Nursery Assistant

REPORTS TO: Nursery Manager
POSITION: Part-time; seasonal; non-exempt; salary range $19 to $21/hr
BENEFITS: Paid sick leave; employee discount

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates a nationally recognized public garden known for its beauty, significant plant collections, and coastal bluffs. The Gardens has grown into the leading attraction on the Mendocino Coast through the collaborative effort of our passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers, and board. Our work environment is built on teamwork and making certain our guests have an inspiring experience. The Gardens is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and guests.

The Production and Retail Nursery Assistant is a part-time, seasonal position (typically March – October) that plays a vital role in the care and maintenance of our propagation, receiving, and retail nursery areas. Working under the direction of the Nursery Manager, this role primarily focuses on watering and tending to plants, maintaining nursery grounds, and plant propagation. The ideal candidate is passionate about plants, enjoys hands-on outdoor work, and thrives in a customer-facing environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic team while contributing to the beauty and success of our nursery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Plant Care and Nursery Maintenance  – 65%

• Maintenance of all nursery plants including watering, weeding, moving them, fertilizing, pinching/pruning, and transplanting in retail, receiving, and propagation areas 
• Maintenance of all nursery grounds in retail, receiving, and propagation to ensure they are safe, clean, and attractive
• Assist with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control pests
• Log and report on conditions in greenhouses and mist benches 
• Minor repairs

Propagation – 25%

• Plant propagation tasks like seed-sowing, division, and cuttings 
• Collection and maintenance of seed stock
• Eventually, train and supervise volunteers in propagation tasks
• Maintain accurate propagation records and follow propagation protocols

Guest Services – 10%

• Welcome and assist all guests and volunteers in or around the Nursery, and direct them to appropriate staff as necessary
• Assist customers with the movement of nursery plants
• Unload and receive plant deliveries in coordination with the Nursery Manager
• Assist Gardens staff as needed during special events

ESSENTIAL QULAIFICATIONS

• Experience with nursery duties such as watering, weeding, raking, sweeping, fertilizing, pest management, and plant grooming
• Retail nursery experience is preferred
• Experience with regional ornamental plants is preferred
• Gardening knowledge is a plus
• Computer skills, including email, internet, Microsoft Word, and Excel are preferred
• Experience with retail management systems/POS platforms a plus
• Must be able to coordinate with the Nursery Manager, and Interact with all Gardens visitors, nursery customers, staff, and volunteers in a pleasant and helpful manner and attitude
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment and establish productive working relationships with all types of individuals
• Must have the physical ability to lift and carry at least 30 pounds, reach and bend repeatedly, reach Items above shoulder height, and climb a ladder
• Ability to stand for 2+ hours at a time at least six hours a day
• Must abide by the personnel policies of MCBG
• Bilingual is a plus (English/Spanish)
• Experience working with volunteers, or teaching or tutoring  is a plus
• Ability to work alone and unsupervised  with a list provided 
• Ability to provide a short written report of completed tasks

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a resume or application and a cover letter to tell us why you are interested in this position. Applications are available online or at the MCBG entry, open daily from 9AM – 4PM. Please e-mail your application documents to MCBG Nursery Manager Lyn Anton at nursery@gardenbythesea.org or deliver them in person to the MCBG Main Entrance.

Application (printable PDF)

ABOUT THE MENDOCINO COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG) is a nonprofit botanical garden with a unique mixture of manicured gardens and wild habitat located along the Pacific Ocean. Our mission is to engage and enrich lives by displaying and conserving plants in harmony with our Northern California coastal ecosystems and to preserve public access to the coast. Each year, more than 100,000 people experience the wonder of nature in all its seasons at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This botanical escape is a place for guests to be inspired and experience the simple joy of a natural setting.