Job Tag: Conservation

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive.

The Riparian Restoration Specialist will be part of the Western South Dakota Riparian Health Program. This body of work focuses on mesic and riparian area restoration on working lands using Low-Tech Process Based Restoration (LTPBR) techniques. This position will be responsible for delivering technical assistance to private landowners, and leading on-the-ground restoration activities, including design, plan, and implementation of restoration work. They will work closely with the program manager to supervise seasonal staff and build relationships in local communities.

This work is highly collaborative and requires this position to work closely with private landowners and local conservation partners. In addition to restoration project management, the Riparian Restoration Specialist will also periodically provide support in hosting field tours, workshops, and volunteer events. Position will require work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Work will require travel throughout the western South Dakota geography. This program is based out of the TNC Rapid City office, position can be hybrid within the focal geography.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Want to support grassland conservation and work collaboratively with the ranching and conservation community? The Tri-State (SD/ND/MN) Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make South Dakota unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

A successful candidate will be team-oriented, capable of working independently, knowledgeable about regenerative grazing management and ranching systems, and have a strong interest in building positive relationships with ranchers, indigenous communities, and conservation partners.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in rangeland and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with riparian systems.

• Experience in ecological land management principles.

• Hands-on experience with Low-tech Process Based Restoration structures, including but not limited to: Beaver Dam Analogs, Post-Assisted Log Structures, Leaky Weirs, and rock erosion control structures.

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including ranchers, conservation groups, and members of indigenous communities.

• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and web-based tools.

• Must have a valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume.

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

To apply for job ID 54312, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/.

Job Description:
Responsible for the overall maintenance of natural areas, trails, and other public properties within Salt Lake City’s Foothills Trail System and other City properties, particularly soft-surface trails in various nature parks and in the City’s bike parks. Natural Resources Technician Trails Specialists supervise crews performing maintenance of trail treads, slopes, and corridors; restoration and rehabilitation of deteriorating trails; restoration and trail decommissioning; and managing professional contractors for trail design and building. They also assist in the maintenance of native vegetation and landscape areas, control of noxious and invasive weeds, ecological restoration and enhancement projects, and various other tasks as assigned.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Directs and supervises the day-to-day operations of seasonal and/or part-time employees. Supports the professional growth of crew members through training, instruction, and guidance. Creates daily and weekly work plans to accomplish specific and broad Division objectives and ensure that crews achieve desired objectives.
Acts as a role model for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled staff in the use of safety procedures, maintenance best-practices, and internal and external communications. Assists crews in responding to strategically important and urgent requests from Natural Lands Supervisor, Division Director, and other team members as needed.
Operates various types of vehicles and equipment necessary to successfully complete assigned tasks. Responsible for the maintenance, minor repairs, and adjustment of tools and equipment to ensure proper operation and safe, efficient use.
Tracks and inputs daily tasks of team into work order system.
Oversees the proper mixing and application of herbicides used in the control of targeted noxious and invasive species in a variety of natural environments.
Assists in multiple monitoring and assessments programs. May provide occasional oversight of contractors on projects including restoration and weed control, landscaping and irrigation, and similar jobs.
Conducts regular interface with members of the public, helping to answer questions from park and natural area visitors. Occasionally supports public stewardship activities and educational programs. 
Seasonally, performs snow removal and occasional work in a carpentry/welding shop environment to construct, repair, and maintain assets including fencing, signage kiosks, and similar assets.
Together with the Natural Lands Supervisor, assists in the resolution of personnel conflicts and human resources actions, as necessary.
Assists the Natural Lands Supervisor and Recreational Trails Manager in evaluating and maintaining the Foothills Natural Area and Trail System, including trail tread and slope maintenance and repairs, trail corridor and canopy clearing, trail design and enhancement planning, trail and natural area restoration, signage installation, vegetation maintenance, weed control, herbicide application, litter removal and control, amenity maintenance, fencing, irrigation maintenance, watering, native seed collection, seeding and planting, and similar tasks.
Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Level I

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess a valid driver’s license. City vehicles require a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, in-person and in writing, especially in dealing with challenging conversations with members of the public or with staff.

Level II

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess a valid driver’s license. City vehicles require a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.
Utah Pesticide Applicator License with an Ornamental and Turf endorsement, or ability to obtain one within six months.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, in-person and in writing, especially in dealing with challenging conversations with members of the public or with staff.

