Plant Material Receiving and Distribution Specialist (SRA 2 NEX)

Under general supervision, the Plant Distribution Specialist performs a wide variety of standard and specialized plant introduction, propagation, quarantine, and distribution procedures. This role is responsible for timely and accurate delivery of material that meets specific eligibility criteria, analysis and maintenance of records, and collaboration with faculty, staff and customers to support operational needs. The position requires a high level of specialized knowledge in plant pathology in order to perform technical observations, independent execution of established procedures, and adaptation of protocols to meet research, regulatory, and operational needs within Foundation Plant Services.

Apply By Date: January 6, 2026

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, biology, plant sciences or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• No Minimum Work Experience required.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills including ability to organize complex data into an accurate and easily understood format, including demonstrated ability to use computers and databased programs with working knowledge of Windows-based software including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook, which can be applied to using department's internal ADAPT database.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision, setting work priorities involving concurrent, complex tasks and to work in a flexible manner under pressure created in an active research/academic/University environment.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with others in the University and general public including good verbal and written English language skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horticulture, plant sciences, botany, and principles of plant propagation. In particular, greenhouse management, nursery techniques, diagnosis of problems with pot grown plants, pest control, and techniques for the collection, storage, and shipping of dormant and green plant material.
• Ability to recognize problems with plant conditions, procedures, or equipment and take appropriate corrective actions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in horticulture, plant sciences or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in plant handling, inventory management, or nursery operations.
• Familiarity with greenhouse operations and the timing of plant growth in relation to seasonal and climatic conditions.
• Background in plant pathology with knowledge of abiotic and biotic symptoms and their cause and effects on host plants.
• Skills to recognize plant diseases and symptoms that may affect the viability of plant material. Skill to make consistent and equitable decisions using established standards that frequently require interpretation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated excellent management skills including the ability to work independently with minimal direction to plan, coordinate, direct, and perform numerous/various tasks simultaneously and efficiently.
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures related to sale and distribution of plant material, including the licensing and distribution procedures for UC-patented plant materials.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service including determining availability of a customer's plant materials, estimated delivery times, tracking multiple orders from multiple clients, ensuring that distribution is facilitated by timely shipping or pick-up, and communicating insuring both within FPS and with customers about the status of orders.
• Ability to read, understand and implement complex regulations regarding domestic and international shipment of plant materials.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Specialize in Distribution of Plant Material that Meets Quarantine and Certification Program Requirements and Complies with Phytosanitary Regulations
• 30% - Conduct Technical Oversight of Plant Accessions Through Biosecurity, Introduction, and Quarantine Workflows
• 20% - Oversight of Plant Propagation, Growth and Development
• 10% - Support FPS Center Mission

Department Overview

Foundation Plant Services (FPS, https://fps.ucdavis.edu/) is a large self-supporting service center in the Department of Plant Pathology of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences whose primary function is to produce, maintain and distribute elite disease-tested plant propagation materials. Its core mission is to promote and improve the health of planting stock available for the commercial nursery industry for FPS crops. FPS operates the largest grape quarantine and clean stock program for grapevines in the United States. The center employs over 45 laboratory, greenhouse, research, field and administrative staff members housed in two facilities with associated laboratories, greenhouses, screenhouses, shade houses, field buildings, and approximately 240 acres of field plantings. Program expenses average approximately $7 million per year. The program is self-supporting with sources of income including Federal USDA-APHIS funding, State nursery assessment funds, grape user fees, sales of plant materials and contracts for importation, testing and virus therapy of FPS crops. Research is accomplished through extramurally funded projects related to the core FPS mission. FPS is dedicated to the distribution of disease-tested, professionally identified specialty crop plant materials produced by UC researchers, improved by technology developed by UC researchers, or valuable to California's agricultural community. These programs have played a key national and international role in distributing new crop varieties and healthy planting stocks. Currently, FPS is responsible for programs for grapes, berries, fruit trees, nut trees, roses, and sweet potatoes. Services are also offered in providing importation, quarantine and virus therapy as well as the laboratory diagnostic testing for plant pathogens and DNA varietal identification.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $ 30.32 - $ 48.78/hour
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RX
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work in office, lab, greenhouse and field (outdoor) conditions. Must be able to work flexible hours and overtime to finish assigned tasks. Position required to participate in Department injury and illness prevention program. Work in enclosed areas treated with pesticides after re-entry periods are reached. Will occasionally need to safely lift and transport plant materials and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents)

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks