Job Opening: Habitat Restoration Team Member

Apricot Lane Farms is a 234-acre organic & biodynamic-certified farm integrated within a reawakened ecosystem. As part of its commitment to farming regeneratively, Apricot Lane Farms employs a small habitat restoration team to tend the farm’s biodiversity reserves. Under the direction of Farm Management, the team maintains designated habitat areas, which are planted with natives propagated on site in the nursery. Although the work is physically demanding and field conditions vary, you will make a direct ecological impact every day. This position is a unique opportunity to work with native plants to provide habitat for pollinators, beneficial insects and wildlife in an agricultural setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Nursery work: seed collection & propagation of local native plants
• Planting: along field margins & on slopes adjacent to orchards and pastures
• Weeding: all done manually or mechanically (no herbicides). Mustard, Spurge, Castor bean etc.
• Irrigation: installation, monitoring, repair and maintenance
• Pruning: done seasonally to promote plant health
• Mulching: using trucks, pitch forks, and wheelbarrows
• Bird Boxes: cleaned and maintained annually, data collected
• Pond maintenance: manage cattails around pond margins, tend plant life on floating islands (Ability to swim preferred for safety reasons)
• Safely operate hand tools, power equipment, and farm vehicles
• Assist with tool inventory and maintenance.
• Interact harmoniously with colleagues and the public, including volunteers and visitors.
• Occasionally respond to special requests for assistance with other projects on farm
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

• A passion for ecological restoration and plant life.
• Degree in horticulture, botany, biological or environmental sciences OR two years of relevant experience in habitat restoration, landscaping, ecology or related field
• Knowledge of California’s native plant communities and the specific needs of certain species
• Ability to identify plants and make decisions based on their accurate recognition
• Ability to perform heavy, physical labor (lift 50 lbs.), outdoors full-time in varying weather conditions like Santa Ana wind events, heat waves, rain, (and beautiful days too)
• Strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Great work ethic: able to work efficiently, enthusiastically, and with a positive disposition
• Value diversity and respect equity and inclusion for all staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Must possess valid Driver’s License
• Experience working in a nursery is helpful
• Knowledge of local birds, insects, and wildlife is a plus
• Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems is valuable
• Ability to take direction from supervisors as well as work independently is important.

Schedule: Full time, 40 hours/week (Required)

Compensation & Benefits

• $ 22 – $24 / hour (DoE)
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account)
• 401K with employer matching
• 5 paid sick days
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Discount on farm products and merchandise

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to jobs@apricotlanefarms.com