Careers in the Plant Sciences

Nursery Manager

California Botanic Garden - Claremont, Claremont, CA, United States

Position Title: Nursery Manager
Position Type: Permanent Position
Application Review Begins: Friday, April 11, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, May 09, 2025
Institution: California Botanic Garden
Department/Division: Conservation
Field (e.g., systematics): Horticulture
City: Claremont, Claremont, CA, United States
General Information: California Botanic Garden, the largest garden dedicated to California native plants, is seeking a Nursery Manager to join our team! The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative team in a key leadership role in the Conservation Department, and demonstrates a commitment toward increasing the impact of the program through developing new partnerships and projects. The Nursery Manager is responsible for supporting mission central functions including overseeing the propagation of plants for the 86 acre living collection, restoration projects, research, and our retail nursery, the Grow Native Nursery. The position is supported by a skilled team who work on a variety of projects that together yield tens of thousands of plants annually. The team develops propagation protocols for native species, carries out seed bulking projects, and undertakes experimental trials. The newly renovated nursery facilities at the California Botanic Garden sit on approximately 1 acre and include two greenhouses (3000 sqft), two liner houses (3000 sqft), shaded areas (14,000 sqft total across several areas) and an unshaded area (3,000 sqft).
The nursery operates under strict phytosanitary protocols to produce healthy, pathogen free plants.
Qualifications/Requirements:  Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in ecological restoration, horticulture or related field.
 Extensive knowledge of California native plants, including horticultural experience working with rare and more common species
 Supervisory experience
 A working knowledge of basic taxonomic principles and characteristics of major plant families and California flora.
 Experience in project management
 Experience supervising staff and working with volunteers
 Excellent organizational skills, accuracy in financial tracking and reporting
 Knowledge of horticulture practices with an emphasis on conservation horticulture
 Valid driver’s license.
Ability to conduct fieldwork and nursery work under a variety of environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.) is required.
 Ability to walk in uneven terrain through thick chaparral is required.
 Ability to lift 40 lbs is required.
Responsibilities:  Under cooperative agreements, contracts and grants between California Botanic Garden and other organizations, oversee the management of plant propagation projects for restoration and reintroduction including project management and reporting.
 Oversee the production of plants for the Garden's Living Collection and the Garden's retail nursery (GNN)
 In conjunction with the Director of Conservation Programs, prepare and adhere to the annual budget.
 Train and supervise organizational volunteers, interns, staff, and students.
 Oversee field collections for plant propagation projects.
 Work with the Director of Conservation Program to prepare written proposals for grants, agreements, and contracts for propagation projects that support restoration and ex-situ conservation.
 Oversee record keeping and data management.
 Prepare quarterly and final reports for multiple projects.
 Oversee the implementation of best management practices in the nursery
 With support from the Maintenance team, manage and maintain all Nursery systems and structures including: two greenhouses (3000 sq ft), two liner houses (3000 sq ft), benches, and shaded areas (14,000 sq ft total across several areas). Coordinate with Maintenance team for repairs including routine maintenance and renovations including capital improvement projects.
 Maintain up-to-date Best Management Practices Manual, chemical/material inventories, and other safety documentation.
 Work with the Business Office staff to ensure accurate and complete plant inventory tracking.
 Contribute to written articles for the Garden’s newsletters, website and social media outlets as requested.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Qualified candidates please send cover letter and resume to:
Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs
nfraga@calbg.org
Compensation Range: $69,000–80,000 commensurate with experience. Full Time, Salaried
Contact Name: Naomi Fraga, nfraga@calbg.org