Conservation – Page 14 – Environmental Jobs

Realty (Title) Specialist, Agricultural Land Protection

Who We Are:

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job Purpose:

Participate as a member of a team of agricultural land protection professionals who expand agricultural land protection capacity of public and private organizations. Initial focus of the position will be on supporting NRCS with conservation easement program enrollments and acquisitions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as a technical analyst and advisor to support NRCS Easement Program Division (EPD) in the acquisition of conservation easements funded through NRCS programs.
- Review and advance easement acquisition transactions through the required federal processes.
- Track, document, record, and report status of pending easement purchase applications.
- Administer easement applications in accordance with the terms and conditions of the easement deeds and program regulations.
- Review application documents to ensure compliance with applicable standards; identify errors and omissions; coordinate with necessary parties to obtain corrected/missing information to advance the application.
- Conduct required easement acquisition activities including but not limited to: evaluate easement offers, review proposed partner cost share estimates and other applicable financial documents, review draft easement deeds and develop/review modifications thereto; review title and survey reports, develop subordination agreements; review title commitments and final surveys; prepare easement acquisitions for closing.
- Provide specification guidance to surveyors and receive and review survey documents. Populate NRCS’s National Easement Staging Tool (NEST) and other required NRCS system tools.
Serves as a technical analyst and advisor in securing clear title and accomplishing realty closings on conservation easements funded through NRCS programs.
- Review title opinions, title reports and title commitments and provide guidance to closing agent and others as to the acceptability of exceptions to clear title.
- Review real property title documents, appraisals and Easement Warranty Deeds and attachments, subordinations, affidavits, organizational documents, title opinions, and other documents required by the U.S. Office of General Counsel to determine their correctness, adequacy, and completeness.
- Contact title insurance companies to obtain and provide information, resolve deficiencies, and resolve exceptions to clear title; prepare documents and transmittals to title insurance companies as required.
- Communicate with National Program Managers, State Program Managers, closing agents, title companies, appraisers, surveyors, state agency personnel, landowners, attorneys, USDA Office of General Counsel attorneys and others to obtain information, provide information and guidance, order services, resolve deficiencies, obtain corrected documents, and establish clear title.
- Provide guidance and instructions to the closing agent and State Program Managers in the preparation, execution, and clearing of title, payment recording, and providing title insurance for the closing of easements.
- Order title commitments and final title policies as required.
Implement team workflows to advance assigned land protection projects.
- Advance the acquisition of conservation easements by providing support and guidance in real estate laws, concepts, and principles relating to the acquisition of conservation easements and securing clear title.
- Communicate with supervisor, AFT staff, and partner organizations to clearly understand required work output and production targets.
- Adhere to workflows, processes and procedures to ensure work goals, reporting requirements and performance evaluation criteria are met.
- Actively participate in creative problem solving to improve landowner experience within AFT and partner organizations.
- Identify and troubleshoot obstacles to success and help develop process improvements and improve team efficiency.
- Track and report work progress to supervisor and partner organizations as required.
- Identify training, resources and support that would enhance work productivity.
Build positive team dynamics within the assigned team, within AFT broadly, and with partner organizations.
- Ensure clear and consistent communication between AFT staff and partner organizations to maximize efficiency and productivity to accelerate agricultural land protection activity.
- Document communications as needed to ensure clarity of, and changes in, program and policy direction over time.
- Provide input and feedback to team members, supervisor, applicable AFT staff and partner organizations to maximize program success.
- Actively participate in regular check-in meetings to maximize collective learning and team building.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.

Salary Range:

$80,000 – $90,000

Senior Agricultural Land Protection Capacity Manager

Who We Are:

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 7 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families by improving farm viability and farmland access. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

Job Purpose:

Supervise a team of agricultural land protection professionals who expand agricultural land protection capacity of public and private organizations. Initial focus of the position will be on supporting NRCS with conservation easement program enrollments and acquisitions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervise a team assigned to supporting NRCS Easement Program Division (EPD) with program enrollments and acquisitions:

Establish clear work goals, objectives, and performance evaluation criteria for staff.
Set schedules, agendas and expectations for regular check-in meetings and performance reporting.
Ensure staff receive necessary training, resources and support.
Provide feedback and guidance to team members as needed.
Manage the team consistently with AFT’s Management Responsibilities Framework.
Conduct staff performance reviews.

