Native Seed Producer-66405

at State of Montana in Missoula, Montana, United States

The mission of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is to ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. To learn more about DNRC please visitMontana DNRC. Job Overview: The Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery is expanding its operations to include Native Seed production. As part of the Montana Native Seed Network, the DNRC Seedling Nursery produces eco-regional native forb (wildflower) and grass seed derived from locally collected wild plant populations. The seed produced is used to help private landowners, government agencies, natural resource organizations, and other interested parties achieve their conservation goals. This position performs the day-to-day duties necessary to produce eco-regional seed on 1.5 acres of production fields and in remote field locations. Duties consist of weeding, weed fabric installation, harvesting, seed cleaning (processing), moving irrigation pipe, wildland seed collection, and numerous other duties as assigned. Functions are carried out using some knowledge of plant identification, seed production and agricultural practices and knowledge of the safe and efficient use of hand tools and equipment. Most tasks are physically demanding, performed outside in all weather conditions, sometimes under severe weather conditions. Fitness and reliability are necessary to succeed in this position. Special Information: The recruitment is for short-term work not to exceed 6 months. If another vacancy occurs in this job classification within six months of the closing date for these positions, the same applicant pool may be used for selection. Physical Requirements: Applicants must be able to lift 50 lbs. to a height of 3 feet frequently, perform strenuous work in all types of weather, bend from the waist, reach out and overhead, push, pull, go from standing to a kneeling position and vice-versa, and possess fine motor skills to accomplish detail-oriented, physical tasks. Application and Selection Process: A state application is required. (Please apply through theState of Montana website) The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is an equal opportunity employer and may include the following factors in determining whether an applicant meets the qualifications of a position vacancy: educational requirements, interview, job-related reference checks, job-related work experience.This position is open until filled.Compensation: All initial hiring will be as short-term workers not to exceed 90 days (approximately 4.5 months) of work. Compensation for short-term work is $17.00 per hour with no additional benefits. Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of safety precautions in the use of hand tools and other nursery equipment and agricultural operations, and ability to perform physically demanding tasks. An interest in growing native plants, working outdoors or conservation of Montana's natural resources is beneficial. Directly related nursery and/or agricultural experience and native plant identification is highly desirable. The ability to follow verbal and written instruction is critical. Must work well independently AND in group situations and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers. A high level of fitness is required with the ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds, work and hike in rugged terrain, and perform strenuous and repetitive tasks. The ability to work in the standing position and on one's knees for extended periods of time is required. Candidate must have a valid Montana state driver's license. Knowledges, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and at least six months experience in nursery, horticultural, farm, ranch or other outdoor work. Applicants with additional education in natural resources or horticulture and nursery experience will be considered first. Experience performing physically demanding tasks and a high interest in native plant production and conservation is desirable. Significant credit will be given for paid experience in the Native Seed industry (seed collection and/or seed production). Title:Native Seed Producer-66405Location:MissoulaRequisition ID:23141154