Ecosystem Services Plant Propagation​/Plant Care Attendant

Overview

The City of Missoula Parks & Recreation Department is seeking dedicated and hardworking Ecosystem Services Plant Propagation / Plan Care Attendants to help maintain and restore native plant communities and wildlife habitat on the City's Conservation Lands System and urban trees within the City’s Urban Forest. As an attendant, you'll play a vital role in producing high-quality plant materials and providing care for native plants and urban trees.

If you're passionate about the environment, enjoy hands‑on work, and thrive in an outdoor setting, this is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on Missoula's natural landscapes. Join our team and help conserve our parks and open spaces!

Applicant Screening will begin on Friday, February 20, 2026. Resumes and other attachments will not be shared with the hiring manager. Please submit all information on the application.

• Maximum length of season: 90 working days (May 11th - late‑October)
• Work schedule:
  
  Mon‑Thurs 7:00 am – 5:30 pm (10 hours)

• 40% of time – Juvenile plant care (e.g., watering, weeding) of existing urban trees and restoration plantings
• 30% of time – Plant propagation work (working in native plant greenhouse, tree nursery, seed mixing, collecting plant materials, etc.)
• 15% of time – Restoration out‑planting and seeding
• 15% of time – Recreational maintenance, including providing basic services

• Maintain native plant communities and wildlife habitats on conservation lands and urban trees in boulevards and parks.
• Collect native plant materials and maintain planting and restoration efforts in the greenhouse and fields.
• Provide maintenance of prior restoration planting projects and sites, e.g., watering and weeding.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of small equipment.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of simple construction and maintenance projects, including use of equipment, materials, and techniques.
• Knowledge of turf, tree planting, plant propagation, and general landscaping maintenance.
• Knowledge of and ability to promote safety considerations, City safety policies, OSHA standards and guidelines, including risk management techniques to reduce exposure to injury, damage and liability.
• Skill in following oral and written instructions, while working independently with minimum supervision.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365 and social media, with the ability to learn job‑specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Skill in creating educational materials, publications, and written reports.
• Ability to lead tours and volunteer events.
• Ability to operate small power equipment, hand tools, and light equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to learn City and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
• Ability to learn Missoula’s open space, parks, and urban forestry systems;
  Montana’s native plants, invasive weeds, and animals.

• Positions require the ability to lift 50 lb. or less.
• Duties are frequently performed under conditions where noise, heat, dampness or cold are unavoidable.
• Work environment may involve occasional exposure to uneven and steep terrain, occupational hazards, biohazards, and physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

• Any combination of training and experience in construction, landscaping, facility maintenance or another relevant field.
• Must be of legal age to perform the duties of the position.
• Must have a valid Montana driver’s license with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire. (Valid out‑of‑state driver’s license are acceptable for students)