Definition

Conducts studies, tests and experiments to enhance the development, growth and production of seedlings in a forest nursery; assists in planning and directing operational activities such as planting, lifting, irrigating, fertilizing and chemical spraying; supervises crews as needed to complete work projects.

Typical Work

Develops, locates, installs, maintains and measures basic studies, tests and experiments on elements and variables influencing the growth and production of nursery seedlings; 

Inspects and reports on signs of damage, disease and insect infestation in nursery seedlings and seed beds; 

Orders and maintains security of chemicals; calculates mixtures and trains personnel in methods and procedures for safe usage; 

Recommends changes to seedling growing, packing and production procedures and the application of various materials to nursery seedlings or seed beds; 

Oversees and is responsible for mixing and application of materials and procedures to nursery seedlings and seed beds; 

Installs, maintains, measures and records data on research plots utilizing methods and techniques as directed by research scientist; 

Maintains soil nutrient, irrigation and other records related to nursery growing conditions; 

Prepares internal reports on tests, studies and experiments; 

Plans and lays out nursery operational activities; 

Trains and supervises crews to accomplish nursery work; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:  cultural practices used in a forest nursery; soil elements; damage, diseases and insects common to forest nursery; methods and techniques of nursery irrigation; uses and application techniques of common fertilizers and chemical sprays.   

Ability to:  conduct soil tests to determine soil element composition and to recommend corrective action when need is indicated; recognize the presence and effects of damage, disease and insects on nursery seedlings; follow written work plan; collect and compile data; write internal reports; train and supervise crews; understand and develop technical competence necessary to guide the growing and production of forest nursery seedlings.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

Two years of college-level course work with major study in agronomy, horticulture, forest science or closely related field and two years of technical or supervisory forest nursery experience.  

OR

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in agronomy, horticulture, forest science or closely related field. 

Equivalent education/experience.

Class Specification History

New class Effective January 22, 1974
Revised February 12, 1982 Revises definition and minimum qualifications, deletes distinguishing characteristics, general revision, title change (formerly Forest Nursery Grower) and code change (formerly 9411)
Revised July 15, 1988 Revises minimum qualifications
Revised new class code: (formerly 94140) effective July 1, 2007