The Stewardship Associate will be a cornerstone in the Land Trust of Virginia’s stewardship program. They will work closely with the rest of the Conservation Team to fulfill our obligation to monitor and manage our entire conservation easement portfolio, which currently includes 253 easements (now 290 properties due to permitted divisions). Each conserved property is monitored on an annual basis, with the goal of documenting changes and ensuring compliance with the restrictions and obligations listed in the applicable easement. Monitoring can be accomplished with several methods, including ground-level visits to walk or drive through a property, drone flights to view a property from above, or “remoteâ€ monitoring to analyze satellite imagery.

The Stewardship Associate will experience a hybrid work environment with time in the field (~70%) and in the office (~30%). Field work includes walking a property to acquire photographic or other documentation, and often involves engagement with landowners who may ask easement-related questions or want to describe recent or planned changes to their property. Office time will involve tasks such as creating monitoring reports, corresponding with landowners, and maintaining organized files for each easement property. The Stewardship Associate position will be a full-time position with an anticipated start date of January 1st, 2024.

Primary Responsibilities

Conducting visits to conserved properties to document significant natural or man-made changes.
Meeting and developing relationships with owners of conserved properties.
Creating comprehensive monitoring reports and following up on easement-compliance concerns or landowner inquiries.
Tracking, reviewing, and drafting responses to requests from landowners for easement interpretation or approval for a proposed activity that might impact the easement.
Organizing and maintaining stewardship-related records and files.
Preparing GIS mapping related to stewardship work.
Working with conservation-related software programs such as Landscape (stewardship database) and Lens (remote monitoring program)
Conducting conservation-related research online using interactive mapping programs and similar.
Attending Board meetings and Easement Committee meetings and presenting stewardship updates as necessary.
Managing the stewardship volunteer program.
Assisting stewardship volunteers or other members of the Conservation Team with stewardship questions or concerns.
Assisting in the process of acquiring new conservation easements, including creating inventories of natural and man-made features of individual properties, which includes photography, GIS mapping, and online research related to conservation and real estate.
Assisting with tabling at outreach events, including discussing LTV’s mission and conservation-related topics and opportunities with members of the public.
Assisting with LTV’s three annual fundraising events (Garden Party, Bike Event, and Field Party), which occur on weekends.
Adhering to the official policies and procedures adopted by the LTV Boad of Directors.
Adhering to stewardship-related standards and practices required by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Required Qualifications

Applicant must:

Be self-motivated and able to manage tasks independently.
Have meticulous attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Be reliable, personable, and well-organized.
Be good-natured, hardworking, and work well with a team.
Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (a degree in environmental studies is preferred).
Have strong computer skills, with proficiency using MS Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Have reliable transportation with the ability to be in our Middleburg office as needed.
Be able to walk through various terrain in all weather conditions.
Be able to lift, carry, pull, and push a minimum of 50 pounds.
Be comfortable traveling solo to properties, including farms (where livestock may be present) and forests, including through undergrowth (tick awareness is a must!).

Additional Qualifications

Experience with a conservation easement holder is preferred.
ArcGIS mapping experience is preferred.
Mastery of conservation-related software programs such as Lens and Landscape will be expected (following any necessary training), and prior experience is preferred.
Ability to navigate independently in the field using maps, hand-held GPS, and similar tools will be expected (following any necessary training), and prior experience is preferred.
A sense of humor is preferred.

Benefits

Ability to participate in LTV’s group health insurance.
15 days of paid leave per year.
10 paid holidays and 10 sick days.
Maternity/Paternity leave after one year of employment.
Contribution to a Simple IRA of 2% of annual salary.
Option for an alternative work schedule (“9/80â€ or “4/10â€).
Ability to work remotely following training period.
Mileage reimbursement when using your personal vehicle for property visits or other work-related travel (at the national reimbursement rate). LTV also has a company vehicle that employees can use for work-related travel.
Professional development opportunities including the following:

­ – Participation in regional and nationwide conferences.

­ – Ability to attend workshops held by other land trusts and other related organizations.

­ – Support for employee’s pursuit of FAA commercial Drone Pilot license.

Please email application to LTV Office Manager Ari Govoni-Young (ar*@*********va.org)

As member of EDF’s Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds workstream within the People and Nature team, the Manager, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds will coordinate and implement strategic priorities to align science, policy, funding, and capacity to build landscape and community resilience across the Mississippi River Basin. Additionally, this position will cultivate relationships across the Mississippi River Basin with key stakeholders in government, corporate, academic, non-profit, and community sectors to build diverse coalitions and advocate for practical and technically sound solutions to advance the overall strategy.

