OXBOW’S MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 12 acres of certified organic mixed vegetable crops, herbs, and flowers using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation agriculture practices. We grow food for local grocery stores, restaurants, hunger relief, a CSA program, and an on-site seasonal Farm Stand.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that uses sustainable growing methods to produce plants for habitat restoration projects and urban landscapes. We share our knowledge to encourage increased production and use of natives in the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.

Connect children to nature. We offer education programs for children pre-K through high school to build environmental literacy and provide students with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Restore and sustain habitat. We carry out ecological restoration projects and partner with scientists, regional planners, and other environmental organizations to learn how humans can benefit from the land while protecting biodiversity.

Cultivate community. We offer people of all ages opportunities to put their values into action as we promote climate resilience and encourage healthy food systems. We foster community through volunteer opportunities, Membership, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, workshops & tours, and special events.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Oxbow’s Native Plant Nursery works to support conservation and restoration of our region’s native flora. To this end, we produce about 75,000 high quality, locally adapted and genetically diverse plants each season for use in restoration, landscaping and retail nursery sales.

The seasonal production assistant will report to the Native Plant Nursery Assistant Manager and work with the year-round nursery staff in all aspects of plant production during the 2020 growing season. The position requires someone able to take on responsibility, work efficiently with attention to detail. Additionally, we are looking for individuals with a background and interest in botany, horticulture, nursery science and/or environmental stewardship, and an enthusiasm for native plants and their production.

Seasonal production assistant’s schedule is primarily M-F, 8:00-4:00, with occasional weekend work required. This position is scheduled to begin in May of 2021 and end in November 2021.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform duties around crop production, including: sowing, thinning, transplanting, pruning, re-organizing nursery stock, weeding, irrigation, and inventory monitoring.
• Assist in putting together plant orders, loading delivery vehicles
• Maintaining organization and cleanliness of the nursery and equipment
• Participate in site preparation, maintenance and native planting activities on site

General

• Work cross-functionally with program teams to ensure efficient and effective communication and operations
• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about Oxbow’s mission and programs
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the Native Plant Nursery Manager 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for native plants of the Pacific Northwest region and their associated habitats    
• Work experience/background in botany, environmental science, horticulture, or related field
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment related to nursery production, landscaping, or restoration activities, and a strong desire to learn more
• Consistent attention to detail
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Ability to work: standing, sitting, bending over or kneeling; to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 50 lbs.; perform physical work such as digging or planting; and in inclement weather
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Positive leadership skills
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure

Additional desired qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

The Oxbow Native Plant Nursery is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff members bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

This is a seasonal, full-time position, paying $15-$16  per hour, with some paid time-off and access to food from the fields.

REPORTS TO: Native Plant Nursery Manager