Manage staff in supporting NRCS conservation easement program enrollments and acquisitions including activities such as 1) easement acquisitions tracking and coordination, 2) reviewing and advancing easement acquisition transactions, and 3) conducting title review and preparing properties for closing. Description of the work with NRCS to be completed by AFT staff includes:

Track, document, record, and report status of pending easement purchase applications as they move through the easement acquisition process.
Administer easement applications in accordance with the terms and conditions of the easement deeds and program regulations.
Review application documents to ensure compliance with applicable standards; identify errors and omissions; coordinate with necessary parties to obtain corrected/missing information to advance the application.
Conduct required easement acquisition activities including but not limited to: evaluate easement offers, review proposed partner cost share estimates and other applicable financial documents, review draft easement deeds and develop/review modifications thereto; review title and survey reports, develop subordination 2 agreements; review title commitments and final surveys; prepare easement acquisitions for closing. o Review real property title documents, appraisals and Easement Warranty Deeds and attachments, subordinations, affidavits, organizational documents, title opinions, and other documents required by the U.S. Office of General Counsel to determine their correctness, adequacy, and completeness.
Make contact with closing agents, title companies, appraisers, surveyors, agency state personnel, landowners, attorneys, National Program Managers, USDA Office of General Counsel attorneys and others to obtain information, provide information and guidance, order services, resolve deficiencies, obtain corrected documents, and establish clear title.
Provide guidance and instructions to the closing agent and State Program Managers in the preparation, execution, and clearing of title, payment recording, and providing title insurance for the closing of easements.
Provide specification guidance to surveyors and receives and reviews survey documents. Populate NRCS’s National Easement Staging Tool (NEST) other required NRCS system tools.

Manage team workflows to advance assigned land protection projects:

Communicate with supervisor, AFT staff, and partner organizations to clearly identify required work output and production targets.
Develop workflows, processes and procedures for team members to follow to ensure work goals, reporting requirements and performance evaluation criteria are met.
Support staff members in all aspects of their work, including actively participating in problem solving within AFT and partner organizations.
Effectively assess team progress, identify and troubleshoot obstacles to success, develop internal AFT process improvements and increase team efficiency.

Build positive team dynamics within the assigned team, within AFT broadly, and with partner organizations:

Ensure clear and consistent communication between AFT staff and partner organizations to maximize efficiency and productivity to accelerate agricultural land protection activity.
Document communications as needed to ensure clarity of, and changes in, program and policy direction over time.
Solicit input from team members, applicable AFT staff and partner organizations to maximize program success.
Track and report work progress to supervisor and partner organizations as required.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.

Salary Range:

$90,000 – $100,000

Conservation Director – Mid-Atlantic

At TPL, we’re a team of outdoor advocates who believe in connecting everyone to the outdoors. As an ethos, we believe access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need and essential to our health and well-being. We’re committed to creating more places that bring us outside—parks, trails, playgrounds, and public lands—and making them available and welcoming to everyone, everywhere, regardless of ZIP code.

TPL is seeking a dynamic and strategic Mid-Atlantic Conservation Director to lead its land protection work across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. This is a senior leadership land conservation role in the Mid-Atlantic region and is responsible for advancing a bold, region-wide strategy to protect critical open space, advance climate resilience, and expand access to the outdoors.
The Conservation Director will guide the development and implementation of regional goals, manage and expand a high-performing team, and carry their own portfolio of land transactions. This role requires exceptional skill in partner relationship management, team leadership, community engagement, project execution and a deep understanding of public funding for conservation.

The ideal candidate is strategic, collaborative, and passionate about equitable access to public lands and open spaces.

