Nursery Manager (Plant Health & Production)

Nursery Manager (Plant Health & Production) Bonsai Northwest Puyallup, WA Job Details Part-time $25 - $32 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Employee discount Professional development assistance Flexible schedule Qualifications Project team coordination Teamwork Maintaining an organized workspace Plant disease management Outdoor work 5 years Plant propagation Team development Team management Attention to detail Decision making Staff training Mentoring Plant pest control Quality standards in production Training & development Senior level Leadership Full Job Description About Bonsai Northwest Bonsai Northwest is a specialty bonsai nursery serving the Pacific Northwest. We develop high-quality bonsai material, offer curated tools and pottery, and build a strong local community through workshops, education, and hands-on learning. We are a small, growing nursery with an established team and are looking for an experienced plant-focused professional to take ownership of plant health and production. Position Overview We are hiring a Nursery Manager to lead plant health, care standards, and production across the nursery. This is a part-time leadership role, ideal for an experienced nursery or plant professional who wants meaningful responsibility without a full-time commitment. You will be responsible for setting standards, directing plant care, and ensuring overall plant quality, while working with a team that supports execution. There is a clear path to a full-time role as the business grows. Key ResponsibilitiesPlant Health & Care Oversee watering systems, schedules, and consistency Monitor plant health and address issues proactively Manage pest and disease control Ensure overall quality and readiness of nursery stock Production & Development Guide propagation efforts and plant development Help shape the pipeline of future bonsai material Coordinate with bonsai professionals on development work Team Leadership (Plant Side) Direct and guide staff on plant care tasks Train team members on proper techniques and standards Ensure consistency and accountability in daily execution Nursery Organization & Standards Maintain organization and efficiency in plant areas Improve workflows related to plant care and production Identify and implement better systems for plant management Hands-On Role (Important) This is a hands-on leadership position. While you will set direction and standards, you will also: Participate in plant care and nursery work as needed Work alongside the team during critical tasks Step in to ensure quality and consistency This role is best suited for someone who enjoys being actively involved, not just overseeing from a distance. Team & Work Environment Bonsai Northwest operates with a small, collaborative team: General Manager (hiring): business operations, retail, and systems

Bonsai Professional:

styling, customer tree care, and collection management

Support Staff:

assist with plant care, groundskeeping, and general nursery work This role owns the plant side of the business and works closely with the team to ensure consistent execution and quality. QualificationsRequired 5+ years of hands-on experience in a nursery, garden center, or plant-focused role, or equivalent experience demonstrating strong plant care judgment and independence Strong understanding of plant care, watering systems, and health management Ability to identify and address plant health issues proactively Experience working hands-on with plants in a production, nursery, or horticultural setting Comfortable taking ownership of plant health decisions and setting standards for others Core Traits High attention to detail and consistency Strong sense of ownership over plant quality Comfortable directing others and setting expectations Reliable and proactive problem-solver Able to work independently and make sound day-to-day decisions Preferred Experience with bonsai or woody plant material Experience with propagation and plant development Prior experience leading, training, or mentoring others

Compensation & Growth Hourly Pay:

$25 - $32/hour depending on experience

Schedule:

20-30 hours/week

Growth Path:

Opportunity to expand into a full-time role as the business grows What Success Looks Like (First 2-3 Months) Consistent, reliable watering and plant care systems in place Improved plant health and overall nursery quality Clear standards established and followed by the team Strong coordination with staff supporting plant work How to Apply Please submit your resume along with a brief note describing: Your experience working in a nursery or plant-focused role Your approach to managing plant health and watering consistency Any experience leading or training others

Pay:

$25.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Professional development assistance Application Question(s): Do you have at least 5 years of hands-on experience working in a nursery, garden center, or plant-focused role? Are you comfortable working in a hands-on role that includes physical plant care, watering, and working outdoors in all weather conditions? Describe your experience managing plant health or overseeing plant care. What were you responsible for? Tell us about a time you identified and addressed a plant health issue. What was the problem and how did you handle it? This is a part-time leadership role (20-30 hours/week) with potential to grow into full-time. Does this schedule align with what you're looking for?

Work Location:

In person