Marders

Company Overview:

Marders has been a trusted name in the Hamptons landscaping industry for over 49 years. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional landscaping services, from design and installation to maintenance and horticultural care. We take pride in our attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to customer satisfaction.  

Role Summary

The Farm Manager is a hands-on leader who ensures the health of our trees from cultivation to final installation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of arboriculture and nursery management, a passion for soil health, and a proven ability to manage people and complex operations to support our premier landscape services and retail business.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:    

Crew and Project Management

•    Lead and manage a team of approximately 7 employees, including both the farm crew and a small tree installation crew.
•    Create and manage daily and weekly schedules for both crews, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently.
•    Directly oversee the small install crew, ensuring all projects involving the planting of specimen trees are executed with precision, adhering to the highest standards for proper planting practices and safety.
•    Coordinate all in-house and subcontractor service providers. Following a complete annual care schedule that accounts for the diverse range of plant material.  This can include a pruning crew.  Can include plant health care applications.  

Farm and Tree Operations

•    Oversee all aspects of our specimen tree farm, including planting, irrigation, pruning, fertilizing, pest and disease management, and general nursery maintenance.
•    Manage the harvesting of large specimen trees using best practices for root ball preservation and handling, ensuring successful ball and burlap (B-and-B) operations.
•    Implement and train the crew on the latest and most effective techniques for planting and staking large trees to ensure their health and long-term success.
•    Maintain the highest quality standards for all plant material and ensure it is ready for sale or installation.
•    Create and implement a complete care program for all plant material on all farms. 
•    Understand and implement processes and techniques to ensure all plants are grown to Marders standard of quality.
•    Understand and implement the process and coordination of specially grown plants. This could mean sheared hedging sections, topiary shapes, and other forms or growing styles.
•    Mastery and implementation of organic growing practices related to growing a range of trees and shrubs used for ornamental landscaping operations.
•    Implement and maintain a real-time inventory system with listed retail prices updated on an annual basis for all sales individuals to utilize.

Compost Program Management

•    Manage the entire large-scale compost program, including the intake of raw organic materials, turning and aeration, and monitoring of temperature and moisture to ensure a finished, high-quality product.
•    Implement a strategy to use finished compost to improve the soil health of the farm and for use on landscape projects.
•    Safely and efficiently operate equipment (e.g., loaders, skid steers, tillers) used in the composting process.
•    Knowledge of the compost process to ensure a legitimate product is produced.  And clear expertise that ensures a quality product is made.
•    Consistent monitoring of wind row temperature and moisture levels inside piles to ensure material is turned with proper timing and handled correctly.
•    Knowledge of the process for Regular soil tests of material to ensure batches are legitimate and show proper levels.

Equipment and Infrastructure

•    Ensure all farm equipment, including tractors, loaders, chippers, and compressors with air spades, is properly maintained, cleaned, and stored.

•    Oversee the upkeep of irrigation systems, greenhouses, and all farm-related infrastructure.
•    Ensure all areas of farm properties are presentable and represent company standards.

Safety and Compliance

•    Enforce all company safety protocols, including the safe operation of heavy equipment and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
•    Ensure all farm and installation operations adhere to local, state, and federal regulations.

Qualifications and Experience:

•    Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Agriculture, or a related field.
•    Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in large-scale nursery management or a related field, with a focus on cultivating and handling specimen trees.
•    Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a physically demanding and dynamic environment.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of arboriculture, nursery production, soil science, and large-scale composting principles.
•    Proficient in the safe operation of heavy equipment, including loaders, skid steers, and tractors.
•    Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly train and direct crew members.
•    Direct experience managing both a farm crew and an installation crew.
•    Experience working in a nursery production system for five or more years.
•    Proficiency in farm management software, inventory systems, and data management tools.
•    Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making to improve tree growth and nursery productivity
•    Knowledge of irrigation systems and technology to ensure water efficiency and tree health.
•    Certification as an Arborist (e.g., ISA Certified Arborist) or other relevant certifications in tree care and management.
•    Certified Pesticide Applicator License (New York) with knowledge of integrated pest management practices and safe pesticide application.
•    Proficiency in using equipment for large tree transplanting (e.g., drum lace).
•    Continuing education in nursery management, soil health, or related areas is highly desirable.

Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience:  $90,000 - $125,000
Excellent benefits package, including 401(k) with company match, PTO, and paid holidays. Relocation assistance.  Apply to:  Employment@marders.com
Visit our website at www.marders.com. M/F/D/V EOE 

If you require alternative methods of application or screening, you must approach the employer directly to request this.