Nursery Manager

Hiring Organization: Colorado State Forest Service
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Fort Collins, CO
Application Due Date: August 25, 2025

Description of Work Unit

The Forest Planning and Implementation Division of the CSFS provides administration and oversight of forest management programs that directly contribute to the agency’s mission of “the stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations”. Division staff provides leadership, program oversight, coordination and administration of statewide forest planning and implementation programs, policies, and procedures in forest management; wood utilization; fire, fuels, and watershed management; and seedling tree nursery operations.

The Nursery is a branch of the Forest Planning and Implementation Division of the CSFS. The administration of the Nursery is carried out under the supervision of the Associate Director of Forest Planning and Implementation. The Nursery plays a critical role in providing plant materials for landowners and land managers in Colorado and surrounding states and is the state’s leader in producing low-cost, Colorado-grown seedling trees and shrubs for conservation purposes. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, the Nursery is situated on 130 acres and uses greenhouse and shadehouse space for container plant production and various fields for production of bareroot seedlings. The Nursery also has a processing facility with cold storage coolers. The Nursery produces more than 40 species, all selected for their hardiness and adaptability, which are ideal for landowners and land managers to use for conservation in Colorado’s diverse environments.

Currently annual production is 300-600,000 trees/shrubs and with the upgrades to the facility target annual production is 1-2 million seedlings. The Nursery is an enterprise operation and has to generate revenue to cover all expenditures.

The Manager has oversight of production but day-to-day production planning and implementation (seeding, harvesting, packing/grading/shipping) is the responsibility of the Assistant Nursery Manager and associated staff.

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Forest Planning and Implementation, this position is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all activities related to a forest nursery propagation program used for conservation and reforestation purposes at the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery (Nursery). The Nursery Manager (Manager) oversees the operations and associated staff of a bareroot and containerized nursery system to ensure the production of genetically appropriate, high-quality seedlings; oversees seedling operations which include seed storage, sowing, growing, lifting, packing, storing, and shipping. The Manager is responsible for maintaining Nursery facilities including newly upgraded greenhouse, shadehouses, and headhouse.

The Manager formulates annual and long-range plans that identify objectives, production goals, and priorities for nursery operations; identifies workforce and organizational needs in support of an annual program of work; develops and manages an annual budget; and develops, maintains, and implements the facilities master plan for the Nursery. The Manager collaborates and conducts outreach with customers, other nurseries, research programs, professional organizations, and other stakeholders. This position is responsible for serving approximately 160 cooperating agencies in promotion and sales of plant material for conservation practices in Colorado and adjacent states.

The Manager is a member of the CSFS Management Team. The Management Team coordinates work effort across all program areas for efficiency, effectiveness, and cohesiveness of program delivery and outcomes. The Management Team’s role is to allocate and manage resources to ensure agency goals and objectives are achieved on time and within budget, address operational and program issues, and ensure that policies and practices are implemented consistently.

Required Job Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: natural resource management, forestry, horticulture, agriculture, or closely related science with emphasis on crop production.
Minimum of three years of professional experience with nursery operations or agriculture production management.
One year experience in business administration and management principles.
Experience with developing and managing budgets.
Two years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Master’s degree in forestry, silviculture, agriculture, horticulture, or business operations.
Five years of experience in nursery management.
Two years of experience managing container and/or bareroot forest nursery operations.
Five years of experience supervising or managing staff, including: employee hiring, training, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution.
Experience working within a government or university environment.
Strong organizational, multitasking, planning and prioritizing skills.
Experience effectively communicating, collaborating, and negotiating with diverse groups of people including industry organizations, public customers, corporate customers or suppliers, elected officials, and/or the public.
Ability to identify complex problems and to develop and evaluate options to implement solutions.
Knowledge of business management principles and practices, including budgeting and fiscal management, inventory control, sales and marketing, demographic analysis, and contract administration principles.
Experience with production processes, quality control measures, costs, and other techniques that maximize effectiveness and distribution of products.
Skills in specialized seedling propagation, care and adaptation; seed collection, testing, storage, and packaging equipment and techniques.
Ability to manage supplies and inventories to maintain the uninterrupted production schedule.
Experience with facilities and equipment maintenance, improvement, and construction projects.
An understanding of the end use of products/plant material and the logistical needs of plant material end users.
Experience with reforestation practices including species selection, seed zones, and seedling stock type selection.
Experience with agriculture, forestry, and/or nursery research methods including the utilization of operational research for process improvement and data driven decision making.
Scientific concepts, theories, and professional practices of seed and plant physiology of trees and shrubs.
Use and composition of pesticides and pest management strategies.
Understanding of climate adaptation principles related to reforestation.
Proficient with the Microsoft Suite office software products, electronic filing, and videoconferencing.