Skills and Qualifications

An entrepreneurial spirit with strong initiative and high energy; proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire others; capacity to be a high performer and a team player; common sense and a sense of humor.
At least 11 years of professional experience in land conservation, with a strong track record of managing projects from inception to completion.
Minimum 5 years of experience supervising and developing staff.
Deep knowledge of and direct experience with land protection tools, public funding sources, and state/local conservation policies.
Established network of conservation partners and funders in at least one and ideally multiple of the four TPL Mid-Atlantic states (NY, NJ, CT, or PA).
Proven success managing multi-state conservation strategies with documented outcomes.
Proven experience executing complex land conservation projects, including all aspects of acquisition and conveyance of property for conservation outcomes (negotiation, due diligence, community engagement, budgeting, public funding, grassroots political support, etc.)
Experience managing and collaborating toward shared goals with cross-functional teams, such as philanthropy, marketing, finance, legal, etc.
Exceptional skills in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and partnership building, especially with public agencies and local governments.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Willingness to travel frequently throughout the region and attend evening and weekend meetings, when needed.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; advanced degree in natural resources, environmental management, planning, law, or a related field preferred but not required.

We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the anticipated hiring range for this position is $135,000-150,000.

Coordinating Wildlife Biologist I, II or III

The Coordinating Wildlife Biologist positions are primarily field-level positions and a member of the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF) Conservation Delivery team, also having the opportunity to be involved in PF & QF development and chapter roles in some circumstances. As a Coordinating Wildlife Biologist, the selected applicant will provide biological/wildlife technical assistance for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), PF & QF, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and/or other local partners to ultimately benefit wildlife conservation and agriculture operations in the area. The selected applicant will have the opportunity to provide technical guidance and learn about a wide variety of topics in this role including soils, range plants, row-crop agriculture, livestock, and wildlife – with a focus on benefitting grassland/upland wildlife and their habitats. This position will be focused on grassland conservation in the Southern Rolling Plains of the Texas Panhandle – helping provide cooperators (farmers, ranchers, hunters, lease holders, etc.…) with technical guidance for their grassland and wildlife conservation goals (esp. as they pertain to upland birds) and technical assistance on applying for programmatic funding opportunities such as Farm Bill programs, Grassland Restoration Incentive Programs and other state and local initiatives. This position will be responsible for being actively engaged in workshops, trainings, field days and other education and outreach events with both landowners and partners, with the expectation that professional relationships will be formed and maintained.

Education and/or experience for Coordinating Wildlife Biologist I, II, III:

College degree in wildlife biology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field AND
At least 2-3 years practical experience providing private lands conservation technical assistance, landowner outreach, and/or providing leadership of upland habitat programs AND
Applied prescribed fire experience is encouraged AND
A Master of Science Degree, Wildlife Society Certification, or equivalent work experience is a bonus AND
USDA Conservation Planner Certifications is a bonus.

Qualifications:

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, coworkers, and partner agencies.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and with diverse clientele.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, prescribed fire, and grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools and practices in the development of management plans. Specific knowledge of grassland associated wildlife species’ habitat requirements is highly desirable.
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided through the Farm Bill, as well as other federal, state, and local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
Knowledge of common local herbaceous plants and ability to identify them.

Knowledge of agricultural landscapes, common farming and land use practices, and basic agricultural economics is desirable.
Ability to work outdoors in sometimes extreme conditions and landscapes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Effective planning and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is required. Proficiency with ArcPro and/or USDA Conservation Desktop is desired.
Demonstrated experience as a leader with strong initiative.
Conflict resolution skills.
Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle may be required (mileage reimbursement provided).
Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Work related overnight travel can range from 5-20 nights/year.
Passion for Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s mission.

Starting Salary Information: $45,000-60,000 annually (commensurate with experience) + benefits, up to $200/month student loan reimbursement, and performance-based yearly increases (view benefits summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).

