The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG) is seeking a highly organized horticulturist to oversee our retail and production nursery. MCBG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates a nationally recognized public garden known for its beauty, significant plant collections, coastal bluffs, and beloved events. The Gardens has grown into a leading attraction on the Mendocino Coast through the collaborative effort of our passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers, and board. Our small staff relies heavily on teamwork to ensure that the Gardens, our events, and our programs continue to excite, inspire, and educate the public for years to come. MCBG is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and guests.
The Nursery Manager position is responsible for the successful planning and execution of all plant propagation and sales for the retail nursery. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, advanced knowledge of plant propagation, pest control, and the tools of the trade, as well as the ability to delegate tasks, problem-solve, and anticipate needs. The Nursery generates approximately $200,000 gross profit before operating expenses. This position is responsible for producing 40% of retail plants in-house and ordering the remaining 60% from regional distributors. The retail nursery is an important entity of the Gardens, where we can reach the public with information and materials that help us carry out our mission beyond our property's borders.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Propagation
- Schedule, conduct, and direct the propagation (via seeds, divisions, and cuttings) of approximately $70,000 worth of plants annually
- Maintain and oversee the maintenance of nursery plants including watering, fertilizing, pruning, transplanting, and weeding
- Coordinate with Garden Manager to make all propagation decisions in order to represent the Gardens’ plant collections and align with the Gardens’ mission statement
- Maintain accurate propagation records, update production calendar, and create propagation protocols
- Utilize Integrated Pest Management to control pests
- Comply with all Mendocino County Agriculture reporting requirements
- Maintain appropriate conditions in propagation house, greenhouses, and mist benches
- Collect, purchase, and maintain all necessary seed stock
Retail Sales
- Greet and assist visitors with plant selection, plant identification, pest/disease diagnosis, cultural information, and other questions
- Respond to inquiries received via phone, email, and online platforms
- Hold two major plant sale events each year
- Create and oversee the creation of aesthetically pleasing displays including signage
- Maintain a neat and thoughtfully organized retail nursery
- Assist customers with plant purchases
- Perform annual physical inventory of nursery stock in coordination with the Store and auditor
- Establish and maintain relationships with vendors
- Receive orders using the POS system and submit invoices for payment
- Submit monthly reports to Finance Department
- Track expenses and stay within budget
Management and Oversight
- Hire, schedule, train, and evaluate two part-time nursery staff
- Train and orient volunteers, providing guidance, ongoing support, and showing appreciation for their contributions
- Maintain necessary levels of supplies: horticultural, propagation, sales and office supplies
- Communicate with Department of Agriculture as needed
- Maintain the nursery areas in a safe and tidy manner
- Work in coordination with Maintenance Manager for facilities maintenance
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 3 years of experience with nursery production and propagation
- Develop and follow a department budget including both retail operations and nursery maintenance
- Demonstrated experience managing, training, and supporting staff and volunteers
- Retail nursery experience including customer service and display
- Wholesale plant purchasing experience including receiving using POS system
- Knowledge of regional ornamental plants
- Gardening knowledge
- Strong computer skills, specifically MS Office Suite; Google Workspace and POS
- Able to establish productive working relationships with a broad array of individuals
- Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of MCBG information
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Proven experience providing excellent customer service
- Experience working with volunteers is a plus
- Must abide by the personnel policies of MCBG
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.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit a cover letter and resume to the MCBG Director of Operations, Aspen Logan, at operations (at) gardenbythesea (dot) org.
Pay: From $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
