Native Plant Field Crew

Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is seeking an individual to join our team as part of the Field Crew for the Native Plants Program. 

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. Our plants and seeds are distributed to local restoration projects, community programs, and backyard gardens. 

The Native Plant Field Crew will work under the direction of the Native Plant Field Crew Leader and Native Plant Manager in all aspects of the Native Plant Program including nursery production, field work, and seed collection. Applicants should be passionate about native plants, eager to learn new skills, and comfortable working outdoors under any weather conditions.  This position is physical, requiring long hours of repetitive tasks and heavy lifting. Applicants will work with a team of ecologically minded individuals, farmers, educators, and professionals. 

The position will be filled on a first come, first served basis.. This is a seasonal hourly position with possible winter hours. The expected work schedule is 7:30-3:30, Tuesday – Saturday with a half hour unpaid lunch.  Potential for part-time or full time work depending on the individual.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of nursery production, field work, seed production, and wild collections
• Perform tasks including, but not limited to: starting seeds, potting-up, planting, transplanting, watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, harvesting, collecting wild seed, tracking inventory, organizing plant orders, invasive species removal etc.
• Learn how to clean seeds by hand and with seed cleaning machines
• Assist with educational programming & volunteer groups
• Assist other departments as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• Interest in ecological restoration, ecological gardening, agroecology, conservation, botany, and native plants
• One season of hands-on horticulture, agriculture, nursery production, ecological restoration, gardening, land stewardship or educational equivalent required
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Practices respectful communication to all staff and patrons; open to receiving feedback
• Able to comfortably lift 40lbs
• Background Check required

Westchester County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.