Cranberry Bog Foreman & Plant Propagation Assistant

Organization Overview

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal shoreline on Nantucket Island, MA. Through this work, NCF conserves the island's rare and significant natural resources and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket's unique ecosystems and species. The Foundation shares its environmental expertise with the wider community and provides educational and recreational opportunities to encourage respectful enjoyment and appreciation of its properties.

For more information on NCF, its mission, and current projects, please see the Foundation’s website www.nantucketconservation.org.

Position Summary

The Cranberry Bog Foreman & Plant Propagation Assistant oversees the operation of Nantucket's only remaining cranberry bog, managing all aspects of production, maintenance, harvest, and sale while supporting NCF's native plant propagation program. Working under the guidance of the Director of Land Management, this position applies best management practices outlined in the UMass Cranberry Chartbook and resources from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association to ensure a productive, sustainable cranberry operation that honors the island's agricultural heritage.

In addition to cranberry operations, this role supports the Plant Propagation Manager with the propagation, care, and maintenance of native plants grown for restoration projects, education, and community sale. This dual responsibility offers varied work across traditional agriculture and ecological restoration. The position requires clear, timely communication regarding all agricultural and propagation-related activities with the Plant Propagation Manager, Plant Research Ecologist, and Director of Land Management.

Primary Responsibilities

Cranberry Operations

1.       Oversee and perform all aspects of cranberry bog operations, including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, pest and weed management, infrastructure maintenance, harvest activities, and seasonal upkeep.

2.       Execute harvest operations, including timely processing, refrigeration, and storage of berries; maintain and service all harvesting and processing equipment.

3.       Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices; conduct soil and tissue testing and coordinate results with NCF's agricultural consultant.

4.       Supervise the Cranberry Bog Seasonal Assistant, assign daily tasks, and provide guidance on safe and effective work practices.

5.       Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of a sustainable Farm Plan for the cranberry operation.

6.       Maintain complete and well-organized records for all operations, including inputs, treatments, harvest data, observations, and crop insurance reporting.

7.       Obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications, including pesticide applicator license for the purchase and application of restricted materials.

8.       Assist with bulk sales outreach, order fulfillment, and distribution of the cranberry crop; communicate equipment, supply, and resource needs.

Plant Propagation Support

1.       Support the Plant Propagation Manager and Plant Research Ecologist with all stages of plant production, including seed collection, propagation, transplanting, and field establishment in NCF's seed storage room, greenhouses, and seed increase plots.

2.       Perform general maintenance of greenhouses, seed storage areas, and associated utilities; support facility organization, weed barrier installation, fencing setup, and irrigation system installation and upkeep.

3.       Communicate propagation-related supply, equipment, and resource needs to the Plant Propagation Manager.

Land Maintenance Support

1.       Assist the Land Maintenance team with general property and facilities maintenance as needed, including field mowing, brush cutting, trail maintenance, fencing and signage installation, tree removal, and minor equipment and vehicle repairs.

2.       Provide input for the development of annual Property Management Plans in collaboration with the Land Maintenance Manager and Director of Land Management.

3.       Maintain equipment and vehicles in clean, safe, and functional condition; identify and report maintenance issues as they arise.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This is a fieldwork-intensive position year-round. The work involves landscape maintenance tasks, lifting, standing, bending, kneeling, and hauling equipment and supplies on a routine basis. Applicants should be prepared to work outdoors in inclement weather, variable terrain, and conditions that include poison ivy and biting insects (mosquitoes, deer ticks). Nantucket is an area with a high incidence of tick-borne disease, so precautions to minimize risk are encouraged.

Dates/Hours

This is a full-time, year-round position beginning in early-mid April 2026; exact start date is flexible. Standard hours are 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8am – 4pm. Due to the agricultural nature of this work, hours will vary based on weather conditions, seasonal demands such as harvest, and ongoing projects. Early-morning and late-evening fieldwork may be required during peak seasons. Weekend work will be required for approximately five major non-profit events throughout the year.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

·       Associate's or bachelor's degree in agriculture, sustainable farming, horticulture, or related field, OR equivalent longer-term work experience on farms

·       Valid driver's license and demonstrated experience operating tractors and equipment

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for reporting and record keeping

·       Ability to work well independently and as a team member

·       Ability to supervise and manage seasonal staff

Desired Qualifications:

·       Prior experience working on cranberry bogs

·       Experience using chemigation equipment and large-scale irrigation equipment

·       Mechanical ability to repair equipment large and small

·       Hoisting and forklift operating license

TO APPLY:

Application deadline is Thursday, March 12, 2026, by 4pm. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so apply early for consideration.

Applications accepted ONLY through our hiring website:  https://apply.workable.com/nantucket-conservation-foundation/

Click APPLY to job and fill out the form. Upload your Application Packet using the Upload Resume Link

Application Packet: consists of ONE PDF DOCUMENT INCLUDING: Cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 professional references.

For questions about this position, please contact the Director of Land Management at nlarrabee@nantucketconservation.org. Applications are not accepted at this email address.

Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and ranges from $60,000-$65,000 based on prior experience and qualifications. Housing is available in a private bedroom within a shared employee house. Work-related transportation is provided during working hours.

This position is eligible to participate in the Foundation's full-time employee benefit plans and programs, subject to required waiting periods, including group health insurance, group life and accidental death insurance, disability insurance, dental insurance, 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays.