects up to 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, and working in varying temperatures.

Click here to apply now.

Job Title: Farm Manager
Department: Operations 
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Reports to: Production Director
Job Type: Regular 
Amount of Travel Required: 10%
Work Schedule: Monday-Saturday
Positions Supervised: 12-22

Position Summary:

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. Nourse Farms is seeking a highly skilled and experienced manager to lead our facility in Whately, MA and Pasco, Washington for the Farm/Nursery soil-based propagation operations. The Farm Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant production, crop management, and maintaining the highest standards of plant health and quality. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.

Primary Duties:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Propagation Leadership: Direct and monitor every stage of soil-based propagation, ensuring processes comply with our protocols, resulting in robust plants.
• Team Guidance: Lead the farm team, ensuring they receive instruction, mentorship, and a high proficiency in propagation practices.
• Resource Optimization: Collaborate with the Whatley General Manager to allocate resources efficiently, aiming to maximize propagation processes and achieve production goals.
• Data Analysis: Launch data capture methods for tracking propagation efficiency and growth rates. Utilize this data to identify trends and make informed decisions to bolster propagation outcomes.
• Quality Assurance: Implement rigorous quality checks, ensuring propagated plants meet our quality standards. Address concerns like pests, diseases, or other hazards promptly.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of propagation activities, covering plant schedules, inventory, and quality assessments.
• Pesticide Management: Retain an active pesticide applicator's license, apply pesticides safely and adhere to all relevant regulations.
• Safety Advocacy: Promote the well-being of all staff by endorsing adherence to safety protocols and nurturing a safety-first culture.
• Progressive Development: Regularly identify areas for improvement, advocating innovative solutions to uplift farm operations.
• Performance Reporting: Diligently report on weekly, monthly, and quarterly KPIs, ensuring the alignment and achievement of departmental targets.
• Site Collaboration: Travel to and collaborate with our Pasco, Washington soil-based propagation site several times a year, especially during planting, digging, and packing of raspberries and asparagus.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive and hands-on experience in soil-based propagation and farm management, including leadership experience.
• Must have a Massachusetts Pesticide license.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to collect and interpret data, make data-driven decisions, optimize cultivation techniques accordingly, and meticulous record-keeping.
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams. Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and other stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges related to plant health and productivity.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in varying temperatures.
• Deep understanding of plant propagation techniques.
• A valid pesticide applicator's license.
• A staunch commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods.

Click here to apply now.

Job Title: Grower, Greenhouse – Whately, MA
Department: Production 
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Reports to: Head Grower
Job Type: Regular 
Amount of Travel Required: None
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, Rotating weekend duty
Positions Supervised: 0

Position Summary:

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for their commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. Nourse Farms is seeking a motivated and dedicated Greenhouse Grower to support the Head Grower and Greenhouse Manager in the management and care of small fruit plants at our facility in Whatley, MA. The Grower will play a vital role in maintaining plant health, implementing growing practices, and ensuring the success of our horticultural operations.

Primary Duties:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key responsibilities:

• Greenhouse Operations: Collaborate with the Head Grower to manage all aspects of greenhouse operations. This would include monitoring environmental conditions, irrigation and nutrition management, and integrated pest management strategies. Ensure efficient and timely completion of all greenhouse activities while maintaining optimal growth conditions for plants.
• Inventory Management: Assist in maintaining accurate inventory records of all plant varieties, as well as grower activities such as scouting, applying pesticides and biological controls.
• Quality Control & Sanitation: Support quality control efforts to ensure that all plants meet or exceed established quality standards. Assist in greenhouse sanitation before transition to new production.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Head Grower and/or Greenhouse Manager as well as other team members to execute growing plans, communicate plant care needs, and contribute to the success of the growing operations.
• Standard Operating Procedures and High Standards:Collaborate with Head Grower to develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the facility, ensuring the highest standards of cultivation and production are met.
• Environmental Controls Utilization and Data Analysis: Proficiently utilize Priva/Argus environmental software to monitor and control greenhouse climate conditions. Use this information to fine-tune cultivation techniques which will contribute to the optimization of plant growth.
• Equipment and Facility Maintenance: Participate in the maintenance and minor repair of equipment and facilities as needed to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Training and Development: Engage in continuous learning and training to enhance horticultural knowledge and skills.
• Obtain a pesticide license within four months of hire.
• Additional Duties: Collaborate with Head Grower and/or Greenhouse Manager on other tasks and responsibilities related to greenhouse operations, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field (preferred).
• 2 years' experience in greenhouse operations or agricultural work.
• Basic knowledge of greenhouse operations, including Environmental Controls (Priva/Angus) experience a plus.
• Must have a Massachusetts pesticide license.
• Attention to details and a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Physical ability to perform tasks such as climbing ladders, lifting 50 lb., bending, and operating equipment.
• Eagerness to contribute to a dynamic and collaborative team.