The Manager will report to the Senior Director, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds, will work within a matrixed team, and will be expected to coordinate staff and consultants from multiple EDF teams including Climate Smart Agriculture, Coasts and Watersheds, Political Affairs, EDF+Business, and U.S. Region.

Key Responsibilities

Lead an internal project team to advance internal strategies and positively reinforce outcomes, including science, finance, policy, and DEIJ/partnership activities to support implementation of natural infrastructure at scale in the Mississippi River Basin.
Execute and adaptively refine multi-year strategic plan , establish budgets, and negotiate project agreements and scopes of work.
Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
Cultivate and manage relationships with key national, regional, and state-level agricultural, environmental, and other relevant entities and community groups (e.g., USDA, Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, Iowa Finance Authority, etc.) to advance natural infrastructure and watershed approach strategies and the overall strategic vision of the project through partnerships and collaboration.
Independently conduct research, analysis, and evaluation of existing and proposed resilience programs and policies to identify and prioritize strategies, goals, and tactics.
Communicate project and initiative results in writing and through public presentations to diverse audiences and, in collaboration with the EDF Communications team, media outlets.
Represent EDF at external meetings and conferences and provide expert level information.
Serve as trusted source of information on landscape and community resilience to internal and external stakeholders.
Engage in fundraising support activities and collaborate on proposals and reports required by grantors or other requesting parties.
Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

6+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field required. A Master’s degree or equivalent may substitute for up to 2 years of experience, and a Ph.D. or equivalent may substitute for up to 4 years of experience. The degree requirement may be waived altogether for a candidate who can successfully demonstrate commensurate professional experience along with excellence in their past roles.
A broad understanding of environmental and social issues required.
Experience working in rural or agricultural communities, on environmental justice, on community resilience, or with nature-based solutions preferred.
Demonstrated project and people management skills, including the ability to lead project teams and work with colleagues and partners to manage complex projects.
Exceptional personal organization and attention to detail.
Proactive and an innovative thinker willing to challenge the status quo and propose new ideas and opportunities.
An ability to lead on multiple projects concurrently, both independently and collaboratively as a member of small teams in a dynamic and creative environment across multiple time zones.
Strong analytical skills and experience performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Willing and able to travel up to 25% of the time.

Location

This position will be based remotely in the Upper Mississippi River Basin or New Orleans. This position will be expected to be available for regular travel throughout the Basin to attend in-person meetings and events.

The Director, Marine Conservation will play a leadership role in developing and executing a growing portfolio of marine conservation work at the National Wildlife Federation, as a member of the Federation’s Water and Coasts team, and in close collaboration with NWF’s affiliates and other partners. Initial priority issue areas will include: ocean-based climate solutions, with a particular focus on advancing responsible research on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal strategies; marine protected areas; ecosystem-based fisheries management; strengthening the connections between coastal and nearshore marine habitat restoration opportunities and marine ecosystem and wildlife health; and ensuring that marine wildlife can adapt in the face of climate change.

The Director, Marine Conservation will work with the Associate Vice President for Water and Coasts and other staff and affiliates across the Federation to refine focal areas for this work, develop and help implement strategies to advance the work, advise on critical issues in the marine conservation space, actively support fundraising efforts, represent NWF in relevant coalitions, interface with policymakers on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies on marine issues, and support strategic partnership building efforts.

Principal Duties

Oversee the ongoing development and implementation of NWF’s marine conservation work. Work with partners within and outside of NWF to refine strategic areas for NWF’s engagement in the marine conservation space. Provide thought leadership to guide and inform strategies to maximize impact in the marine conservation space. Manage the implementation of grant-funded projects through to completion and reporting. Opportunity to supervise a fellow expected; potential opportunity to supervise additional staff.
Foster cross-regional, cross-programmatic synergies with NWF programs, affiliates, and partners to elevate the importance of and achieve greater success for marine conservation priorities. This will entail efforts to understand and account for NWF affiliate priorities, and to foster connectivity and collaboration between NWF’s water work, coastal work, climate work, wildlife work, and with our Environmental Justice and Tribal Partnerships Programs, among others.
Achieve financial goals needed to advance NWF’s marine conservation efforts, including fundraising, managing contracts, and collaborating with the Philanthropy team to increase revenue from grants and other sources to support and expand marine conservation work.
Identify, promote and implement strategies that will address environmental injustices and inequities related to marine conservation work. Understand, amplify, elevate, and support priorities of those who have been historically marginalized in marine conservation discussions.
Lead the development of communications materials such as blog posts and press releases that promote marine conservation priorities, and related policy advocacy. Work with Communications staff to strategically disseminate content.
Cultivate and maintain authentic partnerships and serve as an ambassador for NWF’s marine conservation work. This includes representing NWF as a participant in relevant coalitions within the environmental non-governmental organization space. It may also involve cultivating relationships across sectors (e.g. industry, the recreational angling community, Tribes and Indigenous organizations etc).
Advance NWF’s values of collaboration, empowerment, inclusivity, mindfulness, and mission-focused work as defined through the Strategic Plan.

