Open until position is filled

Start Date: end of July

POSITION OBJECTIVES Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF) is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to oversee all aspects of TPF’s growing operations. Nursery production plays a vital role in TPF’s mission and business model. We are looking for someone who can manage both nursery staff and plant production in an efficient, safe, and highly productive manner. The Production Manager is directly involved in all aspects of daily operations including production, propagation, irrigation, and weed and pest management in order to provide the sales yard with an ongoing selection of high quality and diverse plants throughout the year. This position is full time and reports to the Director of Horticulture. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Supervise three person production crew, interns, and volunteers • Develop, coordinate, and participate directly in propagation and production • Manage weed, pests, and diseases in nursery production areas • Manage the use, maintenance and installation of irrigation systems in production areas • Maintain records of plant production, plant moves, and pesticide applications • Coordinate with Nursery Sales Manager to keep the sales yard well stocked throughout the year • Update supervisor on production on a regular basis • Purchase all relevant materials for tasks related to plant production • Inspect and evaluate crops on a regular basis for quality, readiness, and any crop issues that may arise • Maintain nursery production equipment, tool, and structures in good working order • Teach various subjects regarding plant propagation and care • Other duties as assigned 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

Required 

• Experience in a small to medium scale production nursery • Identification of CA native plants, knowledge of their botanical names, and their care and needs especially during the various stages of production • Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, staff, and customers • Spanish language fluency • Weed and pest identification and management • Ability to keep and maintain records • Attention to detail, ability to multi task and stay organized • Computer literacy • Ability to walk, bend, lift, carry and push up to 50 lbs. of material on uneven terrain in strenuous conditions and ability to stand for long periods of time • Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to do repetitive motions/actions on a regular basis • Visual acuity sufficient to gauge plant health, insects, disease, as well as read labels, written instruction, and documentation • Ability to tolerate working outside during cold, wet conditions in winter as well during hot summer conditions • Valid CA Driver’s license 

Preferred:

• Pesticide Applicator License • Experience with heavy machinery/equipment (tractor, trailer) • Experience as an educator • Experience in seed collection 

BENEFITS 

• Medical and dental insurance • Retirement plan eligibility after six months • Sick, holiday, and vacation time • Staff discount Schedule: Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays 

Pay Rate: $19.50/hour 

TO APPLY:

 Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@theodorepayne.org with the subject heading of Production Manager 

THEODORE PAYNE FOUNDATION:

The Theodore Payne Foundation is a non-profit nursery and educational organization whose mission is to promote the understanding and use of California native plants. The Foundation has approximately 3,300 members and an outreach to nearly 13,000 via its e-newsletter; it has a paid staff of 16 and a corps of 250 volunteers. The Foundation owns and operates a 22-acre educational facility and nursery in Sun Valley in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, CA, and has an operating budget of over $1 million. Major activities include operating a public nursery/seed room and bookstore, plant propagation, adult education and K-12 nature education classes, demonstration gardens, an annual native plant garden tour with 2,000 attendees at 40 gardens, fall and spring plant sales, as well as donor, member, and volunteer appreciation events. Outreach activities include a quarterly newsletter, web site, e-newsletter, social media, and offsite sales. For more information, visit theodorepayne.org The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all TPF activities are conducted without discrimination based on race, color, genetics, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. TPF is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.