Overview
The Horticulture Technician assists with the protection and enhancement of the native plant communities and landscapes at the Environmental Nature Center, ENC Nature Preschool and Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. Job responsibilities include implementation of improvements and maintenance activities. Candidate should be knowledgeable about native plants and threats to native habitats including plant pests, pathogens, and diseases. Candidate will assist with monitoring and managing our plant communities so that they provide healthy habitat for native wildlife and are aesthetically pleasing to our human visitors. This is a hands-on position. The Horticulture Technician spends the majority of the day outside in all weather conditions engaged in physical activity, dividing their time between all three locations. Must be willing and able to commute to both Newport Beach and Silverado, CA. This is a Part-Time or Full Time position. Starting pay rate: $17/hour
Supervision
The Horticulture Technician works under the direct supervision of the Horticulture Manager.
Essential Functions/Duties Include but Are Not Limited To:
Daily Operations
1. If opening, walk the grounds and assure trails are safe. Complete opening procedures checklist.
2. Water plants in the propagation area, as well as unestablished new plantings (before the heat of the day).
3. If closing, walk the grounds and assure that visitors have left. Complete closing procedures checklist.
4. Responsible for assisting with facility maintenance at all campuses.
5. At Tucker, responsibilities may occasionally include assuring that bird feeders are clean and filled, and assuring that restrooms are clean and well stocked with soap, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.
6. Responsible for daily litter removal and disposal, and for emptying and maintaining all trash receptacles.
7. Keep streams and pond systems clear of debris, ensure pump and water flow system are functioning correctly, shutting down the system if necessary.
8. Responsible for notifying the Horticulture Manager of any safety hazards that are not easily corrected, and for closing any trail if necessary.
Plant Communities
1. Responsible for assisting with irrigation system maintenance and installation when necessary.
2. Assist with all horticulture improvements to the grounds including planting, watering, trimming.
3. Remove non-native invasive weeds (with and without the assistance of community volunteers).
4. Assure that tools are sanitized between uses to avoid contaminating plants with pathogens (i.e., Phytophthora, weed seed, Euwallacea sp., Fusarium euwallaceae, etc.)
5. Recordkeeping: Record all plant removals, additions, and replacements in facility specific databases.
Native Plant Propagation & Sales
1. Assists with propagation and maintenance of locally native plants in the ENC’s Native Plant Propagation Program. This includes watering, potting them up to larger size containers, and keeping them correctly labeled.
Qualifications:
1. Commitment to the mission, vision and core values of the Environmental Nature Center.
2. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate flexibility.
3. Knowledge of California native plants highly desirable.
4. Knowledge of appropriate planting and watering methods required or willingness to learn.
5. Knowledge of native plant maintenance (trimming, dead-heading, etc.) highly desirable.
6. Knowledge of native plant production and transplanting techniques is desirable.
Required Skills:
7. Ability to operate power tools, gardening equipment, etc.
8. Ability to memorize and recall facts, figures, and information.
9. Ability to move up to fifty pounds and set up equipment.
10. Ability to hike on trails, and traverse stairs and uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
11. Ability to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of students, emergency situations, and program needs.
12. Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.
Preferred Skills:
13. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is essential because of limited resources, costs, productivity and quality continuity.
14. Ability to work irregular hours, including occasional weekends and nights.
15. Ability to interact successfully with supervisors, co-workers, teachers, parents and students.
16. Fingerprinting for a background check will be required.
17. Computer experience preferred or willingness to learn.
18. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must have reliable vehicle.
About Environmental Nature Center
Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is a world class facility that provides transformative experiences resulting in a deeper connection to nature. The ENC’s mission is to provide quality education through hands-on experience with nature. Our vision is to provide equitable access and inspire all to protect the natural world by serving as our community’s leader in ecological responsibility, sustainable practices and environmental education. The ENC connects over 50,000 community members to nature annually through school field trips, Traveling Naturalist programs, community programs, nature camps, service learning programs, and professional development programs.
The ENC’s 5-acre Newport Beach campus features 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitat, walking trails, and sustainably designed construction. The ENC’s LEED Platinum certified facilities are nationally recognized and provide an essential connection between nature and the built environment.