Minimum Experience and Skills:

Strong candidates for this position will have the following proficiencies:

Strong understanding of marine policy and marine conservation issues, including relevant federal laws and agency authorities, and knowledge of current challenges and opportunities in the field.
Experience in an organizational, agency, or program leadership capacity, with diverse responsibilities including strategic planning, fundraising, implementation, and reporting.
Ability to thrive in a multiple-task work environment, work independently with minimal supervision, set priorities and follow through to completion, with excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Proven collaboration and relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with diverse people, funders, and partners to achieve lasting results.
Strong strategic thinker, with demonstrated passion for developing and implementing system-change strategies.
Experience setting long-range goals, operational plans, work plans, and achieving measurable outcomes to achieve goals.
A personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity and justice.
Strong analytic and communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to contribute to a culture of appreciation, growth, accountability, and a solutions-oriented workplace. Desire to work with leadership and teammates to foster a work environment that is enjoyable, fulfilling, and celebrates individual as well as fellow team member strengths.
Ability to handle conflict effectively by listening, maintaining an open mind to alternative ideas and courses of action, and encouraging productive resolutions.

These proficiencies are typically consistent with seven or more years of professional experience.

Skills and Qualifications Desired but Not Required:

A Bachelors degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science or Policy, Marine Science or Policy, or related field; post-graduate degree and relevant work experience desirable.
Experience working with policy makers on Capitol Hill and in the federal agencies; strong understanding of and experience engaging in federal decision-making processes.
Experience working with Tribes and Indigenous organizations, and knowledge of tribal law and policy.
Demonstrated history of thought leadership in the marine conservation or other closely related field, including ability to design and execute campaigns to achieve desired outcomes.
Organizational leadership skills, including demonstrated proficiency in personnel management, teambuilding, and delegation.
Highly-developed oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience, and the ability to effectively communicate ideas across disciplines verbally and in writing.
Experience serving as a champion and ambassador, demonstrating the ability to communicate about, sell, or market a concept in a manner that leads to growth.
Demonstrated competencies that support fundraising capabilities, including relationship-building and network-building.

Job Summary:

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Conservation Program Biologist I is responsible for supervising a wildlife management program. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Typical Functions:

Assists program coordinators, habitat biologists, other staff and agency partners in the planning, preparation, and implementation of projects on wildlife management areas.
Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of short- and long-term plans for future agency conservation activities.
Coordinates and leads biological surveys and studies of wildlife to determine population growth, propagation rates, and the effect of environmental and human conditions on particular species. Summarizes data and prepares reports.
Communicates regularly with the Regional Supervisor regarding oversight for budgets, contracts and grants, and assists in the supervision of professional and technical personnel, contractors, part-time employees, interns and volunteers.
Oversees overall project operational duties and supervision of employees in the absence of Regional Supervisor. Assists with overall management of a region by submitting recommendations and reports to the Regional Supervisor.
Assists with budget development by reviewing and recommending requests from regional personnel and submitting budget recommendations to the Regional Supervisor. Develops, submits, reviews, approves, and directs implementation of budgets, invoices, project plans, regulations and operational procedures.
Reviews biological data to analyze trends affecting management priorities and program requirements.
Drafts public land management plans and oversees their implementation through direct participation, assigning appropriate personnel, assembling data, submitting and approving final data products and reports.
Assists with both regional and division administrative duties. Serves on statewide and broader working groups and teams.
Conducts public relations work with various agencies, private industry, professional and civic organizations and outdoor recreational groups.
Must understand and be willing to function in a multi-faceted, team-oriented work environment. Must maintain close individual contact with and develop solid working relationships with all Wildlife Management Division, agency and partner organization personnel.
Participates in public outreach regarding management activities and regulations.
Leads nuisance wildlife capture and relocation.

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus two years of experience in wildlife management or a related field. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Human Resources Chief.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

A master’s degree in wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental
science or a related field plus five years of experience in a related field plus two years of
demonstrated leadership of wildlife management activities.

