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Assistant Nursery Manager (MUSEUM SCI)

University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Davis
Jun 03, 2025
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Job ID
78694
Location
Davis
Full/Part Time
Full Time
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Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Nursery Manager, the Assistant Nursery Manager works collaboratively with Arboretum and Public Garden staff, academics, students, and community members to leverage nursery operations in support of organizational goals and lead the nursery production of plants for the Arboretum and Public Garden living museum collections and public plant sales. The position will support the nursery component of the Living Landscape Adaptation Plan for climate change, which will include propagation of a broad diversity of climate-ready ornamental and native plants, trees, and edibles. The position will be responsible for propagation, production, inventory management, plant labeling and signing, exhibit development, nursery collection documentation and sales event management to support increasing plant sale revenue and member and donor cultivation and stewardship. The position will lead, train, and engage community volunteers and mentor Learning by Leading student apprentices and interns. The position will lead the phytosanitary improvement initiative, upgrading facilities and practices to align with best management practices. This position will manage improvements and maintenance of several nursery production facilities.

Apply By Date
July 2, 2025 at 11:59pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

* Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
* Graduation from college with specialization in horticulture, plant science, or a related field and one year of experience in specialty nursery work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Experience managing spreadsheets and database systems for inventory management.
* Education in and experience with applied best practices in horticultural science and sustainable horticulture, particularly as they relate to propagation of a diversity of plants by seeds, division, and cuttings; nursery production; and irrigation management.
* Knowledge, skill, and experience to identify and grow a wide range of heat and drought tolerant ornamental plants suitable for California's Central Valley, including California native plants. Strong familiarity with scientific and common names of horticultural plants as well as standard plant nomenclature and horticultural references.
* Knowledge of irrigation methods and principles and experience maintaining and adjusting automatic irrigation systems. Knowledge of pest, disease, and weed identification and experience monitoring for pests in a nursery setting.
* Leadership skills to recruit, manage, teach and motivate volunteers and students.
* Interpersonal skills to interact and communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing with administration, staff, visitors, volunteers, students, and customers using tact, diplomacy, and good judgment during all interactions in the performance of a wide variety of programs and support functions.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with plumbing, operating hand tools, power tools and tractors, and fixing daily issues of nursery facilities.
* Experience operating in an entrepreneurial role that required creatively growing revenue streams.
* Experience mentoring/fostering leadership in university students. Experience in developing programs that allow students to take on successively greater leadership roles as their abilities grow.
* Experience and skill using databases (IrisBG, AirTable, and Shopify), mobile apps, and thermal label printers for tracking plant inventory, labeling, and supporting point-of-sale purchases.
* Experience in designing, planning and delivering public programs to diverse audiences.
* Basic construction and facility maintenance skills.

Key Responsibilities

* 25% - Manage Plant Acquisition and Propagation in Support of Strategic Initiatives
* 25% - Manage Nursery Operations
* 20% - Support Plant Sales, Fundraising, and Public Lifelong Learning and Engagement
* 25% - Lead Student Internship and Community Volunteer Programs
* 5% - Miscellaneous

Department Overview

The goals of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG), a living museum, are to create a more visitor-friendly campus, transition to a campus landscape adapted to our changing climate, make the academic programs of UC Davis visible to campus visitors, build environmental leadership in students and community partners, and leverage campus financial and human resources. Key programs of the APG include the UC Davis GATEways Project, the Living Landscape Adaptation Plan, and the Learning by Leading Program. The GATEways Project transforms the campus into physical and programmatic portals for the public to engage in the riches of UC Davis. The Living Landscape Adaptation Plan charts a course for sustaining a thriving campus landscape that supports the health and wellbeing of the campus community in the face of significant climate change disruptions. The Learning by Leading Program builds environmental leadership skills with students through hands-on, real-world projects and programs involving mentorship by staff, faculty and community members. The Arboretum Teaching Nursery and Arboretum Headquarters Nursery together serve as critical support facilities for living collections and as engagement hubs for disseminating cutting edge information about sustainable horticulture.

POSITION INFORMATION

* Salary or Pay Range: $28.88/hr. - $46.46/hr.
* Salary Frequency: Biweekly
* Salary Grade: STEPS
* UC Job Title: MUSEUM SCI
* UC Job Code: 009723
* Number of Positions: 1
* Appointment Type: Staff: Career
* Percentage of Time: 100%
* Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends as necessary
* Location: Davis, CA
* Union Representation: RX-Research Professionals
* Benefits Eligible: Yes
* This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

* Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

* Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Extreme Temperatures - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

* Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
* Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
* Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
* Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

* UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
* Work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to meet operational needs.
* Work out of doors in very hot, very cold and wet weather.
* Must have a Valid California Driver's License.
* Follow safety regulations and practices.
* Work in an environment where chemicals such as fertilizers, hormones, disinfectants and pesticides are used.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

* This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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