Nursery Container Production Supervisor

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 31 May 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Nursery Container Production Supervisor
Position Location Fort Collins, CO 80523
Classification Title Grounds & Nursery II
Posting Number 202200231P
Position Type State Classified
Open Date 05/12/2022
Close Date 05/31/2022
Salary $3,510 - $4,251 Monthly + Full Benefits
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) and the State of Colorado are committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time classified employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Full/Part Time Full-time
State Classified Hourly No
Overtime Eligible
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Nursery, located on the Foothills Campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, is the state’s leader in producing low-cost, Colorado-grown seedling trees and shrubs for conservation purposes. In keeping with its mission, the CSFS Nursery produces a variety of species for landowners and land managers, all selected for their hardiness and adaptability, and ideally suited for conservation purposes. Situated on 130 managed acres used for field production of bare root seedlings, the CSFS Nursery also utilizes 18,000 square feet of greenhouse space for container plant production. More than 40 species are produced at the Nursery, with ideal selections available for all of Colorado’s diverse environments, and we continuously conduct trials to identify new species that will address the needs of landowners. The CSFS Nursery sells approximately 1 million seedlings each year to private landowners, largely through a network of cooperators. The CSFS Nursery is the state’s leader in producing low cost plant material for conservation applications. The nursery provides plant material to landowners through a network of cooperators, via shipping and walk in customers at the nursery location.
Position Summary
Under supervision of the CSFS Nursery manager the container production supervisor will be responsible for all operations related to container plant production. Specifically the supervisor will be responsible for the management of the nursery’s 18,000 sq.ft. of greenhouse space, including irrigation, operation of Wadsworth controllers, insect and disease identification and management and general maintenance and upgrades of the greenhouses. The supervisor will be responsible for the identification and stratification of seed for 40+ species of plants grown in containers with an emphasis on ecotypic plant production. Inventory and quality control of finished material stored in outdoor shade houses and careful attention to nursery budgets will also be the supervisor’s responsibility. Additionally, the container production supervisor will participate in production planning with the nursery manager, grading, boxing and distribution of seedlings with the operations coordinator, and discussions regarding cost containment and future operations.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate:
  • Two full-time years of progressively responsible grounds care and maintenance, greenhouse, or plant nursery general labor work experience appropriate to the job assignment.
  • Possession of a current valid State of Colorado driver’s license.

Substitutions
Preferred Qualifications
The highly desired candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, personal characteristics, and experience directly related and critical to this position:
  • Knowledge of and commitment to conservation practices in tree and shrub production and growth
  • Strong communication skills; able and willing to patiently describe and explain tree and shrub care methods
  • Genuine interest in the identification of new species that meet the needs of Colorado’s diverse environment
  • Experience with the propagation of trees, shrubs, and perennials from seed and vegetative propagation into various types of containers
  • Knowledge of Colorado’s unique growing environments and an appreciation for site-specific (ecotypic) seed sources
  • Skills involving identification, stratification requirements, and germination environments for types of seed
  • Ability to train and lead temporary employees in seedling propagation, grading, and packaging
  • Able to mindfully schedule work to meet production deadlines
  • Able and willing to maintain and repair irrigation systems, outdoor pole barn structures, and seeding equipment
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Directly related state service experience

