Horticultural Specialist

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Job description

All ManTech employees will need to meet the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14042 and the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force Guidance requiring all covered contractor personnel to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Secure our Nation, Ignite your Future

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.

For all positions requiring access to technology/software source code that is subject to export control laws, employment with the company is contingent on either verifying U.S.-person status or obtaining any necessary license. The applicant will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. ManTech may choose not to apply for a license for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

ManTech International Corporation, as well as its subsidiaries proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a Disabled Veteran, Recently Separated Veteran, Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with ManTech through its online applicant system, please contact ManTech's Corporate EEO Department at . ManTech is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer - minorities, females, disabled and protected veterans are urged to apply. ManTech's utilization of any external recruitment or job placement agency is predicated upon its full compliance with our equal opportunity/affirmative action policies. ManTech does not accept resumes from unsolicited recruiting firms. We pay no fees for unsolicited services.

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