Salary Range:$22.00 To 27.51 Hourly
Join our team as a Native Plant Nursery Coordinator! Great Parks is seeking a qualified professional to propagate and harvest native prairie, woodland, and wetland plant species at Shaker Trace Nursery in beautiful Miami Whitewater Forest! At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.
A successful Native Plant Nursery Coordinator leads efforts at Shaker Trace Nursery to propagate and harvest native plants to support habitat restoration projects across the county. This position oversees the harvesting, processing and storage of native seed and coordinates staff and volunteer workforce to complete maintenance, improvements, and educational programming on nursery grounds. The Native Plant Nursery Coordinator works closely with our Natural Resources team to advice on restoration projects.
Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers and friends.
Responsible for propagating, collecting, distributing, and promoting native ecotype plant material. Serves as the in-house expert for native plant material production at Shaker Trace Nursery.
Performs a variety of technical, manual, and administrative responsibilities to enhance native ecosystems, promote the use of native plants, and enable restoration projects throughout the park district.
Works with supervisor to evaluate and formulate the scale and scope of nursery operations to meet conservation goals of increasing diversity of species propagated and engaging the public.
Collaborates with Guest Experiences and Marketing to provide educational programming at the nursery, and other divisions to maintain plant production while also serving as a hub for community connection and education. Participates in and coordinates outreach events and programming that educates the public on the importance of preserving and installing native plant communities in Hamilton County (facility tours, native plant sales, public radio and television interviews, and articles and photos for local distribution).
Serves as the resident expert on local ecotype native plant stock for use in restoration projects. Determines the most appropriate seed mix for each project; selecting species, weighing, mixing, and delivering seed orders; serving as a technical expert and assistant in the installation of native plant material; and coordinating with outside agencies and the general public to encourage and enable use of native ecotype seed and plant material in Hamilton County.
Plans and fills orders of seed, plugs and saplings from internal projects, public sales and external partners.
Coordinates nursery production through processing, weeding, and planting, as well as bed maintenance. Processes nursery seeds by hand, with mulcher, debearder, and seed-cleaning equipment. Collects seeds from natural areas to increase species and diversity of stock.
Develops an Operation Plan for the Shaker Trace Nursery that streamlines information and provides direction to staff and partners. Manages the repairs and maintenance of the greenhouse and plant production equipment, as well as the irrigation system.
Maintains a tree, seed and plant material inventory and coordinates with staff to ensure that availability is known and needs are met for landscaping, restoration, and sales activities. Creates an annual report of Shaker Trace Nursery activities for the Natural Resource Manager.
Works independently and collaborates effectively with the Natural Resources team to plan for and conduct restoration projects.
Coordinates projects and provides field supervision to assigned workers and volunteer groups performing a variety of tasks to assist in habitat management. Provides technical support and training to staff and volunteers.
Provides functional supervision, guidance and training to assigned full-and part-time staff, volunteers, and contractors.
Plans projects as assigned by supervisor and others. Leads and participates in prescribed burns to maintain woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats. Obtains permits from fire departments for prescribed burn activities.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, horticulture, or related field and 5-7 years of experience working in natural resources, horticulture, native plant propagation, field biology, or ecological restoration.
Master's Degree in natural resources, horticulture or related field and 3-5 years of experience working in natural resources, horticulture, native plant propagation, field biology, or ecological restoration.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
CPR & First Aid Certification and State Pesticide Applicator's License (within first year of hire); Prescribed Burn Manager's Certification (within 6 years of hire). State Motor Vehicle Operator's License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines.
Typical starting salary range for the position will be $22.01-$27.51 depending on experience.
This position is posted until filled.
Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law