Urban Forester

When you come to work for the City of Coconut Creek, although you’re assigned an employee number, you’re not treated like one. With an average of 10 years of service (some as many as 30-plus!), our employees know they can transform their careers in Coconut Creek, the “Butterfly Capital of the World.”

The City of Coconut Creek has been spotlighted as one of the “Best Cities to Live in America” by Money Magazine and a Top Ten Place to Live in Florida by Movoto and NerdWallet. Our City is home to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Butterfly World, and the Coconut Creek Promenade. Every one of our business owners and 61,000 residents rely on our awesome 400+ employees. As the City’s Urban Forester, you’ll play a visible, lasting role in shaping Coconut Creek’s identity, protecting and growing the community’s tree canopy and shaded streets for generations to come. Are you ready to be one of us?

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and serving the public; if you are innovative, progressive, dedicated, and looking for a workplace where you belong, consider applying to join our Coconut Creek family.

Performs senior and/or lead-level technical or specialized work in the Resilient Design and Development department. Performs and coordinates landscape and zoning inspections, development plan review (including site plans and related documents), permitting, code enforcement, and other duties related to landscaping to ensure compliance with the City’s Land Development Code. Work is performed under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position relies on experience and exercises independent judgment to determine the best approach by using and interpreting policies and procedures.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Represents the department regarding development review for tree and landscape-related matters; reviews development applications (including site plans, plats, and rezoning) for compliance with tree preservation, landscape, and zoning requirements; prepares written comments and recommended conditions of approval, and participates in City meetings to present and discuss findings
Coordinates special projects and activities including Arbor Day and Tree City USA
Creates educational brochures, flyers, presentations, and articles
Handles citizen inquiries and facilitates problem-solving with residents, developers, property managers, and homeowner’s associations (HOA’s)
Performs plan review for planning, building, and engineering permitting
Performs landscape and zoning inspections on new construction projects
Performs field inspections; processes and issues tree removal permits
Serves as the lead technical resource for ensuring conformity and consistency among field team members regarding City rules, regulations, and ordinances, and in particular, landscape, zoning, and tree preservation codes and regulations
May supervise and coordinate the activities of landscape inspectors, including determining procedures and work schedules, issuing instructions, and assigning duties
May advise homeowners and developers on matters of a horticultural nature concerning the condition of landscaping
Performs other duties as assigned and/or required

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by three (3) or more years’ experience in landscape installation, construction supervision, and project management.
Must have a state of Florida driver’s license and have Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida (LIAF) certification and Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) certification level I.
Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.

*The City reserves the right to consider alternate combinations of education, certification, training, and/or experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Advanced knowledge of local trees, palms, plants, turf, and proper horticultural and arboricultural care and practice.
Skilled in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel)
Skilled in providing good customer service
Ability to read, review, and interpret landscaping plans and specifications against code required elements
Ability to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities
Ability to quickly and independently learn new software
Ability to organize work for timely completion
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to use critical thinking skills to arrive at solutions and suggest improvements to processes
Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort usually involving some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Usually involves some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking or standing. Tasks may involve extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors.

Director, Agricultural Resiliency

GREATER MSP is a cross-sector partnership of more than 300 leading businesses, cities, universities, counties, foundations, and community organizations. The mission of the GREATER MSP Partnership is to grow the economy of the 15-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul region and create economic opportunity for all residents of the region.

POSITION SUMMARY
This is a key leadership position that will play a central role in driving and executing MBOLDâs work to advance resiliency in Midwest agriculture including adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, the development of innovative crop insurance products and other market-oriented agriculture and strategies to be developed (approximately 80% of the role). This role will also encompass agriculture-adjacent areas of MBOLDâs protein sustainability initiative (approx. 20%). This position plays a critical role in leading effective execution of MBOLDâs current soil health portfolio and strategic development for the next phases of our work in agricultural resiliency as we mobilize the capabilities of MBOLD members and partners to deploy primarily market-based levers to foster greater climate and supply chain resiliency on the agricultural landscape.

