Planting Justice is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as the Retail Nursery Manager for our new retail space at 5166 Sobrante Ave, El Sobrante, CA. This groundbreaking space—designed in partnership with The Good Table and the United Church of Christ (UCC)—combines a pay-what-you-can café, commercial incubator kitchen, retail nursery, community gathering space, and arts venue. The Nursery Manager will play a central role in building this unique nursery retail operation from the ground up while supporting Planting Justice’s mission of promoting social and environmental justice. This is an opportunity to create a vibrant, community-centered space that showcases sustainable practices and engages the local community.

Formerly incarcerated and people directly impacted by the criminal legal system are encouraged to apply!

Planning and Establishment

• Collaborate with PJ’s Kitchen and Retail Manager to implement a comprehensive plan for establishing the retail nursery, including layout design, inventory acquisition, and infrastructure needs.
• Develop partnerships with existing suppliers, local growers, and vendors—including PJ’s production nursery in East Oakland—to source plants, seeds, tools, and other retail nursery products.
• Coordinate with infrastructure teams to ensure that nursery facilities, irrigation systems, and retail spaces are fully operational.

Daily Operations

• Lead recruitment, training, and supervision of a skilled, diverse team to support nursery operations.
• Develop and manage systems for plant inventory, stock tracking, and accurate record-keeping.
• Oversee point-of-sale processes, customer service workflows, and operational efficiencies.
• Design and implement retail strategies, including seasonal promotions and displays, in collaboration with PJ’s Communications Director and Kitchen & Retail Manager.
• Monitor budgets for setup, operations, and procurement to ensure financial sustainability.

Community Engagement

• Build relationships with customers by offering guidance on plant selection, care, and sustainable gardening practices.
• Partner with The Good Table & UCC and PJ’s Kitchen+Retail Manager to integrate the nursery into the broader community space’s mission.

Leadership and Team Development

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports staff growth and development.
• Lead orientations and ongoing training sessions for staff on plant care, retail management, and customer engagement.

Facility Management

• Oversee maintenance of the nursery’s physical space, landscape, and systems to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
• Identify and address safety concerns, implementing PJ’s Safety Policy and ensuring all bstaff receive proper safety training.