Propagation Leader

Job Description

The Propagation Leader will be responsible to supervise, support and participate in the daily operation of the propagation team.   Best practices need to be developed and adhered to, so as to ensure the greatest possible levels of useable plant material.   A creative and proactive approach to cutting production is critical to maintain high standards of healthy starter material.   As a liaison to the potting group, a high level of communication and support is necessary. Conflict resolution and detailed follow through are important aspects of the job.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily oversight of cutting and divisions propagation, including making cuttings, sticking and culling
• Coordinate and execute plan with plant purchaser and production manager
• Identify difficult varieties and develop methods to maximize productivity using creativity and attention
• Best watering practices need to be developed, trained,   monitored and corrected on an ongoing basis
• Tracking production losses and specific reasons to identify problems and address them
• Maintain inventory accuracy, track transfers and record dump accurately and timely
• Assist the IPM team by identifying issues and adhering to proper sanitation practices
• Manage the environment in conjunction with our irrigation manager

Qualifications for the position

• Acute attention to detail and consistent follow through is necessary
• Willingness to learn from your team and apply creative solutions to problems
• Able to communicate with a positive and supportive approach yet convey high standards of excellence
• Develop high standards and mentor   the team to those standards
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) preferred
• Exemplary organizational and multitasking skills
• Experience in propagation is essential

Compensation Commensurate with Experience

Director of Operations

Focus: Leadership, support, and preparedness are critical for this very central position for Blooming Nursery. Staying ahead of needs and direction for the Production department in particular, and ensuring and improving the effective and efficient operation of the nursery& rsquo s daily activities. Sharp observation and consideration of procedures to identify opportunities to improve production and cultural practices is required. Key to success will be a solid understanding of producing best quality crops with long shelf lives through cold and slow growth as appropriate, depending on the specific needs of varieties.

Notable Activities:

• Daily involvement in labor allocation with Luciano (production manager) and division leads
• Involvement with Environmental Controls
• Availability through walk-throughs of a part of the nursery on a rotating schedule 1 day/week monitor production notes, meet with production/inventory team to discuss and review
• Collaborate with Crop Health Manager on health issues in crops, staying aware of treatments & control measures, fertilizers
• Heavy involvement in production improvements:
  • Better cultural practices and efficiencies, focusing on varieties with high losses
  • Work with Crop Health Manager on irrigation system, watering techniques and training
  • Aeration of water sources
  • Assist in developing classifications by type for production grouping by irrigation and other cultural needs
• Involvement with pricing of products understanding and presenting production costs at a minimum
• Purchasing of pots, managing plastics inventory with Soils department
• Pumpkin plan
• Assisting / overseeing label order

Qualities

Leadership:, Respect, empathy, optimism & mdash ability to shift priorities, think dynamically and to inspire

• Awareness of the industry, market trends, what people want, what makes a good garden plant in our market area
• Motivation and alignment with our 92% mentality we produce the best. We have high standards, and need lead persons to project that expectation
• Belief in the project, desire to learn better ways
• Bi-lingual
• Work style that attacks the most important and challenging task first without avoidance
• Fair and evenhanded, even when it& rsquo s uncomfortable
• Tendency to do the right thing, even when it& rsquo s not what& rsquo s expedient or even most profitable

Work Style

• Maintain an accessible and open presence
• Function as a consultant and training resource for production employees
• Embrace challenges and change
• Excellent time management skills
• Positive, respectful attitude