Working/Functional Title

Beaumont Nursery Manager

Position Summary

Salary: $58,000 - $70,900 annually, depending on experience. 

MSU Benefits: Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

MSU Landscape Services has been maintaining campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. We are responsible for all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance including snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general repair on the campus of Michigan State University.

The Beaumont Nursery Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the nursery operations, including the research, purchase, care, documentation, and inventory of plant materials for campus plantings and academic use. This position manages and oversees the nursery facilities and daily operations to support production goals and campus research by utilizing specialized methods in planting, propagating, cultivating, and maintaining plants, trees, shrubs, and by improving and maintaining nursery and greenhouse facilities and specialized equipment to enhance and promote plant health. The role involves the supervision of nursery staff through hiring, training, evaluating, and providing guidance and support. Additionally, the position includes offering educational tours, guest lectures, and managing seed collection and exchange with other institutions.

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship. At IPF, we are committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive culture; engaging and hiring a diverse workforce.

Job responsibilities are as follows:

20%: Supervises, schedules, and assigns work of regular full-time, part-time, and seasonal nursery staff. Trains staff on industry safety standards, processes, and use of nursery equipment. Interviews, hires, and evaluates employees and resolves employee complaints. Develops, modifies, and implements new processes for innovation and efficiency within the nursery operations. Maintains appropriate licensing as required for nursery operations. Inspects work sites in order to ensure appropriate maintenance of greenhouse and nursery facilities. Ensures compliance with safety procedures and guidelines, University standards, and state and federal guidelines.

20%: Oversees and maintains records of nursery water usage, chemical applications, and all plant materials within IPF operations including size, location, source of purchase, and plant history, using computerized and GIS technology. Purchases, orders, receives, and verifies nursery stock. Research and evaluate new vendors, products, and equipment within the nursery industry. Oversees, maintains, and updates the field and greenhouse inventory records ensuring proper documentation. Participates in the documentation and auditing of campus woody landscape plantings. Collects, processes, and stores tree cuttings and seeds for campus use and exchange with other institutions. Produces plant informational labels to aid with the documentation and auditing of plantings within IPF operations.

20%: Plans, utilizes, and adapts specialized methods in planting, propagating, cultivating, budding, grafting, and transplanting plants, flowers, trees, and shrubbery. Determines the appropriate insecticides, types and quality of fertilizer, and the ideal temperature and humidity for the plants under cultivation. Determines soil mixtures, irrigation needs, and appropriate methods for plants, trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Perpetuates new and rare plants, trees, and shrubs for campus grounds or academic courses. Plants, propagates, cultivates, prunes, weeds, fertilizes, and transplants plants, shrubs, and trees. Trims plants, trees, and shrubbery to promote growth and aesthetic value. Oversees and assists in pest management efforts through applying pesticides and herbicides.

20%: Directs and assists in the maintenance of the greenhouse, polyhouse, office, root cellar, hoop houses, and nursery fields in support of the facility's production goals. Recommends ideas for improvements to facilities to promote better plant growth and health. Directs and assists in building, repairing, and maintaining nursery/greenhouse structures, equipment, and facilities, such as the greenhouse reverse osmosis system. Oversees complex irrigation and water filtration systems.

20%: Supervises the development and diversity of the campus arboretum by acquiring new species and propagating rare and unusual species from campus. Manages the heritage tree production and supplies trees for the heritage tree program. Answers questions, provides guided tours, and serves as a guest lecturer for students, visitors, faculty, garden clubs, and other groups.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Horticulture; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in horticulture practices, mechanical and electronic repair, and supervision; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in categories Turf (3A) and Ornamental (3B).

Possession of a valid State vehicle operator's license at time of hire. Must be able to meet MSU safe driving standards.

Desired Qualifications

Possession of a Michigan Certified Nurseryman certification, or an approved equivalent. Possession or attainment of a MSU Forklift, Loader, Tractor, Toolcat, Skid Steer, and Backhoe operator permits prior to completion of applicable probation or trial period in order to assist with training and fill in as a backup in emergency needs. Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in Nursery and Greenhouse management.

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume is required

Special Instructions

Please list out or provide copies of any required licensure/certifications you possess within your application as they pertain to this position.

Work Hours

Monday through Friday from 6am-2:30pm with potential after-hours, weekend, & holiday work. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality of work requirements, events, or emergency situations.

Website

ipf.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

Duties associated with this position involve frequent carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, and lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds.

Summary of Health Risks

Duties associated with this position involve working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas and working in variable or severe weather conditions.

Bidding Eligibility ends May 6, 2025 at 11:55 PM