Click here to apply now.

Job Title: Pesticide Applicator/ Agricultural Equipment Operator
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Reports to: Production Director
Job Type: Regular 
Amount of Travel Required: None
Work Schedule: Monday- Saturday
Positions Supervised: None

Position Summary:

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. Nourse Farms is seeking a highly skilled and experienced heavy equipment operator to support our facilities in Whately, Montague, and Northfield MA farm nursery operations. The Heavy Equipment Operator will be responsible for managing and operating our machinery across various Massachusetts sites and is vital for upholding our operational efficiency, safety, and environmental standards. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.

Primary Duties:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate Equipment: Safely and expertly operate a range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, harvesters, and pesticide spraying machines, mowers, and other ancillary equipment.
• Pesticide Application: Apply pesticides in accordance with Massachusetts regulations, ensuring the health and safety of crops, workers, and the environment. Must have a pesticide spraying license
• Routine Checks: Conduct daily equipment inspections to ensure machinery is in optimal working condition.
• Maintenance Coordination: Report equipment malfunctions or damages to the Maintenance Manager promptly for repair coordination.
• Safety and Compliance: Strictly adhere to safety protocols and Massachusetts pesticide application regulations.
• Training: Offer training and insights to team members on proper equipment and pesticide usage as necessary.
• Transportation: Transport equipment between various Massachusetts sites as required.
• Record Keeping: Maintain thorough logs of equipment usage, pesticide applications, hours of operation, and maintenance checks.
• Site Cleanliness: Ensure machinery and equipment storage areas are clean and orderly.
• Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of the latest operating procedures, best practices, and regulations related to equipment operation and pesticide application.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: 3+ years of progressive experience in operating heavy or agricultural equipment. A background in mechanics and equipment maintenance or farm work is also useful.
• Leadership Abilities: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid Massachusetts Pesticide Spray License.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Strong knowledge of safety protocols and Massachusetts pesticide application regulations.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic equipment problems.
• Flexibility to work under varying weather conditions and adapt to changing schedules.
• Willingness to travel between sites in Massachusetts.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and other stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varying temperatures.

Click here to apply.

Job Title: Head Grower – Mills River, NC
Department: Production 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Job Type: Regular 
Positions Supervised: 4-5
Work Schedule: Monday through Saturday, rotating Sunday
Job Status: Full Time
Reports to: General Manager
Amount of Travel Required: None

Position Summary:

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. Nourse Farms is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head Grower to lead our facility in Mills River, NC greenhouse operations. The Head Grower will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant production, crop management, and maintaining the highest standards of plant health and quality. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.

Primary Duties:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities:

• Manage Greenhouse Operations: Oversee day-to-day activities in the greenhouse, including planting, irrigation, nutrient management, pest control, and disease prevention.
• Staffing: Ensure the facility is adequately staffed across all departments by forecasting labor needs, scheduling efficiently, and coordinating with HR to maintain optimal workforce levels.
• Standard Operating Procedures and High Standards: Develop and implement detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and daily checklists for each department to ensure all tasks are completed effectively while fostering seamless communication and collaboration between teams.
• Safety: In Collaboration with Head of Director of Growing Operations, implement a spray application program, ensuring safety protocols and industry standards are met, with oversight of agricultural chemical use.
• Team Leadership: Provide guidance, training, and motivation to greenhouse staff, fostering a positive and efficient work environment.
• Crop Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive crop plans, considering factors such as planting schedules, variety selection, and space utilization.
• Irrigation and Nutrition Management: Monitor and optimize irrigation systems, ensuring proper water and nutrient delivery to plants at each growth stage.
• Pest and Disease Control: Implement integrated pest management strategies to prevent and control pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.
• Quality Control: Maintain high-quality standards throughout the propagation process, ensuring consistent plant health and exceptional fruit production.
• Priva Software Utilization: Proficiently utilize Priva climate and labor management software to monitor and control greenhouse climate conditions, labor activities, and data analysis, contributing to the optimization of plant growth and operational efficiency.
• Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data related to plant growth, yield and environmental conditions, and Priva software metrics, using this information to fine-tune cultivation techniques. Establish a regular cadence and send reports to the Head of Growing Operations.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, promoting a safe working environment for all staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in greenhouse management, with a focus on strawberry propagation. Previous leadership experience is highly desirable.
• Must have a North Carolina pesticide license.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of greenhouse operations preferably worked and have good knowledge with Priva climate, irrigation and labor tracking system, plant nutrition, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and crop planning. Familiarity with sustainable growing practices is a plus.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to collect and interpret data, make data-driven decisions, and optimize cultivation techniques accordingly.
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team management skills, with 5+ years’ experience, and the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges related to plant health, productivity, and greenhouse operations.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and other stakeholders.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting heavy objects (50 lbs. or more), standing for extended periods, and working in varying temperatures.

