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Job Opportunity: Nursery Supervisor

Position: Human Resources & Accounts Manager Department: Restoration Reports To: Nursery and Seed Programs Manager Positions Reporting to Manager: Nursery Technicians, Interns Classification: Full-time (40 hours per week), Non-exempt, Hourly. Location: Laguna Environmental Center, Santa Rosa, CA. Not a remote position. Starting Wage Range: $23.25 - $26.00 per hour Summary The Nursery Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day nursery operations and carrying out plant propagation to produce high-quality nursery stock in support of the Laguna Foundation’s restoration and conservation science initiatives. Working closely with the Nursery and Seed Programs Manager, this position plays a key role in growing locally sourced native plants for habitat restoration projects throughout the Laguna Watershed and in collaboration with regional partners. The Nursery Supervisor supervises staff and volunteers, maintains nursery systems and infrastructure, and ensures best practices in plant health, inventory management, and operational efficiency. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Under the direction of the Nursery and Seed Programs Manager, implement nursery activities to achieve project and programmatic goals. Coordinate day-to-day nursery activities in partnership with the CNPS – Milo Baker Chapter to ensure alignment, communication, and efficient operations. Supervise, train, and provide direction to nursery technicians, interns, and volunteers. Foster a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment. Oversee plant propagation activities, including seeding, vegetative propagation (cuttings and divisions), and transplanting seedlings into containers. Maintain high standards for plant health by implementing best management practices for sanitation, pest and disease prevention, and nursery hygiene, including soil and container pasteurization. Monitor and maintain nursery irrigation systems, including troubleshooting and repairing as needed. Track and manage nursery inventory, including propagation records, plant availability, and material needs; ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation. Facilitates pulling and prepping of plant orders for pick-up, including staging and labeling. Contribute to fundraising and grant-related efforts by providing nursery data, supporting materials, and program insights as needed. Conduct seed collection, processing, cleaning, and storage in accordance with best practices and project specifications. Perform routine nursery maintenance, including weeding, pruning, cleaning, organizing, and maintaining weed suppression systems. Maintain tools, equipment, and workspaces in a clean, organized, and functional condition; coordinate repairs and replacements as needed. Support volunteer and community engagement activities, including planning and facilitating volunteer workdays, preparing materials, and providing guidance during activities. Transport and dispose of green waste, compost, and other nursery-related debris in accordance with organizational and local regulations. Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, organizational policies, and relevant environmental regulations. Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to the development of efficient nursery systems and workflows. Assist with procurement of nursery supplies, including soil, containers, tools, and other materials. Communicate regularly with staff to provide updates on nursery operations, challenges, and progress toward goals. Required Competencies Horticultural & Restoration Knowledge: Working knowledge of native plant propagation, nursery production practices, and plant care standards that support habitat restoration goals. Operations & Project Coordination: Ability to manage daily nursery operations, prioritize tasks, and coordinate multiple projects in a dynamic, seasonally driven environment. Supervision & Team Support: Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and support staff, interns, and volunteers, fostering a positive, inclusive, and safety-oriented work environment. Plant Health & Quality Control: Understanding of nursery best practices related to sanitation, pest and disease prevention, and maintaining high-quality plant stock. Organization & Data Management: Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in tracking inventory, propagation records, and nursery materials. Communication & Collaboration: Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners. Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to troubleshoot challenges, adapt to changing conditions, and implement practical, efficient solutions. Safety & Physical Readiness: Commitment to safe work practices and ability to perform physically demanding tasks in outdoor environments. Mission Alignment: Commitment to environmental stewardship and supporting the organization’s restoration, conservation, and community engagement goals. Required Education and Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each principal duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal duties and responsibilities. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Botany, or a closely related field, or four (4) years of equivalent experience working in a native plant nursery or ecological restoration setting. Knowledge of binomial plant identification keys and plant taxonomy. Knowledge of plant anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Demonstrated experience in supervising and coordinating staff, interns, and volunteers. Proven knowledge of native plant propagation techniques, including growing plants from seeds, cuttings, and divisions, and experience in upsizing plants into containers. Ability to carry out nursery and field tasks (e.g., lifting, bending, repetitive movement, weeding, hiking, handling nursery tools, irrigation work) in variable weather conditions and in poison oak; including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to monitor plant health, identify common pests and diseases, and implement proper sanitation practices to maintain pathogen-free nursery stock. Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications and Google Workspace for tracking inventories, propagation records, and communications. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to implement procedures and follow directions effectively. Demonstrated passion for working with California native plants and supporting habitat restoration projects. Desired Education and Skills Strong knowledge of California flora, ecosystems, and habitat restoration practices. Experience with seed collection, processing, labeling, and storage. Familiarity with nursery irrigation systems, soil pasteurization, and greenhouse or shade house operations. Experience planning and leading volunteer workdays or community engagement activities. Certification, Training, or Security Clearance Requirements Legal authorization to work in the United States. Valid Class C Driver’s License and clean driving record. A criminal history and DMV record check is required prior to employment (following a conditional offer). If not already certified, the Laguna Foundation will provide employees with the following: CPR/AED Certified Training. Must complete training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training. Must complete one-hour training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter. Mandated Reporter Training. Must complete training within 30 days of hire if not already completed in previous employment. Certificate of Completion must be submitted. Defensive Drive Course. Must complete training within 30 days of hire. Supervisory Responsibility Assists the Nursery and Seed Program Managers in supervising nursery interns, technicians, and volunteers. Provides day-to-day guidance and support, including assigning tasks, setting expectations, and offering feedback to foster skill development and accountability. Oversees volunteer participation in bi-monthly propagation and nursery maintenance projects, helps with recruiting and onboarding interns and technicians, and promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and productive team environment that supports the goals of the Foundation. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to work outdoors in variable weather, and/or in a shared workspace for several hours at a time; bending and/or lifting up to 70 pounds, grasping; capacity to navigate a two-story building via stairs; specific vision abilities include close and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment; requires extended standing, walking, and fine finger movements. The work environment represents those that an employee encounters while working in an outdoor plant nursery environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, with safety as the top priority for groups, and be able to adapt programmatic elements accordingly, depending on the conditions. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This position requires on-site execution of work duties. Ineligible for a hybrid work schedule. 40 hours per week. General working hours occur between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional Saturdays may be scheduled. Daily work schedules may vary occasionally with weather, seasonal, or other job site factors. Travel Travel is primarily local during the business day; reliable transportation is required; ability to use personal vehicles for work-related errands. Organizational Mindset/Values The successful candidate will be dynamic, possess integrity, be flexible, and be a creative team player. They will be driven by a passion for the sustainability of our natural environment and action-oriented change. They will thrive in situations involving multiple and diverse demands, adjust to changes in a growing organization, and be comfortable working in a team-oriented culture with an evolving non-profit fundraising environment. They will be strong connectors, build relationships with our stakeholders, and seek out new opportunities to connect with our community. They will be highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and resourceful, with the ability to take initiative and follow through on independent projects. They will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through continuous learning, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias. How to Apply Please submit an email to hr@lagunafoundation.org with “Nursery Supervisor” in the subject line. Your application should include a cover letter summerizing your experience and interest in the role, along with your resume. References will be requested at a later time. Do not submit a photo of yourself with your resume. Applications accepted until position is filled. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. If you have any issues or questions about the application or need an accommodation, please email: hr@lagunafoundation.org.

 

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The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital or veterans status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations. We strive to employ a staff that represents the communities we serve and work in. All Genders, LGBTQ+, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply.

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