Native Plant Crew Leader
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $23-$25 / hr
Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is seeking an individual to join our team as our Native Plant Crew Leader.
Who We Are Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is dedicated to the practices of sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, community education, and the creation of access to healthy food systems. Hilltop is a 60-acre working farm and educational center operated by Westchester County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation that uses organic practices to grow produce, flowers, native seeds, and plants for an on-site farm stand. The farm offers educational programming throughout the year and the property is open to the public, free of charge, year round.
Job Description
The Native Plant Program focuses on strengthening and expanding local biodiversity by increasing the number of ecotype plants available to the community. Our native plant nursery specializes in seed-propagated, local ecotype species, consciously sourced from ecoregion 59 - the northeastern coastal zone. Starting with quality seed grown here at the farm, we produce healthy seedlings that foster biodiversity and genetic diversity. Our plants and seeds are distributed to local restoration projects, community programs, and retail from our on-site Farm Stand.
The Native Plant Crew Leader will work directly with the Native Plant Program Manager to lead and supervise the Native Plant Field Crew team and ensure the team is operating efficiently. Applicants should have excellent leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and people management skills. Applicants should be comfortable supervising, offering feedback, taking instructions, and navigating conflict compassionately.
The applicant will work alongside the Native Plant team in all aspects of the Native Plant Program including nursery production, field work, seed harvest, seed cleaning, and more. Applicants should be comfortable leading a team, passionate about native plants, organized, eager to learn new skills, and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Other duties will include working with livestock, volunteers, and supporting other parts of the organization.
The position will be filled on a first come, first served basis. This is an hourly full-time (37.5 hrs / week typically) year-round position. The expected work schedule is 7:30-3:30, Tuesday - Saturday with a half hour unpaid lunch. Option for full or part-time work from December – March.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Become proficient in our production practices (nursery production, field work, seed production, seed harvest, seed cleaning, propagation, potting up, planting, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, recordkeeping, etc) in order to direct and work alongside staff, volunteers, and interns.
- Identify conflicts and issues, and work with management to solve problems and help create a continuously improving work environment.
- Other tasks such as string trimming, mowing, animal chores, etc.
- Assist other departments as required.
Qualifications/Requirements
- One full season hands-on working in horticulture, agriculture, nursery production, ecological restoration, gardening, land stewardship or educational equivalent. Prior leadership experience is preferred.
- Knowledge of organic practices, soil health, pest and diseases.
- Detail-oriented, flexible, organized, strong communication skills, and ability to lead.
- Comfortably able to lift 40lbs.
- Background check required.
- Driver’s License required for operating farm vehicles.
Additional Information
Compensation and Benefits
- Pay range is $23 - $25/ hour dependent on experience
- Access to free farm produce during the growing season
- Access to educational & professional development opportunities
- Option to participate in NY State Retirement System Comment and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan through Empower
- Accrued Sick Leave (1 hour accrued per 30 hrs worked)
To Apply Send an email to farmdirector@hilltophanoverfarm.org with a brief letter of interest in the email body, resume, and two references, including ‘Native Plant Crew Leader’ in the subject line.
Westchester County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Join our team!
Contact Information
Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center / Westchester County Parks
Contact Name: Adam Choper
Email: farmdirector@hilltophanoverfarm.org