Plant Propagation Assistant

A Day in the Life

The Plant Propagation Assistant helps the Plant Propagator oversee operation of the horticultural nursery, including propagation and production of plants for the Garden's Living Collection, ecological restoration contracts, retail sales, and special projects. The Plant Propagation Assistant will assist in oversight of Nursery Volunteers to ensure efficiency in operations, and will help to record data and maintain plant growing records, in keeping with best practices. This part-time (20 hours per week), non-exempt position, reports to the Plant Propagator.

The Team

Our Horticulture team is better than ever. We are fortunate to have folks with a variety of skills and backgrounds, including grounds staff with more than 20 years of experience, to those new to the native plant world. Working with our Living Collections Curator and our Grounds Manager, under the direction of our Plant Propagator, you will serve a very important role on an amazing team!

What You’ll Do

• Assist Plant Propagator with seed cleaning and storage, labeling, sowing, transplanting, watering, pruning, preparing soil media and fertilizing plants in the nursery
• Work collaboratively with Plant Propagator to collect cuttings within the gardens living collection. Follow propagation protocols as advised by Propagator to prepare cuttings, seeds, and move plants up through various stages of development
• Help clean and maintain working areas, and basic hand tools used in daily propagation and nursery activities
• Keep accurate records of plant growth and inventory, for contracts and special projects. Assist with labeling of plants as needed
• Participate in field collecting for contracts and special projects. Prepare gear for collecting and properly store collected specimens until they can be processed
• Work with volunteers to assist in horticulture unit operations, including propagation, seed cleaning, and other activities pertinent to nursery operations
• Coordinate watering duties with Propagator to ensure nursery coverage is continuous and uniform for successful plant health
• Assist Propagator in scouting and treating for pests and pathogens in the Nursery

You Must Be Able To

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Work both independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a team, to further the goals of the organization
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment that requires quick turnaround and flexibility
• Manage time to meet deadlines and priorities
• Understand operations and activities within a nursery setting
• Take direction, understand, and follow oral and written instructions
• Work well with others, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Understand how to safely operate tools used in assigned work area
• Stand/walk for up to 2 hours at a time, and use a computer or phone for lengthy periods;
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices

You Will Definitely Need

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Familiarity with basic methods and techniques of Plant Propagation and plant production
• A valid California driver’s license (because you will drive a Garden “cart”)

It Would Be Nice if You Had

• Some experience in nursery production and Plant Propagation
• Associate’s degree or higher in horticulture, restoration, botany or related field preferred

More About Us

The Garden is a beautiful place to work! And in this role, you are often outdoors. In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.