POSITION TITLE: Nursery Manager   - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

AGENCY: National Park Service (NPS) & Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

REPORTS TO: Forest Ecologist and SEKI Forest Ecologist
LOCATION:  [X] On Site, Three Rivers, CA  [ ] Hybrid  [ ] Remote EMPLOYMENT TYPE:  [X] Full-Time [ ] Part-Time [] Temporary START DATE: January 4th, 2027

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute), in cooperation with  Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI), is recruiting a Nursery Manager to support a wide range of revegetation needs, including post-fire conifer planting, roadside disturbance and construction mitigation, meadow restoration, and revegetation in support of invasive plant management.

The incumbent will work with National Park Service (NPS) staff to implement measures to restore vegetation community form and function following catastrophic wildfires, as well as supporting other projects in need of revegetation services. Work involves managing the SEKI nursery at Ash Mountain, near Three Rivers, CA, and will involve propagating a wide range of native plants, including giant sequoias; overseeing a variably sized workforce of nursery assistants and volunteers, as well as coordinating and im plementing revegetation plantings in collaboration with other NPS and partner staff. Work schedule will generally be 8 -hour days Monday through Friday in a work environment of nursery, office, and field.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Propagates plants for revegetation projects, with a focus on giant sequoia for post-fire reforestation, forbs and grass for roadside restoration, a suite of species including shrubs for park facility projects, and other special projects as directed.
• Oversee nursery assistants by planning daily/weekly/monthly schedules and providing work direction.
• Works closely with NPS staff to utilize a broad range of volunteer labor and support for the nursery.
• Works with NPS staff to plan and implement restoration plantings, including post-construction revegetation for park operations, and other propagation to fulfill park   needs.
• Adapts, modifies, develops, and documents techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of nursery management and restoration  projects.
• Serves as the lead project manager and maintenance lead for all nursery infrastructure, including but not limited to water systems, cooling systems, soil equipment,  shade houses, greenhouses, and other nursery-specific infrastructure. This includes not only regular maintenance, but special construction of facilities, as well as the ordering and installation of replacement parts, new equipment, and regular   supplies.
• Works closely with park resource managers, scientists, GIS specialists, and cooperating personnel to ensure projects are safely and successfully  completed.
• Independently initiates action to resolve or correct technical difficulties and results or recommends resolution to
  supervisor.
• Collects, prepares, eva luates , and verifies  native plant materia ls  and supporting records. Ma inta ins  records inc lud ing spatial and  tabular data. Locates  and compiles  data and other information from various  sources. 
• Ma inta ins  inventory of chemica ls , s tock solutions, etc., prepares  solutions  and reagents  for use in the fie ld or greenhouse, and sa fe ly disposes  of waste material (both chemical and biological).
• Keeps  works ite in a neat and orderly manner.
• Ma inta ins  a positive, respectful, and  professional attitude when interacting with other members, leaders, s ta ff, project partners  and planters, project sponsors, and community members.
• Promote a learning environment and ensure inclusivity.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to successfully propagate plants native to southern Sierra Nevada.
• Substantial practical knowledge of the principles of biological science (e.g., plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, etc.) for their management in controlled environments and nursery settings.
• Knowledge of NPS objectives, practices, policies, and procedures for the management of natural resources, as well as knowledge of related  programs.
• Ability to adapt, develop, or improve techniques and procedures, to train others to accurately follow procedures, and recognize departures from established quality control/quality assurance guidelines.
• Knowledge of natural resource project management  is sufficient to contribute ideas to the planning and sequencing of the technical aspects of project design and   execution.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to general nursery maintenance and light construction duties.
• Ability to lift and carry 50  pounds.
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving  record.
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning the position. If you alr eady have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your  application.
• Applicants must meet U.S. citizenship or work authorization requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position is based out of Sequoia National Park’s headquarters within Three Rivers, California. Travel will occur throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to complete projects from the assigned field station. The Nursery Manager position requires the ability to perform physically demanding work in nursery, greenhouse, and field environments. Duties regularly involve standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and working with hands and arms for extended periods of time while propagating plants, maintaining nursery infrastructure, and implementing restoration plantings.

The incumbent must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to   50 pounds , including bags of soil, plants, tools, equipment, and nursery materials. Work may require repetitive motions, fine motor skills for plant handling and recordkeeping, and the operation of hand tools, power tools, and light machinery associated with nurser   y operations and facility maintenance. Work is conducted in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, including greenhouses, shade structures, nurseries, and field sites, and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, temperature extremes, dust, soil, pollen, water, and non-toxic a nd toxic chemicals used in nursery and restoration settings. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and required, as necessary.

The position may also involve driving park or institute vehicles to transport staff, volunteers, plants, or equipment, and requires a valid driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Reasonable accommodation  may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Annual salary of $57,500 - $61,000 dependent on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental insurance, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement benefits after one year of employment.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• NPS housing may be available for a fee.