Travis Audubon was founded in 1952 by visionary Central Texans who recognized the vital connection between conserving wildlife habitat and the ecological balance necessary for healthy, sustainable, and habitable communities.

Travis Audubon is seeking a skilled and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization through a time of continuing growth. The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day operations and developing and managing the human and financial resources needed to implement the mission and achieve strategic and programmatic goals. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Benefits include vacation time accrued at a minimum of eight hours per month, three personal days, 80 hours annual sick leave, 12 paid holidays in addition to the business days between Christmas and New Year’s Day, a 3% IRA match, up to six weeks paid parental leave, and 100% employer-paid health and dental insurance.

American Farmland Trust is seeking a full-time New York Agricultural Stewardship Associate to support and grow programs in New York state that assist farmland owners and farmers transitioning to or increasing adoption of regenerative farming practices on owned or rented land.
Join an impactful and historic mission! As a New York Agricultural Stewardship Associate, you’ll empower farmers to transition to the adoption of regenerative farming practices and to assist them with accessing funding for climate resilience, water quality protection and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction. You’ll guide them through local, state and federal programs including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and support those facing implementation barriers. Your expertise will cover diverse agronomic and engineering practices, from finding funding for landowners to coordinating stakeholders for outreach events. Although all types of farms will be supported, special emphasis will be made for traditionally underserved and beginning producers. Be part of the solution in the farming community, helping farmers meet economic and environmental outcomes. It’s a unique opportunity to make a difference!

Responsibilities Include:

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with farmer owner/operators, farmworkers, and farmland owners.
Collaborate with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationists to identify priority clients for targeted technical assistance.
Coordinate outreach with AFT Agricultural Stewardship Team, NRCS field staff, and partner planners for efficiency.
Assist in practice interpretation, layout, and inspection, maintaining extensive farmer/landowner interaction documentation.
Support the maintenance of program contract files.
Aid NRCS field office staff in contacting program applicants and data collection.
Maintain workload registers and perform follow-up tasks.
Maintain mailing and contact lists for program delivery.
Coordinate climate-related practice workshops for farmers and technical service providers in collaboration with NRCS and AFT staff.
Contribute to outreach materials for farmers regarding climate change, conservation practice implementation, and NRCS programs.
Assist with planning and implementing on-farm demonstrations, field days and workshops.
Facilitate and coordinate partnerships with a diverse network of agricultural and conservation professionals including AFT state and national staff, USDA NRCS, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cornell University and Cooperative Extension, farmers, crop consultants and others.
Work collaboratively with core project team to manage project implementation and achieve project objectives.
Represent AFT at non-AFT public meetings, field days, and educational events.
Assist with organizing in-person and virtual training and networking events for farmers and landowners.
Develop and support relationships with farmland owners and farmers, focusing on women, to accelerate the adoption of conservation practices on farmland in targeted areas of New York.

Qualifications

A proven track record of implementing or assisting with implementation of conservation practices.
Ability to travel across central and northern New York, visiting diverse farms and farmers to execute the job functions.
Experience and working knowledge of NRCS and SWCD funded conservation practices is especially valuable, but not required.
A deep working knowledge of Northeast agriculture or conservation and an understanding of the culture of farmers and farming.
Ability to foster effective partnerships with Extension educators, soil and water conservation districts, USDA and state agency personnel and other professionals as well as training and supporting farmers and landowners – particularly women landowners – is highly valuable.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically an aptitude for public speaking, meeting facilitation, and developing effective public education materials.
Experience designing and facilitating professional development or other educational trainings, specifically with farmers, landowners and related stakeholders.
Experience with public outreach, community engagement, and communications (digital and/or traditional).
An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for AFT’s mission.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in farming, land stewardship, or land management, or a college degree in a related field can substitute for up to 4 years of work experience.
Access to reliable transportation.
Ability to successfully pass a background check.
Independent and reliable worker; willingness to conduct field-based work in all weather conditions and work effectively from a home-based office location.
Applicants should be comfortable working remotely from home. Based on the location of the work, candidates must be in central New York, and willing to drive long distances using their own vehicle (with mileage reimbursement). The Associate will require frequent travel in the central and northern Lake Ontario Watershed and occasional trips to AFT’s New York office in Saratoga Springs, among other possible travel.

Compensation
The salary range is $60,000-$65,000. The higher end of the range is for those with Certified Crop Advisor credentials.

