Horticultural Specialist

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Job description

ManTech International is a leader in advanced technologies to help government and industry manage and protect information, support and maintain critical systems, and develop integrated solutions for mission-critical national security programs.

However, ManTech also has a small Environmental, Range, and Sustainability team (~45 people) of biologists, ecologists, conservationists, environmental planners, and GIS professionals based out of California who work on federal contracts with various military installations across the Western region. This satellite team works with military and civilian personnel on federal landholdings to responsibly and effectively manage land and wildlife for conservation. See for more information.

Our team is seeking a mid-level Conservation Biologist/Horticultural Specialist that will be responsible for California native plant production in support of restoration projects primarily on Naval Base Ventura County San Nicolas Island and Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Horticultural Specialist will work under the co-direction of the Projects Director and Deputy Program Manager and will maintain an island-based, biosecure native plant nursery while developing a larger mainland native plant production program.

*Potential signing bonus may be awarded to successful candidate. *

Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage propagation of native plants in greenhouse and outdoor settings. Propagation will be primarily from seed; however, cuttings may also be required for some species
• Water, fertilize, mulch, amend soil, weed, prune, rake, upsize plants and other activities involved in cultivating plants
• Research and troubleshoot germination problems with specific native plant species
• Collect and clean native plant seed regularly
• Assess watering needs and refine the drip irrigation system as needed
• Recognize and respond to insect and plant pathogen problems within the greenhouse using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods
• Install outplantings in designated restoration areas with restoration crews
• Perform weeding at restoration areas
• Maintain and repair the island greenhouse shade structure
• Use garden equipment, including but not limited to hand and power tools
• Input and update plant production data in spreadsheets
• Willingness to obtain a CA Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate to apply herbicide is highly desired

This is a unique, cradle-to-grave horticulture position in which the full-time, exempt person will oversee and manage all steps from production to installation of native plants at restoration sites. Overnight travel is required (per diem will be provided). The horticultural specialist will fly aboard a military contractor aircraft from Naval Base Ventura County to the plant nursery on San Nicolas Island and may spend up to 8 nights/month on island. Other job duties will include developing a mainland native plant production program and conducting restoration fieldwork on Vandenberg Space Force Base near Lompoc, CA. Applicants must be in commuting distance to Point Mugu/Port Hueneme, CA area (Ventura County) and Lompoc, CA (Santa Barbara County). Salary is commensurate with experience and will range from $23.50 - $30.00/hr.

To apply, please include a cover letter that details your experience with your resume. Supporting materials such as photos of previous plant nurseries in full production or descriptions of problem-solving with growing challenging native plants are strongly encouraged to support the cover letter. Applicants that do not outline their demonstrated plant production experience or how they meet the below qualifications will not be considered.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and > 8 years' experience or,
• Bachelor's Degree (BA or BS) in Horticulture and > 3 years' experience (degrees in related fields may be considered with a clear description of demonstrated experience)
• Demonstrated experience with native plant production, preferably with CA species
• Ability to identify and correct common plant pathogens
• Demonstrated creativity and initiative, good verbal and written communication skills, independent thinking, good problem-solving skills, technical field skills and knowledge of greenhouse management
• Strong leadership skills, ability to work independently and as a team member, and exemplary work habits, especially related to safety, common sense, punctuality, and adaptability
• Clearance: None required.