Native Plant Nursery Assistant

APPLY NOW! Seasonal work starts in April.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Native Plant Nursery Assistant

POSITION GOAL: To promote conservation and restoration of natural areas by assisting with the production of native herbaceous and woody plants for use in Metroparks Toledo’s seed production fields, plant sales, restoration projects, and landscaping within Metroparks’ boundaries. Natural Resources Nursery Assistants will work closely with co-workers and volunteers to grow and plant native plants, and harvest and process seed.

CLASSIFICATION: Hourly/Seasonal

COMPENSATION: $14.00 per hour. Employer and employee contribute to Public Employees Retirement System.

REPORTS TO: Nursery Crew Leader

DIRECT REPORTS: None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include any of the following:

• Perform propagation field maintenance management duties including planting, weed control, irrigation, and seed collection.
• Perform daily maintenance of greenhouse and care of woody and herbaceous plants.
• Assist in wild seed collection, when requested.
• Perform native plant bed maintenance work including removal of noxious or unwanted weeds or plants.
• Safely and respectfully work with volunteers on various projects such as seedling transplant, seed collection and seed processing.
• Perform preventative maintenance and make minor repairs on small equipment, power equipment, and mowers.
• Work as a burn crew member on ecological prescribed burns, as needed.
• Purchase materials with supervisor approval.
• Safely drive park vehicles for work assignments.
• Operate equipment such as park utilizes vehicles, small tractors, and mowers.
• Control noxious and unwanted plant species by applying pesticides and herbicides to specific identified plant species under the supervision of a licensed applicator.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment used in work activities.
• Submit work activities into Staff Activity Input Form (SAIF).
• Comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Keep supervisor or designee fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, present and potential work problems.
• Attend trainings and meetings to learn new skills and keep up to date on Metropark communication.
• Respond to park visitors’ questions, comments and suggestion in a courteous manner.
• Maintain proper work appearance.
• Use computer with common software applications to send and receive email communication and enter data into database.
• Other Park District duties as assigned.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Alternates to the following position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; some training or coursework in environmental sciences, environmental or commercial horticulture, or natural resources management preferred.

Experience: Some outdoor work experience with horticulture, natural systems, or forestry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Some knowledge or the ability to learn safe operating procedures for power equipment such as small and large irrigation systems, seed processing equipment (fanning mill, hammer mills, and shredders), string trimmers, mowers, and small tractor; ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to recognize plant species as required to complete nursery activities.
• Ability to become an Ohio Department of Agriculture trained service person in order to safely apply pesticides and herbicides under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator.
• Some knowledge of natural systems and conservation practices.
• Ability to communicate well with others.
• Able to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions from supervisor and colleagues.
• Able to use logical and creative thought processes to solve problems.
• Willingness to support Metroparks mission, operating principles, goals and objectives.
• Ability to get along well with others and work as a part of a team.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines.
• Basic computer operation with knowledge of common computer software programs and ability to perform data entry.
• Able to read maps and learn to operate GPS equipment.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work schedule: Up to 40 hours per week; may require one weekend day per week.
• Length of employment varies from March through December based on need.
• Extensive outdoor physical labor exposed to climate extremes, inclement weather, stinging insects, dust and pollen, prescription fires and herbicides.
• Standing for long periods of time while working.
• May require constant lifting up to 50 lb., frequent lifting up to 75 lb. and occasional lifting over 75 lb. with assistance. Must be able to move about over uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
• Work locations: Blue Creek Native Nursery, Whitehouse, OH. May be required to travel to any park in Lucas County.

EQUIPMENT USED: Service and utility vehicles, mowers, power and hand tools, safety equipment, small tractors, tillers, trailers, fanning mill, hammer mill, shredder, small and large irrigation systems, computers, and herbicide application equipment.