Job description

Job Announcement: Nursery Specialist

ABOUT THE IERCD:

The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD) is a local public agency, headquartered in the City of Redlands and providing conservation, wildland restoration, forestry and fire prevention, and education programming to residents in southwestern San Bernardino and northwestern Riverside counties. Governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors in coordination with the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, the IERCD covers nearly 1,300 square miles of service area within which a range of biological features and cultural landmarks exist. Twenty-eight biological, educational, project management, and administrative staff work to carry out the District’s vision, both through IERCD-focused projects and in collaborating with a variety of federal, state, and local partners and individuals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: NURSERY SPECIALIST

The IERCD is seeking an individual with any combination of experience and interest in skill development to assist in advancing goals and performance of IERCD native plant nursery sites. This position would HQ at IERCD’s current site in Glen Avon Park while also spending time in its developing site at Louis Robidoux Parkland and Pecan Grove (LRPPG), both of which are located in Jurupa Valley. This position works closely with other members of the Natural Resources Department to plan and carry out tasks required for a high-functioning nursery capable of supplying IERCD and partner projects with stock from locally-collected seed; supporting regional volunteer events and public education; and making the transition into a larger operation over the next five years. This position typically spends 3-4 partial to full days/week in the nursery and/or in the field collecting seed, with the balance of time completing administrative work related to the nursery and general IERCD operational requirements. The ideal candidate for this position is able to work well independently and as part of a team; is flexible; and is currently capable of or able to develop skill necessary to increase efficiency and effectiveness of IERCD’s native plant nursery sites.

Position Requirements:

1. Ability to complete regular work required for effective nursery maintenance, including but not limited to required administrative work for nursery operations; on-site plant care, propagation and nursery maintenance; and off-site work including scheduling and completing seed collection, plant installation and errands as needed to support nursery operations.

2. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, hike in varying elevations, and/or perform physical tasks required for maintenance of nursery sites and off-site seed collection sites with durations lasting as long as ten hours under all weather extremes including extreme hot or cold, wet or dry conditions weather conditions.

3. Some working knowledge of invasive plants and native plants in the Santa Ana River Watershed.

4. Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule to allow for effective irrigation, particularly during hot months, and to work occasional Saturdays aligned with volunteer events

5. Excellent oral communication skills; ability to work effectively with community members and partners in IERCD’s service area.

6. Possession of a current California driver’s license and auto insurance, as well as reliable transportation.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Complete all recurring plant care and maintenance including watering, conducting soil moisture inspections, weeding, pruning, and pest management, along with propagation and transplantation of native plants using seed and vegetative cuttings

2. Maintain working and effective irrigation system, and cleanliness and organization of nursery

3. Work closely with Natural Resources Team leadership staff to update and carry out Nursery Work Plan designed covering seed collection needs and protocols; annual plant needs; and ongoing expansion planning

4. Maintain accurate records including regular nursery activities log, plant output log, and seed inventory logs.

5. Maintain phyto-sanitary procedures including applying phyto BMPs and conducting Phytopthoratesting

6. Make repairs shade structure and nursery infrastructure as needed

7. Assist with offsite plant installation and irrigation projects

8. Maintain effective communication with Natural Resources Team leadership with regard to issues, planning, and overall needs of IERCD native plant nursery sites

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent; 2+ years of experience working in a nursery setting and/or supporting nursery operations

COMPENSATION: The position of Nursery Specialist is a non-exempt full time position. The salary range for this position is $49,920 - $68,640 commensurate with experience

BENEFITS: Full time IERCD employees recive a health insurance stipend of $887/month to cover insurance expenses and are enrolled in the Cal PERS State Retirement Program. The benefit package also includes a monthly phone stipend, 13 paid holidays, sick leave, and paid vacation after a 6-month probationary period.

LOCATION: The IERCD’s native plant nursery sites are both located in Jurupa Valley, in Riverside County. This position requires regular presence (defined as 3-4 days/week) at one or both sites. Administrative work supporting nursery operations is eligible for home office or IERCD office (in Redlands).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

COVID-19 considerations:
Yes; option to perform admin work from home office; however, bulk of this position's work requires presence at one of two IERCD nursery sites/range of habitat uplift sites

Work Location: Multiple Locations

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