Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager Recruitment

Forest Solutions Inc. Hawai‘i

About Forest Solutions

Forest Solutions Inc. (FSI) has been the leading forest consulting group in Hawai‘i for the past 25 years. We specialize in a diverse variety of forest and natural resource management needs from native forest silviculture, invasive weed management, timber plantations establishment and maintenance, forest inventory, long-term wood supply modeling, third-party log scaling, traditional agroforestry, forest planning and permitting, community engagement, large-scale nursery production. FSI is a team-oriented, small business with 6 foresters and natural resource specialists that each contribute experience and insight into resource management challenges in Hawai‘i and the Pacific in a collaborative work environment.

Our work is always practical, based on best available science, informed by field observations and experience, and connected to Hawai‘i’s biocultural heritage. We have 3 field crews undertaking a variety of forest management work across thousands of acres of native forests. As a part of our diverse team, you can have a role in shaping the future of large-scale forest management in Hawai‘i and across the Pacific! For example, at the Kealakekua Forest Nursery, FSI has produced over 475,000 native plants in the past three years, serving as one of the largest native plant nurseries in the state.

About the position

We are seeking a self-motivated and detailed-oriented resource management professional to support the Kealakekua Forest Nursery and assist in the implementation of our Kona forest management projects. The position work is project-based and highly responsive to client needs and timelines. Flexibility, a sense of purpose, and self-motivation are essential to the position, in addition to technical skills. The Nursery Manager will be working as part of the larger FSI team and responsible for the overall management of our nursery operations, including supervision of nursery support staff and contractors.

The position is primarily based at the KFN in Kona; however, it does involves extended off-road driving in remote locations, sometimes alone, or while supervising work crews. Considerable cross-country hiking/traversing is regularly needed. Office work includes tracking, organizing and providing progress report on nursery operations and other projects, development and maintenance of GIS and Access databases, and regular interaction with other land management professionals.

The work location is generally within 30 minutes to 2 hours off-road from Captain Cook/Kealakekua, Hawai‘i Island. However, the day-to-day work locations can change as our client mix and project priorities change. We have projects throughout Hawai‘i Island and help each other out when needed.

This is a full time, year-round position with supervisory responsibilities. The position is expected to be 60% outdoor work & 40% reporting, mapping and database management (GIS/Access), budgeting, and other associated office work.

Principal responsibilities

1. Oversee the nursery operations of the Kealakekua Forest Nursery, including managing, tracking and ensuring nursery orders are complete and timely.
2. Research, develop, and/or improve seed collection, production, processing, and storage; propagation techniques; weed and pest management; and seedling development for various plant species.
3. Prepare written monthly and quarterly progress reports for clients, including tabular and map data, and develop and track detailed project budgets.
4. Manage and expand nursery clientele and support volunteer and community engagement opportunities at the nursery.
5. Assist area forester in supporting and supervising field crews, tracking work progress, planning future work, and inspecting the quality of fieldwork.
6. Collect and process GPS information, prepare GIS geodatabases, manage and update Access databases, and prepare final maps for projects.
7. Lead vegetation surveys and seed collection efforts, develop ecological site descriptions, identify appropriate seed collection sites for project.

Additional duties

1. Communicate regularly with FSI team, clients, and other forest managers as needed in written and verbal formats;
2. Ensure the correct use and maintenance of field equipment, tractors, skidder, excavator, crawler tractors, review equipment use logs;
3. Maintain proprietary and client databases, maintain a clean and orderly digital project repository;
4. Represent company or clients at public and private meetings in a professional manner;
5. Assist in preparing annual work budgets, estimate the cost of completing projects;
6. Apply and supervise the application of pesticides in accordance with the label and legal requirements, including personal protective equipment, verify the correct application methods by field crews.

Candidate selection criteria

The successful candidate will have a 4-year degree or equivalent experience in botany, horticulture, biology, forest ecology, resources management, forestry, or a closely related subject. Two years of prior nursery experience is preferred as well as botanical survey experience; ecological studies; and biological sampling experience.

Essential qualifications

1. Ability to write clearly and concisely in the English language, using proper citations and scientific writing style.
2. Able to create and maintain spreadsheets and databases; able to write monthly reports.
3. Willingness and ability to work alone or in small teams in remote locations, with little or no mobile phone coverage, self-motivated, and project-driven.
4. Physically able to walk long distances in rugged terrain, over sharp lava fields or in thick forests for a full workday in all weather.  Ability to lift 50 lbs.
   • A significant portion of this work is at elevations between 2,500 and 10,000 ft
5. Experience operating small, power tools safely such as weed eaters, chain saw, etc.
6. Experience in the use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office suite, access databases, basic knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS software, able to upload/download GPS data.
7. Willing to mix and apply pesticides and chemical fertilizers in strict accordance with label requirements
8. Able to drive 4WD vehicles on 4WD conditions and rough roads, valid US driver’s license
9. Able to legally work in the United States at the time of hire

Desirable qualifications

1. Knowledge and ability to identify native Hawaiian flora
2. Experience preparing biological sampling, ecology reports, or scientific publications
3. Experience with using and maintaining field equipment
4. Experience managing databases
5. Supervisory experience, including non-work settings as a team leader

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation based on experience, with competitive wages, vehicle allowance, dental, vision, and general healthcare provided. Expected to start at 50,000+ per year.

To apply

If interested, please submit:

1. Cover letter highlighting abilities relevant to this position
2. Résumé or CV
3. List of at least 3 references we can contact
4. Optional: Academic summary if you have less than 2 years of related experience
5. Optional: Writing sample

Electronically: forester2021@forestsolutionsinc.com

Deadlines:

Applications received until July 1, 2022, candidate selection to conclude by July 8, 2022. Expected start date is July 25, 2022.

Posted: June 14, 2022