Assistant Propagation Manager

Medford Nursery Inc; Medford Township (NJ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Medford Nursery Inc. in New Jersey is seeking a Propagation & Production team member to assist daily cutting, preparation, and sticking operations.

You will learn and apply proper propagation techniques, scout stock plants, monitor quality, and coordinate crew tasks under the Propagation Manager’s guidance. The role emphasizes learning, teamwork, and a path toward greater responsibility within Propagation and Production.

Qualifications

• Experience or education in horticulture, nursery production, landscaping, agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to learn technical production processes and apply them consistently.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Leadership, supervisory, or team-leading experience preferred.
• Basic Spanish proficiency preferred or willingness to develop a working proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily management of cutting, preparation, and sticking operations according to production schedules and specs.
• Learn propagation techniques and select, prepare, and stick quality plant material.
• Monitor production quality, productivity, and progress toward departmental goals.
• Assist with rooting solution preparation and monitoring; restock supplies as needed.
• Maintain liner and propagation area organization, labeling, and reporting.
• Coordinate cutting crew transportation and daily work assignments.
• Support Propagation Manager to meet weekly and seasonal production objectives.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Leadership experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Spanish proficiency

Education

Horticulture / related field

Job description

Description

Propagation & Production

• Assist with the daily management of cutting, preparation, and sticking operations according to production schedules and established specifications.
• Learn and ensure proper propagation techniques, including selecting, preparing, and sticking quality plant material.
• Scout stock plants and cutting locations for appropriate propagation material.
• Monitor production quality, productivity, and progress toward departmental goals.
• Assist with preparation and monitoring of rooting solutions.
• Monitor and restock inventory of rooting hormone, sanitation solutions, PPE, and other essential propagation supplies.
• Learn proper pruning techniques and strategies to support quality liner production.
• Monitor rooting progress and root health on freshly stuck cuttings and update tracking reports with accurate information.
• Help coordinate cutting crew transportation and daily work assignments.
• Work closely with the Propagation Manager to meet weekly and seasonal production objectives.

Crop & Liner Management

• Update liner inventory with accurate crop descriptions and other relevant plant and production information within Traverse.
• Check soil moisture and misting requirements.
• Monitor plants for signs of disease, insects, damage, or other concerns and communicate issues promptly.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate cultural conditions, including shade, ventilation, heating, and moisture.
• Monitor proper operation of misting and sprinkler systems and communicate maintenance needs.
• Gain an understanding of fertilizer programs for young plant liners and learn to operate and monitor the fertilizer injection system.
• Become familiar with the operation of greenhouse heaters and temperature-monitoring technology and assist with close monitoring both, particularly during the winter months.
• Maintain accurate plant identification, labeling, and signage.
• Maintain clean, organized, and productive propagation areas.
• Coordinate with the Containering Manager and supervisors regarding liner readiness for potting, as well as the transportation and containering of liners.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Assist with training employees on proper propagation procedures and work responsibilities.
• Provide day-to-day direction and support to propagation employees as assigned.
• Monitor work quality, productivity, and adherence to company procedures.
• Promote a safe, productive, and positive work environment.
• Develop or maintain a working proficiency in Spanish to support effective communication with propagation employees and the ability to communicate technical concepts and production expectations.
• Develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to assume greater responsibility within the Propagation department.

Production Planning & Department Support

• Assist with production planning, scheduling, and tracking as directed by the Propagation Manager.
• Prepare production reports and maintain accurate records.
• Participate in weekly Production Meetings and communicate relevant propagation updates, goals, and challenges.
• Work with the Maintenance Department to address equipment or mechanical issues.
• Assist the Propagation Manager with projects, research, crop planning, and process improvements.
• As training and experience develop, take on additional responsibilities within Propagation and other areas of Production as determined by management.

Continuous Improvement

• Learn and stay current on propagation methods, crop production practices, and industry developments.
• Assist in researching new techniques, varieties, and processes that may improve plant quality, efficiency, or production.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity, and overall department performance.

Management Support

• Serve as a key support to the Propagation Manager in the day-to-day operation of the department.
• Develop the knowledge and experience necessary to provide management coverage when needed.
• Work collaboratively with other Production Managers and departments to support overall nursery operations.
• Assist other departments and managers as needed.

Requirements

• Experience or education in horticulture, nursery production, landscaping, agriculture, or a related field preferred.
• A strong interest in plant production and propagation.
• Leadership, supervisory, or team-leading experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to learn technical production processes and apply them consistently.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, seasonal nursery environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to take initiative.
• Ability to work hands-on alongside the production team.
• Basic Spanish proficiency preferred. Candidates without Spanish proficiency should be willing to develop a working proficiency to support effective communication with propagation employees.
• A willingness to learn, develop, and take on increasing responsibility.