The Strong Foundation of Nourse Farms

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: 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: Laboratory Technician
Department: Lab                                  
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                      
Reports to: Commercial Laboratory Manager
Job Type: Regular                                  
Amount of Travel Required: N/A
Positions Supervised: 0                         
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, weekends as needed

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 Laboratory Technician to support Nourse Farms Lab operations. This role is responsible for receiving, testing, analyzing, recording and reporting results of their tests.

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:

•  Perform general lab duties including media prep, autoclaving and washing of glassware;
• Efficiently manipulate plants using delicate hand tools and aseptic technique (sterile conditions); 
• Initiation and transfer of plant cultures
• Successful processing of initial meristems
• Involved in weekly lab cleaning chores
• Participate in company virus and disease indexing protocol
• Communicate and coordinate with related greenhouse and field staff
• Receiving, labeling, and safely storing samples to be tested
• Determining and performing tests needed for the analysis and report
• Recording tests and analyses, and then reporting the results
• Discussing and answering any questions regarding the results
• Organizing and storing samples in accordance with all safety and other requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and integrity of the sample
• Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment, including recalibration of equipment
• Maintaining equipment records and daily work logs
• Staying current on technical and scientific advances in their field
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED. Degree, advanced training, or courses in biological sciences
• Experience: 2+ years of related working experience, preferred
• High attention to detail and the ability to recognize and observe small deviations
• Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills (hands)
• Willingness to learn new skills and be part of a team
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and other stakeholders.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges
• Understanding of electronic and computerized equipment in laboratories
• Able to follow instructions and strictly follow procedures
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand and sit for extended periods, and work in varying temperatures. 

Click here to apply now.

Job Title: Tissue Culture—Greenhouse Technician
Job Status: Full Time   
Department: Laboratory                      
Reports to: Lab Director                        
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                      
Amount of Travel Required: N/A            
Job Type: Regular          
Work Schedule: Monday—Friday, weekends as needed
Positions Supervised: 0

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 Greenhouse Technician to support Nourse Farms Lab operations. This role is responsible for the care and maintenance of stock house and quarantine plants as well as scouting support for the production greenhouse. The person will also perform data collection, sample collections, analyze information and recording and reporting results of their tests.

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:

• Responsible for propagation, pruning, and maintenance of all mother stock and quarantine plants
• Maintain detailed records of inventory and plant growth of mother stock and quarantine plants
• Introduction and propagation of new varieties into stock house
• Applying pesticides and fertilizers, and monitoring pests and diseases
• Ensure proper irrigation, fertilization of plants
• Maintenance of stock house structure and equipment
• Coordinate with lab manager for tip initiations
• Maintain a clean and organized stock house and quarantine area 
• Communicate and coordinate with related greenhouse and field staff
• Maintain supply and chemical inventory and records
• Virus Testing
• Responsible for all external virus testing and detailed record-keeping
• Coordinate with lab manager for ordering supplies and chemicals
• Organize and execute all 3rd party testing shipments and maintain detailed records for:
• State certification
• Quarantine 
• Nourse Farms nursery fields or greenhouse testing
• Responsible for propagation, maintenance and pruning of virus positive controls
• Responsible for maintaining USDA APHIS 526 permits, records, and plants
• Cyclamen mite sampling and evaluation
• Scout for cyclamen mite in all Nourse Farms greenhouses
• Evaluate scouting samples submitted by Nourse Farms North Carolina
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED. Degree, advanced training, or courses in agronomy, horticultural sciences, biological sciences
• Experience: 2+ years of related working experience, preferred
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and colleagues.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• High attention to detail and the ability to recognize and observe small deviations. 
• Willingness to learn new skills and be part of a team.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varying temperatures.

Click here to apply now.

Job Title: Maintenance Technician
Department: Maintenance                    
Job Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                      
Reports to: Maintenance Manager
Job Type: Regular                                  
Amount of Travel Required: None
Positions Supervised: 0                         
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, rotating weekends

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 diligent and hands-on Maintenance Technician to join our dynamic team. As a Maintenance Technician, you'll work closely with the Maintenance Manager to ensure that our facilities and equipment are in optimal condition, furthering our mission of providing high-quality small fruit plants. 

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:

• Routine Maintenance: Execute daily checks and carry out routine maintenance tasks on machinery, equipment, and facilities.
• Respond to Breakdowns: Quickly respond to and diagnose faults and breakdowns, taking corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Follow Maintenance Schedules: Adhere to preventive maintenance schedules set by the Maintenance Manager to proactively maintain all equipment.
• Document Work: Maintain detailed records of all maintenance work performed, including parts used and time spent.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure all work is done in compliance with company safety policies and relevant regulations. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Tool Maintenance: Maintain, clean, and store tools and equipment in an orderly and safe manner.
• Support Larger Projects: Assist in bigger maintenance projects as directed by the Maintenance Manager.
• Provide Feedback: Regularly provide feedback on potential improvements or concerns regarding equipment and facilities.
• Continuous Learning: Keep up to date with the latest maintenance techniques and best practices, attending workshops or training courses as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent; technical certification is a plus.
• 2+ years of experience in a maintenance role, preferably in agricultural or plant production environments.
• Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Ability to work with a variety of hand and power tools safely.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Must be willing to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in a team environment.
• Strong customer service orientation
• 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.