STRAW Nursery Technician

Nursery Technician at Point Blue Conservation Science

Location: Position is based out of Point Blue's Headquarters in Petaluma, California

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Deadline to Apply: Monday, July 27, 2026

Compensation and Benefits: $26.45/hour. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits.

About Point Blue

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture. We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue’s mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.

Job Summary

The Nursery Technician works closely with STRAW Staff, volunteers, Educators, Apprentices and program staff to implement and maintain multiple native plant nurseries across Marin and Sonoma Counties. The Nursery Technician may lead the nursery work of Technicians, Apprentices and volunteers and will teach lessons and operate various equipment.

Essential Functions

Nursery Technician

Nursery Support: 75%

• Assist with planning and implementing nursery operations, including ordering and staging supplies, and communicating and coordinating with teachers and project partners.
• Assist native plant nursery maintenance and operations in multiple locations – including irrigation checks, improvements to the grounds, capital improvements, etc.
• Conduct seed collection for a wide selection of species across varied habitat types while observing stipulations of seed collection permits, best management practices and ethics.
• Perform propagation tasks for a wide range of native species including cuttings, seed treatments, sowing seeds, transplanting or rooted cuttings, layout field crop beds, and potting/re-potting plants.
• Follow Best Management Practices for Phytophthora and other plant pathogen prevention.
• Assist in plant watering including irrigation and back up watering systems.
• Maintain and communicate accurate records of seed and plant inventory with tracking numbers.
• Communicate effectively with a dynamic team including collaborating with Education staff, leading Interns, with instruction from Project Managers.
• Drive vehicles owned by Point Blue (e.g. trucks, tow trailers, all terrain vehicles) from Point Blue office and/or storage facilities to project sites.
• Operate mechanical tools and equipment such as weed whackers and small engines.
• Observe safe work methods and appropriate use of related safety equipment.
• Mentor, lead and provide technical direction to a crew of interns, apprentices, and technicians including leading field work and coordinating with Project Managers to plan daily tasks and supplies needed.
• Lead volunteers including school groups, and other volunteers at various nurseries in a variety of nursery tasks while ensuring the safety of all participants and a high quality of work.

Education Support: 20%

• Attend and help lead Restoration Days with students, adult chaperones, and teachers throughout the Bay Area and occasionally the Northern Sierra region, and student and volunteer nursery workdays.
• Build relationships with STRAW teachers, aid them with resources, ideas, and development of relevant lessons.
• Support with in-classroom pre-restoration education lessons and provide feedback on lesson plan activities.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• Perform other duties, projects and research as assigned.
• Attend restoration-related synergistic meetings and build relationships with local project partnerships and support restoration education and efforts regionally.
• Support vehicle, storage facility, and tool logistics.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Familiar with ecological restoration work, including physically demanding field work.
• Familiar with California native plants (identification, propagation, conservation)
• Familiar with Phytophthora best management practices
• Familiar with basic and general nursery operations
• Adept at teaching and engaging K-12 students and other public audiences.
• Desire to acquire knowledge of ecosystem processes, terminology, scientific research methods and techniques involved in ecosystem conservation and management.
• Openness to feedback, sharing knowledge and skills, and hearing new perspectives.
• A strong sense of self awareness and the willingness to engage in reflective practice.
• Strengths in problem solving and troubleshooting challenges.
• Work respectfully on private and public property.
• Work in both a team setting and individually.
• Lead small teams of people in the nursery.
• Listen carefully and execute detailed instructions.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email applications.
• Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Practice self awareness and respect while engaging with people of all backgrounds and ages.

Certifications and/or Licenses

• Valid US driver’s license (4 year minimum) with favorable driving history to drive company owned vehicles.
• Approved background check and fingerprinting to work with students. Can be completed on the job for qualified candidates who do not have prior finger printing.

Preferred Education and Experience

Any combination of education, experience and training that is equivalent to a minimum of 2 years of experience including, but not limited to:

natural resource management, habitat restoration, natural sciences, horticulture, biology, ecology, restoration, botany, agronomy, agriculture, wildlife management, small engine repair, mechanics, engineering, hydrology, irrigation, landscaping, traditional ecological knowledge or related work.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• The position is based out of Point Blue facilities located in Petaluma, California.
• Ability to travel between native plant nurseries that are spread between Marin and Sonoma County
• This position operates at remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes in a solitary capacity.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions such as rain, heat, wind, and cold temperatures.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk and perform other physical activities.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and complete strenuous physical tasks.

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel

• This position is full time, non-exempt.
• The schedule will vary according to the season but generally it is 8 hours per day, Monday - Friday, with some overtime and weekend work possible.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required for this position. Advanced notice will be given. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.