Organization Overview
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal shoreline on Nantucket Island, MA, conserves the island’s rare and significant natural resources, and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and species. NCF shares its environmental expertise with the wider community and provides educational and recreational opportunities to encourage respectful enjoyment and appreciation of its properties. For more information on NCF, its mission, and current projects, please see the Foundation’s website .
Position Summary
The Cranberry Bog Foreman & Plant Propagation Assistant is responsible for day-to-day operations of maintaining, growing, harvesting, and selling cranberries under the guidance of the Director of Land Management. They utilize best management practices found in the UMass Cranberry Chartbook and from resources at the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. They maintain information flow on all agricultural related activities to the Director of Land Management.
NCF’s plant propagation program produces native plants for use on restoration projects, education, and sale to the community. The Plant Propagation Assistant supports the Plant Propagation Manager by participating in propagation and care of plants in NCF’s greenhouses and seed increase plots according to the standards of the Plant Research Ecologist. They may be asked to participate in all steps of growing, from seed collection and propagation in the greenhouse to transplanting in the field. The plant propagation assistant will work under the guidance of the Plant Propagation Manager, only when determined appropriate by the Director of Land Management.
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Helps develop and execute a sustainable farm plan for the operation.
2. Oversees and undertakes all aspects of cranberry farm operations according to the farm plan including but not limited to; irrigating, fertilizing, pest management, pruning, ditch maintenance, harvest, etc.
3. Ensures that NCF equipment, pumps, and electrical needs are maintained and managed safely.
4. Ensures the irrigation system is fully operational for irrigation, frost protection and fertilization.
5. Performs tissue and soil tests and coordinates the information with NCF’s consultants.
6. Oversees Cranberry Bog Seasonal Assistant and assigns daily tasks.
7. Assists with customer relations, marketing, sales, and distribution of the crop.
8. Holds and maintains the appropriate license/certification for use and purchase of restricted materials.
9. Assists Land Maintenance Manager and performs maintenance tasks when needed. Maintenance tasks include but are not limited to: field mowing, brush cutting, lawn care, bush trimming, trash and debris removal, logo post installation, fencing installation, sign posting, trail cutting, road repair, tree removal, wood chipping, minor building repairs and minor equipment and vehicle repairs).
10. Provides input to the Land Maintenance Manager and Director of Land Management for the development of annual Property Management Plans.
11. Supports Plant Propagation Manager in NCF’s seed storage room, greenhouses, and seed increase plots under the guidance of the Plant Research Ecologist and Plant Propagation Manager. These responsibilities include but are not limited to general maintenance of structures and utilities, greenhouse organization, installation of weed barriers, set up and maintenance of fencing, irrigation setup and maintenance, propagating, transplanting, etc.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: This is a fieldwork intensive position year-round. Applicants must be able to tolerate adverse field conditions, inclement weather and variable terrain, poison ivy, and biting insects (mosquitoes, deer ticks). Nantucket is an area with a high incidence of tick-borne disease so precautions to minimize risk are encouraged. The work involves landscape maintenance tasks, hiking, standing, bending, kneeling, and hauling equipment and supplies on a routine basis.
Dates/Hours: This is a full-time, year-round position beginning in early-mid April 2025; exact dates are somewhat flexible. Hours are 40 hours a week Monday through Friday, with daily hours 8am – 4pm. There may be times when hours vary depending on particular projects or responsibilities: early-morning and late-night fieldwork may be required depending upon ongoing projects, weather, season, etc. Weekend work will be required for certain non-profit events.
Requirements
Required Qualifications: Associate’s or bachelor’s level degree in agriculture, sustainable farming, horticulture, OR equivalent longer-term work experience on farms, preferably cranberry bogs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for reporting and record keeping. Ability to work well independently and as a team member managing seasonal staff. A valid driver’s license is required, and the candidate must be comfortable at operating tractors and equipment on a day-to-day basis. Candidate will also be expected to obtain a pesticide applicators license in the appropriate private certification subcategory.
Desired Qualifications: Prior experience working on cranberry bogs is preferred. Experience using chemigation equipment and large-scale irrigation equipment. Mechanical ability to fix or repair equipment large and small. Hoisting and forklift operating license is not required but encouraged.
TO APPLY:
Applications accepted ONLY through our hiring website:
Click APPLY to job and fill out the form. Upload your Application Packet using the Upload Resume Link
Application Packet: consists of ONE PDF DOCUMENT INCLUDING: Cover letter, resume, contact information for 3 professional references, and an unofficial copy of your college transcripts.
For questions about this position, please contact the Director of Land Management at nlarrabee@nantucketconservation.org . Applications are not accepted at this email address.
Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience and ranges from $55,000-$65,000 based on prior experience and qualifications. Housing is provided in shared, employee house -wage is negotiable if housing is not needed. Work-related transportation is provided during working hours. Eligible to participate in the Foundation's full-time employee benefit plans and programs (subject to required waiting periods) including group health insurance, group life and accidental death insurance, disability insurance, dental insurance, 401K Plan, paid employee vacation and sick time, and paid holidays
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