Garden and Community Forest Nursery Coordinator

Job Responsibilities and Priorities:

• Oversees, maintains, improves, and expands the functions of the nursery as directed by the Garden Manager.
• Propagates the Garden’s extensive collections of native, endangered, and canoe plants for Garden replacement as well as for sale or donation. Maintains an inventory of plants for public nursery sales, Garden events, and client requests. Maintains an overall nursery plant species inventory.
• In coordination with the Garden Manager and the Horticulturist, decides which plant species should be accessioned into the Nursery and/or Garden proper, and which plant species should be removed from the Nursery and/or Garden proper. The Nursery Coordinator works closely with Laukahi (laukahi.org) regarding seed storage both on- and off-site and ensures that appropriate permits are in place for endangered plant species for seed collection, uses, and exchanges both in the Garden and with other organizations, groups, and individuals.
• Recognizes and helps to control or eliminate insects and other pests or diseases that damage the plant collections and pose a risk to the Garden.
• Maintains nursery irrigation systems, monitoring watering times, soil conditions and plant positions. Applies BMPs (best management practices) of plant production, fertilization, pest control, and growing techniques.
• Works with the Garden Manager and other staff and volunteers to assure that all plants are accurately identified and correctly labeled as to Hawaiian common name and scientific genus and species.
• Ensures that endangered species are properly tagged, labeled, and inventoried, and endangered plants sold or donated are properly logged for reporting under the State permits.
• In coordination with the Garden Manager and Horticulturist, decides the plant list for Garden plant sales and events.
• Orders nursery supplies, including soil and pesticides, in coordination with the Horticulturist.
• Assists in nursery expansion as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural studies, horticulture, or a similar field.
• Has had 3+ years working in a plant nursery or similar setting.
• Detailed knowledge of plant propagation, soil, fertilizers, and growing techniques.
• Able to maintain stock of soil, pots, fertilizer, etc., for continuous nursery plant propagation. Familiarity with POS and stock ordering software systems.
• Computer literate with competency in Microsoft Office and other standard computer software.
• Excellent communication and management skills.
• Professional and friendly demeanor.
• Experience with training staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
• Ability to create work rosters and delegate duties.
• Responsible and punctual.

Other Desired Knowledge, Experience, and Skills:

• A working knowledge of Hawaiian plants and their cultural uses and significance.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for customer service.
• Planning skills for ongoing nursery expansion.
• Involvement and interest in local, island-wide, and State horticultural groups, societies, and trainings.

Position Duration, and Working Conditions:

This job is a mixture of office work and outside plant nursery work. Must be physically fit and able to lift (or pull in a wagon) at least 30 lbs. for short periods of time. Must be willing to use some pesticides and be willing to wear PPE as needed. Includes walking over uneven ground and some exposure to inclement weather.