Education & Experience:

7-10 years of relevant professional experience required such as corporate environmental responsibility, regenerative agriculture at scale, or commodity supply chain innovation
3-5+ years of leadership experience working with diverse teams or coalitions
Undergraduate degree in business, economics, agriculture, environmental sciences or related field required
Graduate degree preferred

Required Skills:

Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategies to advance climate and supply chain resiliency at scale in the agricultural sector and driving progress toward related corporate sustainability ambitions
Understanding of agricultural production, supply chains and associated market dynamics as they relate to both commodity agriculture and the scaling of novel crops
Understanding of corporate ESG strategies, success factors and challenges a plus
Proven ability to form trusting, catalytic relationships with a diverse set of industry and agricultural stakeholders
Strong leadership skills, including ability to influence others without direct authority toward shared results
Excellent organizational, problem solving, planning and critical thinking skills with the flexibility to respond to shifting priorities and new opportunities
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proficient in MS Office Suite SALARY RANGE: $145-170k

Preserve Land Manager

Are you passionate about protecting Floridaâs natural landscapes? The Natural Areas and Trails Department is seeking a motivated, environmentally focused Land Manager to help steward County-owned natural areas and preserves.

In this role, youâll develop and implement resource management and plans, oversee habitat restoration and invasive species management, support prescribed fire operations, and maintain trails and preserve infrastructure. Youâll collaborate with County and state partners, coordinate contractors and volunteers, and help ensure safe, high-quality public access to our natural lands. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, managing projects, and making a meaningful impact on Floridaâs natural ecosystems.

The pay starts between $57,577.60 – $63,003.00/ annually, based upon experience.

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one (1) of the biological or physical sciences, or a related field AND three (3) years of natural resource management experience
-OR- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one (1) of the biological or physical sciences, or a related field AND two (2) years of natural resource management experience
-OR- Progressively responsible professional natural resource management experience (totaling a minimum of seven (7) years) may substitute for the required college degree, at management’s discretion
Valid Florida driver’s license at the time of hire

Preferred “BONUS” Qualifications:

Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain
Certified NATA Natural Areas Manager or the ability to obtain
Completion of Basic Wildland Firefighting (S-130/190), Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), Wildland Fire Chainsaws (S-112 or S-212) and completion of ICS 100-200 or the ability to obtain
Ability and willingness to annually pass the moderate FFS pack test (carry 25 pounds while walking 2 miles in 30 minutes)
Ability to operate ATVs, brush trucks, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and chainsaws
Florida plant identification skills
Natural resource management (prescribed fire, invasive species management, habitat restoration, etc.) in Florida

California Senior Field Representative

The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms.

The California Senior Field Representative will seek, maintain, and complete a portfolio of conservation real estate projects throughout California. Projects may include, but are not limited to, ecologically sensitive tracts, conservation easements on private lands, historically significant sites, recreational trails, and mitigation lands for federal, state, local and private partners. The California Senior Field Representative will work cooperatively with landowners, government agencies, and other partners to initiate projects, secure funding, and shepherd projects through the acquisition process.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE

· At least seven years of experience with or strong familiarity with conservation and environmental subjects, especially in the state of California.

· Experience with or strong familiarity with land trusts, conservation real estate work, and open space conservation.

· Familiarity with grant writing and experience with non-profit conservation organizations.

WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in planning, environmental sciences, biology, natural resources management, forestry, political science, and/or natural resource economics.

· Experience in using ArcMap/ESRI GIS applications is preferred.

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.

· Attention to detail and ability to work within deadlines and under pressure.

· Negotiation skills.

· Ability to work with minimal supervision, maintain own schedule in coordination with other staff, demonstrate flexibility and an ability to shift priorities quickly, and a dedication to teamwork.

· Ability to work positively and cooperatively with the public, TCF staff, conservation professionals and leaders, and private and governmental organizations.

· A commitment to conservation and the goals of The Conservation Fund.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $110,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation.

