GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY MANAGER

Recruitment #2110-4912-002

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

 

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

 

Purpose

THE POSITION:

The Greenhouse and Nursery Manager manages the City of Milwaukee nursery operations, overseeing personnel engaged in the propagation, production, cultivation, pest control, pruning, and harvesting of 20,000+ trees and 300,000+ annuals, perennials, and shrubs. The resident Greenhouse and Nursery Manager superintends the 160-acre site, providing 24/7/365 security for the property and facilities, and monitors and coordinates emergency repairs to HVAC, irrigation, and mechanical systems.

 

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Public Works (DPW)-Forestry Services is responsible for the design, planning, planting, and management of approximately 200,000 street trees, boulevards, landscapes, green spaces, and beautification projects within the City of Milwaukee. The primary goal is to efficiently manage the urban landscape to provide a better quality of life for Milwaukee's residents and visitors.

Essential Functions

OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT

  • Plan, organize, and coordinate operations and supervise staff, including nursery crew leaders and specialists, urban forestry crew leaders and specialists, urban forestry laborers, city laborers, municipal equipment operators, and temporary employees. Assign and direct work, assess performance, provide training and coaching, recommend corrective action, and participate in hiring decisions.  Ensure adherence to work rules and safe work procedures.
  • Coordinate on-going training at work sites to ensure safe, knowledgeable, and efficient job performance.
  • Oversee staff engaged in tree and shrub production, including planting, pruning, cultivation, pest control, and harvesting.
  • Oversee staff engaged in the propagation of annuals and perennials, using tissue culture, seed bed, cuttings, and other artificial reproduction methods.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

  • Monitor and perform minor and routine maintenance activities on greenhouse HVAC and mechanical systems. Coordinate major systems repairs and renovations. Maintain tissue culture laboratory.
  • Provide security for greenhouses, storage buildings, and equipment; superintend grounds on a 24/7/365 basis.

INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION

  • Coordinate distribution of trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials to Forestry district offices and external customers.
  • Maintain accurate plant inventory and production records on computer systems and produce various reports.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • The Greenhouse and Nursery Manager is required to live in an on-site residence in City-provided housing located on property at the Municipal Nursery and Greenhouse facility in Franklin, WI. Utilities, including electric, heat (natural gas), sewage disposal, personal telecommunications, and water softener salt are paid by the employee. Water is provided via the on-site well.
  • The on-site residence is a 3,705 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 2 baths and includes all appliances except a dishwasher (see photos at the bottom of this job posting).

Individuals who complete an application for general City employment on or after September 1, 2021 and are subsequently appointed to a position must provide proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 (i.e., received both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) or have an approved religious or medical accommodation within ten business days of their employment start date.

 

The Greenhouse and Nursery Manager must be willing and able to do the following:

  • Work in extreme heat and cold in both outdoor and indoor (greenhouse) environmental conditions.
  • Perform very physical work that entails walking, climbing, kneeling, crawling, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
  • Exert 100+ pounds of force occasionally, 50+ pounds of force frequently, and 20+ pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Accept calls and off-hour assignments related to management of the 24/7/365 operation. 

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree in nursery management, greenhouse management, forestry, horticulture, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Four years of progressively responsible experience in greenhouse or field nursery operations of a similar scale and size, including three years of nursery and/or forestry supervisory experience.
    Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.
  3. State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within six months of hire.
  4. State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in Greenhouse and Nursery (Category 3.1) within six months of hire.
  5. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. Transcripts should be attached to your online application or sent via email to staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov. Applications without college transcripts attached are considered incomplete and may be rejected. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcripts must be legible and include your college name, your name, the degree completed, and the date completed.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Greenhouse and Nursery Growers certification.
  • Active membership in a Professional Nursery Growers Association.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

TECHNICAL:

  • Knowledge of modern nursery and greenhouse systems, equipment, and practices.
  • Knowledge of the propagation and cultural requirements of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and ornamental grasses common to southeastern Wisconsin landscapes.
  • Ability to identify trees, perennials, annuals, and ornamental grasses common to southeastern Wisconsin landscapes.
  • Knowledge of common nursery and greenhouse pests and current pest control practices used in a production nursery setting.
  • Knowledge of and ability to manage large diverse plant inventories using computer systems.
  • Knowledge of and ability to enforce safety regulations and policies.
  • Ability to operate machinery used in the propagation, cultivation, and harvest of flowers, herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees.
  • Ability to perform minor and routine maintenance activities on HVAC and mechanical systems.
  • Ability to read and understand job-related documents, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations, compute statistics, and perform cost-benefit analysis.
  • Written communication skills to prepare clear correspondence, policies, and reports.
  • Verbal communication skills to be able to explain concepts and share information with staff and others.
  • Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

INTERPERSONAL AND SUPERVISORY:

  • Interpersonal and customer service skills to be able to work effectively with direct reports, City managers, outside agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a team-oriented, collaborative environment with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  • Supervisory skills, including the ability to assign and direct work, assess performance, provide training and coaching, recommend corrective action, and participate in hiring decisions.
  • Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM:

  • Ability to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work in an efficient manner.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills to be able to effectively manage a large-scale nursery.
  • Planning and decision-making skills to be able to establish priorities and ensure effective utilization of personnel and resources.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and handle emergency situations in a calm manner.
  • Ability to serve with professionalism, honesty, and integrity, and to exercise responsible stewardship of City resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (1EX) is $58,462-$81,844 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $60,216-$84,300 annually.

  • Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.
  • While the Greenhouse and Nursery Manager resides in Franklin, the incumbent is eligible for the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

 

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.  

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after Friday, November 5, 2021 extended to Monday, November 15, 2021. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY MANAGER ON-SITE RESIDENCE:

Conclusion

EEO 103
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.