Field Operations Specialist (7470)

We are hiring a Field Operations Specialist to join our small, passionate team. This role focuses on the day-to-day care, monitoring, and improvement of our Wildflower Sod™ production systems.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with plants, solving problems in the field, and communicating clearly. They thrive in a dynamic startup environment and are comfortable collaborating closely with both the Meadow Lab team and our farm partners to produce high-quality Wildflower Sod™.

This role is well-suited for someone early in their career who wants to build deep experience in plant production, is passionate about rewilding the built environment, and is motivated to grow with a rapidly scaling company.

Meadow Lab pioneers innovative plant systems for high-performance landscapes. Our first product, native Wildflower Sod™, launched in 2025 following several years of successful trials. Demand for our products has exceeded expectations, and we are now scaling our operations.

The Field Operations Specialist supports the successful production of Meadow Lab’s Wildflower SodTM across our farm partner sites.

Responsibilities include:

Crop Care & Plant Husbandry

• Monitor plant health, growth, and establishment across production fields
• Implement best practices for irrigation, fertilization, and soil health
• Scout for weeds, pests, and disease and support management strategies
• Maintain strong plant establishment and species balance in Wildflower SodTM systems
• Assist with planting, seeding, and establishment of new production areas

Field Monitoring & Problem Solving

• Track field conditions including soil moisture, weather, and plant performance
• Identify issues early and help develop solutions to maintain crop quality
• Support troubleshooting of irrigation, field conditions, and plant stress

Production Operations

• Assist with field preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting activities
• Support implementation of Meadow Lab’s commercial growing protocols
• Help coordinate daily production tasks with our farm partner team
• Track material usage, stock, and upcoming needs using our platforms

Quality Control

• Monitor sod quality, rooting, density, and harvest readiness
• Ensure crops meet Meadow Lab’s standards for consistency and performance
• Help refine production practices through observation and feedback

Documentation & Learning

• Maintain clear records of cultivation practices and field observations
• Support ongoing improvement of Meadow Lab’s production methods
• Contribute to the development of scalable native plant production systems

• Strong interest in native plants, ecology, and regenerative landscapes
• Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Ability to work on-site daily in New Jersey
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and holidays

• 1–3 years of experience in farming, nursery production, landscaping, or horticulture preferred or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Ecology, or a related field
• Experience with plant care, irrigation, or greenhouse/nursery production is a plus

Key Characteristics

• Plant-Oriented: You genuinely enjoy working with plants and understanding how they grow
• Problem Solver: You notice issues early and enjoy figuring out practical solutions in the field
• Adaptable: You are comfortable switching between many tasks in a fast-moving start-up environment
• Team Player: You collaborate well with farm crews, contractors, and internal team members
• Hardworking: You are comfortable with physical outdoor work and take pride in doing things well
• Positive Attitude: You bring energy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn every day

Physical Demands and Work Environment
This is a primarily-outdoor job with physical requirements, including:

• Ability to lead and assist with physically demanding tasks
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including bending, stooping, and reaching
• Exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and varying weather conditions typical of agricultural environments

• Competitive vacation policy and paid holidays
• Training and continuing education opportunities