Assistant Director of Conservation Action

The Assistant Director of Conservation Action oversees the planning, operations, and evaluation of Shedd’s conservation action efforts that activate people and communities to act for animals. Shedd’s conservation action work utilizes an equity lens to restore and protect natural areas, prevent future environmental degradation, and mobilize various stakeholders and communities to act for a healthier future.

The assistant director is responsible for managing all aspects of implementing environmental restoration projects and delivering conservation action outreach programs. Working closely with other Shedd departments, the assistant director will contribute to interdepartmental collaboration, coordinate training and education on key conservation issues, centralize important resources for conservation messaging, and track outputs and outcomes. The assistant director also manages external partnerships, playing a key role in developing new relationships and delivering on collaborative efforts with nonprofits, elected officials, businesses, community groups, and others.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Science, Education, Communications, Non-Profit Management, or related field or a combination of experience and education/training.

Experience:

3+ years of experience managing diverse teams required.
5+ years of experience with program coordination, community engagement, public outreach, and presentation delivery, preferably in a non-profit setting.
Experience with volunteer management or community environmental stewardship is desired.
Demonstrated ability to handle a large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Excellent communication skills and a talent for planning and delivering educational activities. Aware of current, local, national, and international conservation issues, with the ability to effectively and clearly communicate them to various audiences.
Poised, articulate professional with diplomacy, a sense of humor, a positive attitude, and charisma. Driven, highly organized self-starter. Confident, outgoing, and enjoys socializing with diverse audiences. Appreciation for and strong attention to detail. Passionate about the environment. A lifelong learner.

SALARY: $75,000 – $85,000

Horticulturist

Job Summary: The Horticulturist will be responsible for enhancing the beauty and health of the District’s
parks and facilities by overseeing the design, planting and maintenance of landscaped areas.

Essential Functions:

Oversee the planning, coordinating, and execution of the planting, care, maintenance of flower beds, shrubs and planters across the district parks and facilities.
Develop innovative and visually appealing layouts for flower beds and other landscaped areas.
Monitor and manage the health of plants, addressing issues such as weed control, diseases, fungi and pests.
Manage the operations of the district’s greenhouse, which includes all annuals and perennials.
Provide input and recommendations for the budgeting process and future projects, equipment needs, and schedules.
Install landscape elements, including plants, trees, lawns, pathways, and hardscape features.
Perform routine maintenance tasks such as pruning, mowing, weeding, fertilizing and pest control.
General landscape, maintenance and horticulture duties within parks and open space throughout the year. This includes but is not limited to watering, mulching, mowing, weeding, trimming plants, and leaf and tree removal.
Works in conjunction with Superintendent of Parks to manage the District’s GIS, which includes tree management and amenity management.
Operates various park district vehicles and motorized equipment; within weight and license restriction requirements perform pre-trip inspection of vehicles and equipment.
Remove all garbage and trash from parks and playgrounds.
Assist with sight improvement and special projects.
Off hour responsibility includes on-call duties, inclement weather response, and emergency response.
Prepare ballfields as needed, paint athletic lines.
Assist with special event set up and take downs including but not limited to banner hanging, fencing, lighting, sound systems, transporting equipment, table and chair set up/take down and trash collection.
Perform general maintenance on district vehicles and equipment.
Operation of small power tools (cordless drills, saws, and sanders, etc.).
Ability to take lead on landscape and special detail projects with minimal support.
Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in horticultural or related field and or equivalent work experience. Minimum of three years of experience designing and installing plant beds. Ability to obtain an Illinois Applicators license within one year of hire. Knowledge and passion for learning plan identification, horticultural maintenance practices and landscape design standards preferred and a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Team-oriented mindset with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Knowledge of equipment, material and supplies used in grounds & facilities maintenance.
Ability and desire to learn horticultural maintenance practices in regards to annuals, perennials, and natural areas.
Ability to operate hand and self-propelled power equipment.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
Ability to follow directions and complete projects with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate with the public and patrons.
Ability to utilize District electronic tools/software, including but not limited to: network computers, District email/calendar, Paycor system and cell phones.