Propagator Job Description
Full time position
Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy
1818 Hastings Avenue, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Do you enjoy working with plants — or want to learn? We’re looking for a reliable, hands-on team member to join our nursery in Port Townsend. This role is a great fit for someone who likes working outdoors (and in greenhouses), pays attention to detail, and is either already experienced in plant propagation or is excited to learn from experienced mentors and grow into a lead propagator role. You don’t need to be an expert, although that is preferred — just interested, willing to learn, and ready to show up and do good work.

Overview

The primary focus is propagation by cutting, seed, and division of plants that are in the extensive collection here at Far Reaches. This is an extraordinarily complex and interesting collection and the ideal candidate will be passionately interested in plants with an eagerness to continue learning.

Propagation has two main areas: to produce plants for sale and secondly, to produce replications of our rarest and most difficult species to ensure conservation through limited distribution to botanic gardens and research applications.

About Far Reaches

Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to introducing and distributing plants unavailable in North America from both wild and cultivated sources with Our current collection including thousands of plant taxa. We collaborate with our on-site sister organization Far Reaches Farm, a rare plant specialty nursery in Port Townsend, Washington where all our material is propagated and then sold and distributed through the Farm’s mail order operations as well as select local sales. Our location in Port Townsend, an arts community with a rich cultural heritage and a year-round temperate climate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Propagation

• Propagate new and existing material through a variety of methods including seed, cutting, and division while maintaining proper techniques and record keeping.

• Learn the best techniques and timing for different types of plants (conifers, broadleaf evergreen, deciduous, herbaceous, alpine, bulbous) with consideration for differing habitat requirements (desert, tropical, alpine, bog) is essential.

• Oversee transition from propagation to sale through continued plant monitoring and upkeep.

Nursery Maintenance

• Monitor irrigation, nutritional, and health needs of cuttings, seedlings and plants in assigned greenhouses.

• Monitor relevant supplies and reorder in a timely manner.

• Maintain the appearance of plants in greenhouses to reasonable high standards.

Volunteer Oversight

• Train and direct volunteers doing propagation and potting.

• Have projects ready for them before they arrive.

Education and Experience

Some education and experience in the growing and propagation of a variety of ornamental plants is desirable. We recognize the diverse paths that can lead to such qualification in our industry and we are open to working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds both formal and informal with an enthusiasm and skillset relevant to the work of the organization.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to plants@farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org.
Please include two professional references.

Compensation

Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy offers hourly salary plus benefits including paid vacation and holidays. Starting salary will be commensurate with experience: $24-$28 / hour DOE

Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply. Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.