Overview
Nursery Manager – Tribal Wildlife Conservation Nursery & Greenhouse Jobs in Bonners Ferry, ID at Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Job Title: Nursery Manager – Tribal Wildlife Conservation Nursery & Greenhouse
Location: Kootenai Tribe of Idaho; Bonners Ferry, ID
Salary: $24 – $29 per hour DOE, plus competitive benefits
Full-time (nights and weekends as needed) – Exempt
Close Date: Applications must be received no later than 4:00 pm on July 6, 2026.
Reports to: Wildlife Division Manager
The Nursery Manager leads operations of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s conservation nursery and greenhouse. This facility is vital to the Tribe, producing native and culturally significant plants for habitat restoration and plantings on ancestral lands.
The ideal candidate is an experienced, organized, and culturally respectful manager who excels in both independent and highly collaborative environments. This role supports the mitigation of natural resource impacts and the restoration of floodplain and riparian ecosystems and requires a deep functional knowledge of horticulture, botany, and ecology.
PRIMARY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead day-to-day and long-term nursery and greenhouse operations including propagation, plant health, quality control, and distribution.
- Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate nursery staff while fostering a safe and inclusive workplace.
- Work with Tribal Elders, cultural practitioners, and program staff to support culturally appropriate plant selection, handling, and use.
- Oversee facility upkeep, equipment maintenance, and plant health and biosecurity procedures.
- Assist with budgets, purchasing, reporting, maintenance of accurate production and operational records, and development and ongoing adaptive revision of the Nursery Management Plan.
- Coordinate with Tribal natural resource staff and project partners to align plant production with restoration needs, timelines, and site requirements.
- Support seed collection, cuttings, salvage, and out-planting for restoration and mitigation site plantings.
- Support community outreach, education, and administrative support as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Wildlife Division Manager
QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Horticulture, Botany, Ecology, or related field with 3–5 years of native plant propagation and greenhouse experience; or M.S. with 1+ year of experience.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience managing crews, volunteers, or interns.
- Familiarity with Tribal Programs and/or culturally significant plant materials preferred.
- Strong oral and written communication; able to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other data management tools; experience with GIS, relational databases, nursery inventory systems, budgeting, purchasing, and reporting preferred.
- Ability to travel for work and attend out-of-town meetings essential; obtain relevant safety or equipment certifications as needed.
- Valid driver’s license required; passport required within 90-day probationary period.
· Must comply with the Tribe’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical labor (bending, kneeling, standing) for long periods.
- Ability to work in both indoor greenhouse settings and outdoor environments under variable weather conditions.
Application available at Kootenai Tribal Headquarters, 100 Circle Drive, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805 or via email [email protected].
Completed application with a cover letter, resume, and college transcripts may be returned via email or to the address above, "Attn C Ralph".
The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho gives preference to qualified Indian applicants in accordance with Chapter 19 of the Kootenai Law and Order Code.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 – $29.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Title: Nursery Manager – Tribal Wildlife Conservation Nursery & Greenhouse
Company: Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Location: Bonners Ferry, ID
