Howard EcoWorks (EcoWorks) is a non-profit organization in Columbia, MD whose mission is to empower communities and diverse workforces to respect and restore our natural systems for future generations.  EcoWorks is hiring for the Seeds of Change Nursery Manager.  The Nursery Manager oversees all aspects of the Seeds of Change nursery operation and program located at the Howard County Corrections facility.  The Nursery Manager maintains existing infrastructure, researches and implements new infrastructure projects, grows plants, propagates plants, and maintains an accurate plant inventory.  This work is done, in part, with a labor force consisting of 1) a small work release inmate crew, and 2) volunteers, both cadres of which are coordinated by the Nursery Manager.  The Nursery Manager works with Howard EcoWorks staff to make sure that appropriate plants are available for upcoming landscape installations and maintenance projects. The Nursery Manager develops budget proposals for plant purchases, works and negotiates with vendors,  manages deliveries/pick-ups of the plant purchases, and ensures inventory records are up to date.  The Nursery Manager develops and implements educational curriculum related to horticulture, gardening and sustainable landscapes to be used with the in-mates, volunteers and for other educational and training opportunities.  The Nursery Manager supports development of the Seeds of Change program including cultivation of a jail-to-jobs pipeline.  The Nursery Manager oversees the business aspects of the operation including plant sales and financial tracking and works to ensure that the Seeds of Change nursery is a financially sustainable operation.  Additional hours may be available for the Nursery Manager if s/he possesses landscape design experience or community engagement and education experience.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

  • 1-3 years horticultural, nursery, landscape design or related education and experience.

  • Knowledge, identification skills and experience with both native and invasive plants.

  • Experience with plant seeding and propagation techniques.

  • Self-starter, independent, professional and motivated

  • Experience with Microsoft applications, particularly MS Excel, and other applications and technologies

  • Experience teaching and developing curriculum.

  • Experience leading work crews and volunteers.

  • Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.

  • Ability to lift 40 pounds.

  • Ability to drive the company truck and trailer.

  • Driver’s license and own transportation (mileage reimbursed)

​HOURS AND COMPENSATION:

  • Position is part-time, expected up to ~20 hours / week, including occasional weekend work

  • Wage: $17-21 / hour, based on experience, and ability to help the business grow

BENEFITS:

  • Prorated paid time off

  • Access to prorated health benefits plan

  • Access to the corporate 401(k) plan, with matching based on tenure

  • Consideration for Full-Time position, based on performance and additional skills, such as landscape design and/or community engagement

TO APPLY:  Please forward your cover letter and resume to info@howardecoworks.org