Duty/Responsibility

Responsible for developing and administering all aspects of the Nursery, including developing and managing annual program plans; establishing policies and procedures; directing the ongoing administration of Nursery programs by subordinate staff; continuously evaluating and enhancing programs, products, and services; establishing annual retail prices for Nursery products; and serving as the agency’s technical expert in scientific and business aspects of the Nursery.
Duties include:
Management of the nursery budget including monitoring fund balances, revenue expenditures, and variances. Manage Nursery in a sound financial manner in which the budget is not in deficit at the close of the fiscal year and ensure the ongoing viability of self-funded Nursery operations.
Ensuring business practices are in alignment with department, university and state guidelines and Nursery operations are in compliance with state and federal safety regulations.
Establishing annual retail prices for Nursery products based upon evaluations of customer needs, production costs, projected revenues and cash flow analysis, sales and marketing opportunities, competing products, and overall product quality. Cooperator and retail sales serve as the basis for funding Nursery operations and must reflect current and anticipated operational expenses while offering customers the highest quality products at the lowest possible cost.
Developing and negotiating service agreements and contracts with other federal, state and local agencies.
Developing and implementing facility master plans including determining funding needs for maintenance and upgrades.
Directing, planning, and coordinating short and long-term Nursery goals and objectives to develop cost-effective strategies for accomplishing agency goals related to seedling production and availability. This involves evaluation of trends in product development, marketing, and sales; projected revenues and expenditures; current and future resource needs related to Nursery products; changing state and federal statutes and regulations; and the ongoing effectiveness of program operations and activities.
Developing and implementing statewide product marketing and outreach plans to maximize the delivery of products and services to targeted markets. Research and evaluate customer demographics, local/regional economies and conservation needs, sales and marketing impediments (e.g., costs, competitors, etc.), and other factors to develop marketing strategies and objectives.
Representing the agency in local, regional, and national meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events to explain Nursery programs, products, and services; sales, marketing, and outreach initiatives; promote conservation practices; and foster positive public and customer perceptions of the Nursery.
Pursuing additional funding through grant opportunities.
Developing and maintaining local, state, and federal partner support for nursery programs.

Percentage Of Time

45%

Job Duty Category	Nursery Production
Duty/Responsibility	Ensure efficient and cost-effective project operations; compliance with statutory responsibilities and related laws; and progressive development and maintenance of Nursery infrastructure. This involves developing and administering policies of the Nursery; assessing, obtaining, and allocating necessary financial, capital, and human resources; implementing new policies, laws, and technologies; and assessing the ongoing effectiveness of Nursery programs and services. Understands daily operations and growing basics for a container and bareroot nursery stock. Duties include: Oversight of facilities and operations for planting, growing, harvesting 1-2 million seedlings annually for purchase by landowners, cooperators, and other organizations. Managing ongoing Nursery operations and activities in coordination with the Assistant Nursery Manager, including seedling propagation and care, seed collection, purchasing, and storage; viability and germination testing; soil nutrient monitoring and analysis; climate control; inventory storage and delivery processes; and sales and accounting activities to ensure compliance, provide quality controls, and resolve scientific and/or procedural problems referred by subordinate staff. Reviewing sales and inventory data, monitor progress toward program goals, and anticipate or resolve problems related to operations, finances, equipment, and personnel. Developing stock that maximizes survival, growth, and functionality. Evaluating new seedling propagation, cultivation and care methods, techniques, experimental products, and technologies to enhance Nursery operations and product quality, sales, field survival, and functionality (i.e., multiple applications, soils, climates, etc.). Resolving problems related to seedling propagation and care, seed collection, cultivation, and storage. Coordination of integrated pest management and pesticide safety.
Percentage Of Time	30%

Job Duty Category	Supervision (permanent and temporary employees)
Duty/Responsibility	Supervision of staff including: Establishing and communicating guidelines and performance requirements to employees; conducting formal performance reviews. Identifying and providing for the developmental and training needs of employees. Ensures that Nursery personnel are properly supervised and trained to ensure that programs are cost-effective and achieve performance standards. Building team cohesion. Ensures full compliance with safety and security policies. Ensure that staff perform immediate crop-saving work at any hour or day (eg. Frost protection measures or irrigation) during emergencies or inclement weather conditions.
Percentage Of Time	15%

Job Duty Category	CSFS Management Team
Duty/Responsibility	The Manager serves as a member of the CSFS Management Team guiding and coordinating work efforts across all program areas to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and cohesiveness of program delivery. They work with the CSFS Management Team on problem solving, budgeting, operating procedures, work planning, and other management issues, making recommendations for prioritizing and allocating resources. The Manager coordinates with and provides input to CSFS Management Team on program policy and guidelines.
Percentage Of Time	10%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants	Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment	Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License - Successful applicants must have a valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment., Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - • Must be willing to work with and around chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, and in areas that have been treated with those chemicals. Successful candidate must have the ability to obtain applicable pest applicator license issued by the EPA thr, Travel - The employee is required to live within 30 miles (driving distance) of the Fort Collins Nursery boundaries., Special Requirements/Other - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service, occasional off-district and periodic overnight travel. • Work is performed indoors and outdoors at an agricultural production facility, greenhouse facilities, and a professional off
Search Contact	Kristin Garrison, Kristin.Garrison@colostate.edu