Nursery Manager (NPS, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI), is recruiting one (1) 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 implementing 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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Propagates plants for revegetation projects, with a focus on giant sequoia for post fire reforestation, forbs and grasses 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 as needed to fulfill park needs;
• Adapts, modifies or develops, and documents techniques and/or procedures to satisfy the needs of 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, evaluates and verifies native plant materials and supporting records;
• Maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources;
• Maintains inventory of chemicals, stock solutions, etc., prepares solutions and reagents for use in the field or greenhouse, and safely disposes of waste material (both chemical and biological);
• Keeps worksite in a neat and orderly manner;
• Maintaining a positive, respectful, and professional attitude when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project partners and planters, project sponsors, and community members; and
• Promotes a learning environment and ensures inclusivity.

Timeline:

• April or early May 2026; 52 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, five 8-hour days (5/8s), occasional weekend work required.

Location:

This position is based out of Sequoia National Park’s headquarters within Three Rivers, California. Travel will occur throughout the park to complete projects from the assigned field station.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: 29.72 hourly;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Housing may be available at the park depending on availability, otherwise, housing is available on the open market in Three Rivers, CA.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Ability to successfully propagate plants native to the 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 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 position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your Application; and
• Applicants must meet U.S. citizenship or work authorization requirements and be within the eligible age range for Public Lands Corps (PLC) positions at the time of hire.

Physical Demands:

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 nursery 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 and 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.