City and County of San Francisco

Chief Nursery Specialist (#3430)

$44.53-$54.09 Hourly / $7,718.00-$9,375.00 Monthly / $92,612.00-$112,502.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general direction, supervises the operation of a large nursery, which contains approximately one acre of container stock and greenhouse production.

Distinguishing Features

Class 3430 Chief Nursery Specialist is distinguished from class 3428 Nursery Specialist by its supervision of subordinate classes, performance of more difficult and complex work, and responsibility as a primary resource for unique problems whereas class 3428 performs, or acts as a lead for a group of employees performing, a variety of nursery activities.

Supervision Exercised

First-level supervisor over one or more teams of subordinate staff.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Supervises the activities of Nursery Specialists, Gardeners, Apprentice Gardeners and volunteers engaged in propagation and cultivation of horticultural plants and in the preparation of floral displays.

2. Determines the species and quantities of plants to be propagated and cultivated; and makes determinations as to temperature, soil mixtures and other factors important to the propagation and cultivation of various plants.

3. Plans and calendars exhibits of seasonal flowering and foliage plants; arranges for exchange of plant material with other nurseries; and uses discretion and consults with superiors and other departmental personnel in order to coordinate efforts and anticipate demand for various types of nursery stock.

4. Prepares and submits budget requests for supplies and equipment; inspects buildings, greenhouses and other property for damage; requests and directs repair work; and supervises the maintenance of records of plant culture and other operations.

5. Implements an integrated pest management program (IPM) to reduce pesticide usage.

6. Conducts tours for the general public, amateur and professional organizations, and elementary, secondary schools and college programs; provides training for youth groups and gardening service training programs; responds to questions of the public and staff members concerning plant care and propagation; and coordinates gardening activities with special needs programs and other horticultural groups.

7. Enhances revenue through plant rental and sales to non-profit and other government agencies, this includes plant selection, labor cost estimation and evaluation, and coordination of delivery of plant materials.

8. Coordinates with the Conservatory of Flowers and Botanical Garden for the propagation, growing and supplying plants for public exhibits at these sites.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Techniques, materials and equipment used in propagation, cultivation and installation of horticultural displays, particularly as applied to the operations of a municipal park department; greenhouse and nursery facilities and equipment.

Ability and Skill to: Plan and supervise the operations of a year-round horticultural program; communicate orally and in writing with superiors, subordinates, horticultural groups and the public; maintain records of facility’s activities; supervise by planning, organizing, assigning and reviewing work of subordinates including training of subordinates as necessary; prepare, manage and monitor budgets and develop short and long term work plans; advise others in the operation of greenhouse and nursery facilities and equipment; design horticultural displays and interior plant decorations; use computer in order to manage budgets, records, communicate with superiors and subordinates, and process work and supply orders.

Minimum Qualifications

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:


Experience:

Four (4) years of professional experience in the propagation and culture of plants in a commercial or municipal nursery, greenhouse or conservatory environment.

License and Certification:

Possession of valid Driver’s License; AND

Candidates who become eligible for appointment will be required to obtain a Qualified Applicator’s Certificate (QAC) or a Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL) from the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Incumbents who fail to obtain this certificate or license within a six (6) month time period from the date of appointment will be separated from employment.

Substitution:

Possession of an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, Agronomy or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in Horticulture, Agronomy or a related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Notes

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: may require occasionally working in inclement weather and lifting floral exhibits and/or moving plants of moderate weight.

ORIGINATION DATE: 01/12/1961

AMENDED DATE: 07/01/77 (Retitled); 04/02/01; 03/21/07; 04/05/2007; 03/14/16

REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this job code.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN SFMTA SFCCD SFUSD

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 3430; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 3/14/2016;