Essential Job Duties


Job Duty Category Greenhouse Operations and Plant Propagation
Duty/Responsibility
The primary function of this position is the propagation of trees, shrubs, and perennials from seed and vegetative propagation into various types of containers. Knowledge of Colorado’s unique growing environments and an appreciation for site specific (ecotypic) seed sources is critical to the success of the person who assumes the responsibility of the position. Skills involving identification, stratification requirements, and germination environments of 40-50 different types of seed are of critical importance to the success of the container production supervisor. In addition to the propagation of plant material, the supervisor will be responsible for identifying and mitigating pests (pathogens, insects, and weeds) with an emphasis on biocontrols and nonchemical solutions. Finally, the trouble shooting, upkeep, and maintenance of aging greenhouse infrastructure and equipment will be the sole responsibility of the container production supervisor.
Percentage Of Time 70%
Job Duty Category Assist with supervision of temporary and contract employees
Duty/Responsibility
Assists with training seasonal and state classified personnel in seedling propagation, grading and packaging. Makes recommendations for temporary and seasonal new hires for 10-20 contract and hourly seasonal positions. Plans and schedules work to meet production deadlines. Ensures or provides all workers have received necessary EPA required worker protection training. Makes recommendations to the Nursery Manger about hiring and terminations for contract and hourly seasonal workers and also approves absences of workers when needed. Makes recommendations when Nursery Manager conducts agency designed performance reviews for contract and hourly seasonal workers. Makes recommendations during performance planning process including, but not limited to ratings and approvals for leave for state classified positions. Collaborates with fellow state classified positions in bare root seedling production and grading/packaging operations.
Percentage Of Time 15%
Job Duty Category Facility maintenance repair and upkeep
Duty/Responsibility
Determining needs and purchasing of growing materials including but not limited to: containers, potting soils, fertilizers, and equipment and facility repair materials and parts. Daily inspections, maintenance and repairs to greenhouse equipment and machinery. Calibrates, tests, and programs greenhouse computerized environmental controllers to ensure optimum cultural conditions. Maintains and repairs extensive irrigation system in greenhouse and outside shade house structures. Maintains and repairs outdoor pole barn shade structures. Maintains and repairs all seeding equipment and seedling container moving machinery. Monitors inventories and purchases supplies and materials for greenhouse production operation when needed.
Percentage Of Time 10%
Job Duty Category Seedling Distribution
Duty/Responsibility
Leads grading and loading of stock for delivery throughout region. Coordinates work processes with other state classified employees to ensure accurate deliveries meeting all delivery schedule time lines.
Percentage Of Time 5%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
  • Clearly document job duties you have performed that relate to minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications, and essential job duties in the Work Experience section on the application. Human Resources must be able to evaluate your experience based on this information.
  • Clearly outline dates of employment and hours worked per week for each employment experience listed in the Work Experience section of the Application so that Human Resources can calculate full-time work experience. Please note: Part-time experience will be calculated to determine the full-time equivalent.
  • The Work Experience is the only document that will be utilized to determine if minimum qualifications, as outlined in the job posting, have been met. The Application is considered to be the legal document on file; resumes will not be reviewed for minimum qualification requirements.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS
  • If an Application is considered “Incomplete”, the Application will be removed from consideration for the position.
  • An Application is incomplete if no current/ previous employment is included in the Work Experience section of the Application.
  • An Application is incomplete if “see resume” (or something similar) is noted, or previous employment does not contain job duties for every position in the Work Experience section of the Application.
  • Positions requiring a degree or if using education as a substitution for work experience (e.g.: Associate or Bachelor’s) transcripts are required in order to verify receipt of the required degree or coursework. If official or unofficial transcripts are not supplied at the time of application, the Application is incomplete.

RESUMES
  • When a resume is listed as a required document, it may be used in the comparative analysis/ evaluation process to determine the candidates that most closely meet the qualifications of the position. This process occurs after an application has passed the minimum qualifications screening. 

Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application; however, some positions may still require a resume as a component for complete application materials.
  • Please see the Required Documents section of the posting.

NOTES
  • Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.
  • The selection process for State Classified positions may include an exam(s) and interview(s) which require candidates to physically appear (at the CSU campus in Fort Collins, CO) at the candidates’ own expense.
  • All status updates for this position will be sent via email from [email protected] , OR the Employment Consultant facilitating the search process. In addition to your Inbox, remember to check the Deleted and Junk folders for these important communications.
  • Pertinent updates to your Application status can be obtained by logging into your application account at https://jobs.colostate.edu

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Colorado State University
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Colorado State University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources – Employment Office, at [email protected] or call (970) 491- MyHR(6947).
DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION
  • Please check the Help link online at https://jobs.colostate.edu/help/ for assistance on your application or for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
  • All other inquiries should be directed to the Colorado State University Human Resources Office (970) 491- MyHR(6947).
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License - Regular
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
Employment and Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging.
Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb .
A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.


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