Click here to apply now.

Job Title: Team Lead
Department: Greenhouse 
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Reports to: Grower
Job Type: Regular 
Amount of Travel Required: N/A
Positions Supervised: 0 
Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, rotating weekends

Position Summary:

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. Nourse Farms is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Team Lead to support our facility in Mills River, North Carolina greenhouse operations. Working closely with the Growers, the Team Lead will develop responsibility for managing and inspiring the work crew in the greenhouse and field, including problem-solving, doing quality control, and generally ensuring that farm systems are maintained. The ability to delegate and effectively keep track of people, time, tasks and systems is key. This position requires quick hands, positive attitude and strong observation skills. Expect the work to be physically and mentally demanding, with long hours indoors and outdoors in all weather. Most tasks require quality work at a quick pace, often under pressure. This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.

Primary Duties:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily task list management and problem-solving in collaboration with Growers and Head Grower
• Participating in all aspects of greenhouse and field work
• Work alongside the crew modelling quality & efficiency of work which includes ground preparation, seeding, cultivating, planting, weeding, pest control, washing & packing, fertilizing, spraying, thinning, irrigating and harvesting
• Tunnel & greenhouse production (primarily strawberries)
• Ensuring that harvest, post-harvest handling, task protocols, infrastructure and maintenance systems are maintained & improved
• Interpreting harvest and planting plans and keeping accurate records of actual activities
• Engaging in constant observation and oversight of the crew
• Supporting staff and labor contract workers in their responsibilities and ensuring the farm is prepared for the weekend
• Providing training, direction, motivation and oversight for our work crew - delegating tasks and supervising completion
• Facilitating a positive and efficient work environment
• Communicating between staff and farm managers as needed to address for clarity of work tasks

Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma preferred, or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: 2 years greenhouse experience with demonstrated team leadership experience
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams. Ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and other stakeholders.
• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varying temperatures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Click here to apply now.

Job Title: Grower – Mills River, NC
Department: Production 
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Reports to: Head Grower
Job Type: Regular 
Amount of Travel Required: None
Positions Supervised: 10 
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, weekends as required

Position Summary:

Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for their commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock. Nourse Farms is seeking a motivated and dedicated Grower to support the Head Grower in the management and care of small fruit plants at our facility in Mills River, NC. The Grower will play a vital role in maintaining plant health, implementing growing practices, and ensuring the success of our horticultural operations.

Primary Duties:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plant Husbandry: Assist in the planting of crops in our facility’s gutter, and engage in ongoing plant maintenance activities, such as removing flowers, pruning leaves, and adhering to a preventative spray schedule to ensure plant health. 
• Greenhouse Operations: Collaborate with the Head Grower to manage all aspects of greenhouse operations, including monitoring environmental conditions, runner production tasks, irrigation and nutrition management, and integrated pest management strategies. Ensure efficient and timely completion of all greenhouse activities while maintaining optimal growth conditions for plants.
• Inventory Management: Assist in maintaining accurate inventory records of plant varieties,   maintain accurate records of tasks related to grow bags, planting, plant maintenance, tip inventory and other greenhouse-related activities such as scouting, applying pesticides and biological controls.  
• Quality Control & Sanitation: Support quality control efforts to ensure that all plants meet or exceed established quality standards.  Assist in greenhouse clean-out and sanitation before transition to new production.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Head Grower and other team members to execute growing plans, communicate plant care needs, and contribute to the success of the growing operations.
• Standard Operating Procedures and High Standards: Collaborate with Head Grower to develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the facility, ensuring the highest standards of cultivation and production are consistently met.
• Priva Software Utilization and Data Analysis: Proficiently utilize Priva climate and labor management software to monitor and control greenhouse climate conditions, labor activities, and collect data related to plant growth, yield, and environmental conditions. Use this information to fine-tune cultivation techniques, optimize greenhouse operations for efficiency and productivity, and contribute to the optimization of plant growth.
• Equipment and Facility Maintenance: Participate in the maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities as needed to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Training and Development: Engage in continuous learning and training to enhance horticultural knowledge and skills.
• Additional Duties: Collaborate with Head Grower on other tasks and responsibilities related to greenhouse operations, as required. 
• Pesticides License. Must have a North Carolina Pesticide license or acquire one.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field (preferred).
• 2 years' experience in greenhouse operations or agricultural work.
• Must have a North Carolina Pesticide license. 
• Basic knowledge of greenhouse operations, including Priva experience a plus 
• Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Standing for extended periods and working in varying temperatures (hot, cold, wet, indoor and outdoor).
• Physical ability to perform tasks such as climbing ladders, lifting 50 lb., bending, and operating equipment.
• Eagerness to contribute to a dynamic and collaborative team.

Click here to apply now.