Nursery Technician (NURSERY TCHN)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

On-site work environment

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

University of California - Davis Foundation Plant Services is seeking staff to assist in production, maintenance, and distribution of virus-tested plant materials. You will support greenhouse and field teams, assist in disease testing, and help collect and distribute plant material for research and public use.

Position is 100% on-site in Davis, with a 7:00AM-3:30PM Monday–Friday schedule. Salary $22.07–$29.73 per hour, bi-weekly pay, STEPS grade, 2 positions available.

Qualifications

• Requires valid California driver's license and driving record per local policy.
• Experience with pruning, staking, tying plants and moving plant material between greenhouse locations.
• Knowledge of plant propagation techniques and handling soil mixing.
• Ability to read and write English and follow recipes for soil components.
• Familiarity with safe pesticide practices and protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• 40% - General Maintenance
• 20% - Propagation
• 20% - Water and Fertilize
• 10% - Labeling
• 5% - Insecticide Application
• 5% - Preparation

Skills

Valid California driver's license

Plant handling experience

Education

No minimum education

Job description

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to assist in the production and maintenance of plant material in departmental greenhouses, screenhouses and lath houses, to assist in disease testing procedures and to seasonally assist in collection, storage and distribution of plant material. This position also provides support to laboratory and field personnel.

Apply By Date October 27th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• No minimum education required.
• Experience in use pruning tools, to stake and tie plants, and to lift and move potted and flatted plant material among greenhouse locations.
• Experience to move plant material among greenhouse locations in an organized manner and to match names and numbers from lists provided.
• Experience in the lift bales and bags of soil medium, to use a shovel to move and mix soil, and to follow a recipe in mixing soil components.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Knowledge of techniques used in plant propagation, including the use of seed, runners, cuttings, and budding/grafting. Knowledge of plant symptoms as related to water stress and the ability to apply water in the proper amount and with proper techniques.
• Knowledge of safe practices related to the application of pesticides and ability to withstand the discomforts of protective clothing and equipment needed when applying pesticides.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - General Maintenance
• 20% - Propagation
• 20% - Water and Fertilize
• 10% - Labeling
• 5% - Insecticide Application
• 5% - Preparation

Department Overview

Foundation Plant Services (FPS) is a self-supporting service center in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis whose primary function is to produce, maintain, and distribute virus-tested plant materials of deciduous fruit and nut trees, grapevines, strawberries, and roses for research and public commercial use. FPS also operates the National Importation program through which grape, fruit and nut tree, and rose germplasm is imported, tested for disease, and made available for public distribution. FPS manages 140 acres of fields in and around Davis. The gross income of FPS is approximately $8 million per year.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $22.07/hr. - $29.73/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: NURSERY TCHN
• UC Job Code: 009562
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Friday, 7:00AM-3:30PM
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page. If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Never 0 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Never 0 Hours
• Twisting - Never 0 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Never 0 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Must be able to work occasional overtime on weekends and holidays. Application of agricultural chemicals requiring the use of protective clothing and equipment. Incumbent follows written and oral communications (i.e. verbal, web based, mapped, and posted) to ensure all assignments are completed properly. Incumbent is required to participate in Department injury and illness prevention program. Incumbent works in enclosed areas treated with pesticides while applying pesticide applications and/or after re-entry periods is reached. Incumbent must be able to tolerate field and greenhouse hot and humid conditions.

Special Requirements

• N/A

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-DE