I. About Bona Terra
A. Mission statement: We grow native plants with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region.
B. Vision statement: Providing people and businesses the resources to preserve our at-risk habitats, to restore ecosystems, and to rethink environmental action on micro and macro levels.
C. We are native plant microbusiness located in Indian Head, MD consisting one full-time nursery operator, one part-time office manager, and one part-time designer. We grow native plants with wild genetics with a focus on local ecotypes. Our nursery focuses on best environmental practices using organic and compost-based fertilizers and without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or growth hormones all in recycled pots.
D. Bona Terra is a Safe Space for marginalized communities to be free of discrimination, criticism, harassment or any other emotional or physical harm. Applicants who cannot comply need not apply
II. This is an entry-level position currently available for the months of July and August with the possibility of an extension into fall (yet to be determined)
A. Applicants should have an enthusiasm for plants and demonstrable desire to help the environment
B. No nursery-specific knowledge required
C. Applicants with experience with manual labor in past summers are preferred
D. Applicants must like cats
E. Applicants must be able to be in a squat or bent-over position for 5 or more hours and be able to pick up 25-45 lbs repeatedly throughout the day
F. Applicants must be able to perform their duties in all weather conditions, most importantly hot, humid summer weather with occasional summer storms
G. Pay range (contractor) is $17.25-$20.70 per hour with a maximum of 40 hours per week
H. Work hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm with 30 minute lunch break
III. Job responsibilities
A. Potting up plants
B. Weeding
C. Cleaning the nursery
1. Sweeping
2. Organizing pots
3. Composting
4. Organizing inventory
5. Other clean-up tasks
D. Monitoring the irrigation system and learning how to make minor repairs or adjustments
E. One week of farm sitting (on-site housing available, but not required, during week of farm sitting)
1. Farm sitting will be from Saturday, July 26th to Sunday, August 3rd
2. Farm sitting includes:
a. Nursery sitting
b. Cat sitting
F. Tracking and submitting hours on time and accurately
IV. A typical nursery workday looks like:
A. The day starts with weeding and nursery clean-up tasks while the temperatures are cool
B. Move on to potting plants in shade as temperatures rise
V. During the week of farm-sitting, a typical day looks like:
A. The day starts with weeding and nursery clean-up tasks while the temperatures are cool
B. Move on to potting plants in shade as temperatures rise
C. Keep an eye on the farm:
1. Make sure deer are not eating plants
2. Make sure irrigation system is functioning properly
3. Bring in packages and check mail
4. Otherwise provide a human presence at the farm