Summary: This position is responsible for the selection and addition of plant species into the Garden’s Living Collections for assigned areas to support plant conservation and build research capacity. The living collection includes herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and vines, and a critical component of this position is the expansion of assigned collections according to MBG policies and guidelines. Design, installation and maintenance of landscapes and individual plants must be conducted to the highest standards. Researching and recording cultivation information is essential, as is using this information to modify the growing environment as necessary to ensure plant health. Accurate and detailed record keeping and plant labeling is critical. Coordinating teams of horticulturists in group projects and mentoring other horticulture staff are essential responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Works with Supervisor to target and develop plant collections and landscapes according to Garden policy and area descriptions
Utilizes Index Seminum, as well as, the Garden’s Targeting Database to build collections
During species selection, conducts research entering information on plant habit and cultivation into the Targeting Database
Observes plants when growing in the Garden, collects and enters cultivation information into the Living Collections Management System and modifies growing environments based on observations to support optimum plant health
Utilizes internal data sources such as the Living Collections Management System, Targeting database and external data sources to aid in individual plant cultivation and landscape maintenance decisions
Performs plant record keeping at the highest level ensuring that all plants in the collection have accession labels at all times and all maintenance information regarding the collection (i.e. new plantings, divisions, moves, deaths, etc.) is up to date at all times
Exhibits the highest level of ethical conduct in obtaining and sharing plant material and ensures compliance with MBG policies
Stand in for and act as point of contact for staff when landscape supervisor is away from the Garden
Provides training and mentorship to other horticulture staff and students
As requested by supervisor participates in member and donor tours
Works with supervisor in planning field collections of plant material and staff exchanges
Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the cultivation, preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants; including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, staking, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, training, IPM and pesticide application as needed
Understands, consistently monitors, and implements appropriate irrigation requirements for a variety of plant material and utilizes technology to tailor irrigation schedules to assigned collections
Plants and maintains displays in a manner that enables plant genetics and accessions data to be preserved and allows the public to easily distinguish plants when reading plant labels
Requests propagation of plants in the collections to ensure survival, paying particular attention to rare and threatened species and those of wild origin
Completes landscape designs and oversees the layout and installation of plant material
Plans, in advance, for minor and major landscape changes and requests plant material in time for it to be propagated and grown to size by nursery staff
Operates technical equipment, submits maintenance requests in a timely manner, and maintains general care of tools and equipment necessary for operations to include but not limited to: vehicles, forklifts, pallet trucks, carts, lifts, Cushmans, tractors, cultivators, mechanical sprayers, and a variety of hand tools
Participates in field work locally, nationally and internationally for plant collecting expeditions, as well as, horticulture capacity building
Assigns, leads and directs the work of volunteers to deliver and complete projects
Completes assigned tasks as needed in support of seasonal displays and annual flower shows
As assigned provides information/text for collections interpretation
Ensures that all tool storage areas and work areas are kept clean and tidy
Performs assigned weekend watering rotation duties
Performs snow removal on Garden grounds, when called upon, to maintain a safe environment for staff and visitors
Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately to supervisor
As assigned performs tours, gives presentations, and participate in media outreach (TV, radio, newspaper, etc.) when required
Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed and adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards
Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Competencies:

Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills, and visitor relation skills.
Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation, and visitor focus.
Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize, and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
Problem Solving: Blends problem-solving skills, judgment, and decision-making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and supports for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications/Experience:

Minimum of (5-7) years hands-on, relevant horticulture work experience required
Exceptional knowledge of plant material and landscape maintenance techniques with an emphasis in herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and vines
Ability to organize and lead teams, problem solve and resolve team conflicts
Proven ability to convey technical concepts to other horticulturists, volunteers, and students
Proven ability to maintain plants and landscapes at an exceptional level
Proven ability to design landscapes with mission focused plant material and modify the growing environment to support plant diversity
Proven ability to add and maintain plant material to living collections to support conservation, research and education
Proven knowledge of and significant experience with living collections, curation and demonstrated excellence in plant recording
Knowledgeable in safe operating procedures of various landscaping tools and equipment and proficient in their maintenance
Strong knowledge of appropriate and effective watering practices for a wide range of plant material
Proficient ability to identify various plant fungus, pests and pathogens and apply sound, appropriate controls
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner answering questions about the living collections
Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and holidays for annual watering schedule and occasional snow and ice removal
Knowledge of and adherence to all health and safety guidelines
The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required

Education:

Associate’s or B.S. degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany and/or related field required
An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered

Computer Skills:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel and Outlook Email)
Ability to enter data into spreadsheets and databases
Solid internet research skills required