Job Posting Title:

Nursery Manager

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Hiring Department:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Feb 10, 2025

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

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Job Details:

General Notes

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation of native plants through its public botanic garden and its education, research and outreach programs. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982, the Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden, a community gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, sustainable landscapes, land restoration and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants in the state, welcomes 240,000 visitors annually, has 16,000 members and reaches more than 2 million people through its website. The Center is focused on improving landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and connecting people with our environment.

The Wildflower Center believes that the “environment is where we all meet,” as Lady Bird Johnson once wisely said. We are a community of people that care for each other, our land and our broader community. 

Benefits-eligible Wildflower Center staff members enjoy the robust health, time off and leave, and retirement benefits of The University of Texas at Austin employees. Wildflower Center staff get free parking, a free annual membership, discounts on Center classes and purchases made at the Gift Shop and Gallery and the Wildflower Café, and access to featured events. An inspiring and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.  

Purpose

The Nursery Manager will manage the development and implementation of the Nursery and Propagation program at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Job Responsibilities

Manage plant growing program to propagate and house plants for Center plant sales, Gardens, Texas Arboretum, Science and Conservation, special collections, plants of conservation concern, contract growing, grants, select projects, and other Center programs. Oversee and schedule propagule collection for the nursery on and off-site. Determine appropriate species, quantities, storage, and propagation. Work with Conservation Collections Manager on record-keeping and manage nursery seed bank. Monitor and implement pest control including treatments for insects, diseases and weeds following the principles of Integrated Pest Management. Oversee nursery volunteers. Maintain pesticide license.

Work closely with the Director of Horticulture and lead most aspects of plant sales including venue set-up and break down, work with Volunteer Manager on volunteer staffing, take inventory of stock and place plant orders with vendors, serve as daily lead for plant sale weekends, and maintain revenue spreadsheet.

Propose and manage budgets for all aspects of operation, maintenance and repairs of nursery facilities and plant sales. Work closely with Director of Horticulture to develop annual program plans and prepare reports. Interview and recommend suitable applicants for employment. Prioritize and supervise employee activities, provide training, and maintain performance and attendance records. Demonstrate leadership and motivate employees. Maintain records and reports on work requests, pesticide use, injuries, and inventory. Conduct routine inspections of assigned areas and work performed. Manage special collections and grant funded programs. Secure permits and access to land from private landowners, county, state, and national parks for propagule collection. Ensure compliance with Texas Department of Agriculture regulations and the Center’s Policy on Rare and Endangered Species and all other aspects of the Living Collections Policy.

Ensure a safe environment for guests, volunteers, staff and the surrounding landscape. Identify, schedule and supervise maintenance and repairs of greenhouse facilities, equipment, tools, irrigation systems, and nursery grounds. Supervise and train staff in the proper operation and maintenance of greenhouses and nursery equipment. Coordinate with Gardens Manager to schedule irrigation, and program irrigation schedules for the Nursery.

Effectively communicate and coordinate projects and activities with all members of the Horticulture team and other Center teams. Provide horticultural expertise and contribute to Center sponsored programs, classes, site tours, and events. Interface with university personnel, cooperative agencies, and contractors. Assist the public by answering questions relating to the Wildflower Center and native plant horticulture. Strive to ensure a positive guest experience.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or related field.

At least 2 years of supervisory experience.

Use of hand and power tools applicable to trade.

Experience with various plant propagation methods including seed and spore germination, cuttings, layering, and division.

Proficient at diagnosing and treating common plant ailments, nursery pests, and pathogens.

Basic knowledge of irrigation systems and greenhouse mechanical infrastructure.

Strong communication and leadership skills.

Holds a Pest Control License from Texas Pest Control Board or Texas Department of Agriculture, or will commit to acquiring upon hire.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with Texas native plants in natural and horticultural contexts.

Spanish or American sign language skills.

Certified in First Aid and CPR training.

Experience supervising students, interns, and/or volunteers.

Driving Required

This job requires a class “C” operator’s driver’s license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary

$50,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Must be able and willing to work outside in all kinds of weather.

May be exposed to hazardous wildlife, dust, fumes, smoke, and loud noises.

Physical stamina and ability to lift fifty pounds required.

Work Shift

Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. May change seasonally.

Evening and weekend work required for plant sales and special events.

Required Materials

Resume/CV

3 work references with their contact information including email address; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.

Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.