Intro:
If you have never germinated Silphium from wild‑collected seed, managed eco‑type seed beds, or produced prairie and wetland plugs at scale, this is not the role for you.
We are searching for a specialist, not a generalist.
A vegetable grower, cannabis propagator, or ornamental greenhouse technician will not meet the requirements of this position.
This role demands hands‑on, proven experience with native plant species, their unique dormancy mechanisms, seed stratification needs, germination variability, and propagation protocols specific to Midwest prairie.
As the Native Plant Propagator, you serve as the backbone of our ecological production system. You will collect, clean, process, track, germinate, and propagate native plant seed that feeds our entire production pipeline. Your work directly fuels restoration projects across the region.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Quality and inventory control on all propagation material
- Seed collection, harvesting, and cleaning, including off‑site collection trips to native habitats.
- Seed harvest & cleaning, including off-site collection
- Management of seed beds and stock beds, including locating, establishing, and maintaining new sources for ecotype‑specific material.
- Implementation and continuous refinement of native‑specific propagation protocols, not generic greenhouse SOPs
- Organization within the propagation areas
- Lead production crews as needed to assist with propagation tasks
- Implement and update propagation standard operation procedures and propagation protocols
- Work with the Sectional Grower to produce high-quality propagation material and maintain a clean growing environment
- Locate, manage and plant new seed beds/sources
- Ensuring native plugs are produced to contract specifications with predictable timelines and healthy, uniform development.
- Native plant propagation is not straightforward.
True success requires:
- Mastery of cold‑moist stratification, scarification, smoke treatments, and other native‑specific germination techniques.
- Familiarity with long‑lived, slow‑to‑establish perennials and variable dormancy species.
- Ability to diagnose issues unique to native taxa such as eco‑type variation, variable germination rates, and environmental response differences.
- A commitment to ecology‑driven production, not greenhouse uniformity for ornamental markets.
If you have only worked in vegetable production, cannabis grow houses, or ornamental bedding plant nurseries, your background will not align with this role’s requirements.
Inventory:
- Maintain propagation database and inventory regarding
- Seed inventory including condition and quality
- Seedling inventory including germination, dates, rates and location
- Update seedling inventory weekly
- Data entry for all movements regarding propagation
- Maintain a timeline regarding contract grow crops to report to Sales
- Assist with the development and improvement of the database
Other:
- Understand native plant species and their characteristics
- Assist with trials and research & development
- Educate and cross-train other team members in plant ID and propagation protocols
- Assist with over-wintering preparation
- All other nursery tasks as needed
Requirements:
- 2-4 years of direct native plant propagation experience
- A minimum of an associate's degree in horticulture is a plus
- Real-world experience handling native seed variability, wild-collected seed, and eco-type-specific propagation
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office
- Some inventory control skill
- Experience operating mowers, forklifts, and skid steers helpful
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Safety:
Safety is always Pizzo's number one goal. As an employee, you have a legal right to a safe and healthy workplace. At Pizzo, you may be asked to read the workplace safety and health posters and comply with all applicable OSHA and Illinois safety standards. Our employees follow all lawful employer safety and health rules and regulations, and wear/use the required protective equipment while working. Employees are to report hazardous conditions to the employer, report any job-related injury or illness and report any near misses to the employer. You may be asked to join our health and safety committee, provide guidance on site from an H/S perspective or render first aid. Each one of us shares the responsibility of making sure everyone goes home to their family’s safe daily.
Please Note:
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills and due to the changing nature of the job is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice. This position is non-exempt based on FLSA laws. The Pizzo Group uses E-Verify and third-party background check services during the hiring process.
Additional Information: All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines
Our team works together Respectfully & Cooperatively with Enthusiasm & Integrity
How to apply: https://pizzo.bamboohr.com/careers/137
Salary Range: Negotiable based on experience.