Native Seed Technician

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservations mission is to help ensure that Montanas land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

Core Values:

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservations Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative professional and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing protecting and promoting stewardship of Montanas forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.

• We value and respect each other.
• We create collaborative work environments.
• We build and maintain strong relationships.
• We practice accountability.
• We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work.

Job Overview: The DNRC Seedling Nursery produces eco-regional native forb (wildflower) and grass seed derived from locally collected wild plant populations. The seed produced is used to help private landowners government agencies natural resource organizations and other interested parties achieve their conservation goals. This position performs the day-to-day duties necessary to produce eco-regional seed on 10 acres of production fields and in remote field locations. Duties consist of planting weeding weed fabric installation harvesting seed cleaning (processing) moving irrigation pipe wildland seed collection and numerous other duties as assigned. Functions are carried out using some knowledge of plant identification seed production and agricultural practices and knowledge of the safe and efficient use of hand tools and agricultural equipment including tractors forklifts etc. Most tasks are physically demanding performed outside in all weather conditions sometimes under severe weather conditions. Fitness and reliability are necessary to succeed in this position.

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of safety precautions in the use of hand tools and other nursery equipment and agricultural operations and ability to perform physically demanding tasks. An interest in growing native plants working outdoors or conservation of Montanas natural resources is beneficial. Directly related nursery and/or agricultural experience and native plant identification is highly desirable. The ability to follow verbal and written instruction is critical. Must work well independently AND in group situations and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers. A high level of fitness is required with the ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds work and hike in rugged terrain and perform strenuous and repetitive tasks. The ability to work in the standing position and on ones knees for extended periods of time is required. Candidate must have a valid Montana state drivers license.

Education and Experience: Knowledges skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and at least six months experience in nursery horticultural farm ranch or other outdoor work. Applicants with additional education in natural resources or horticulture and nursery experience will be considered first. Experience performing physically demanding tasks and a high interest in native plant production and conservation is desirable. Significant credit will be given for paid experience in the native seed industry (seed collection and/or seed production).

Physical Requirements: Applicants must be able to lift 50 lbs. to a height of 3 feet frequently perform strenuous work in all types of weather bend from the waist reach out and overhead push pull go from standing to a kneeling position and vice-versa and possess fine motor skills to accomplish detail-oriented physical tasks.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid drivers license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK:
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a drivers license or other picture I.D. or a U.S. passport or a green card.