Job Tag: Conservation

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking a creative and experienced senior leader who will develop a comprehensive horticultural strategy that supports Bernheim’s unique history and horticultural heritage.

The Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes (DoH) must possess deep knowledge and experience of sustainable horticulture practices and be a proven team leader of both horticulture and groundskeeping professionals. Additionally, the DoH will work cross-departmentally to create programs that address the challenges of climate crisis by leveraging their skills, knowledge, and experience with people, plants, and biological sciences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Exceptional leadership skills, including delegating, managing, and prioritizing activities and responsibilities with clarity and confidence combined with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Must have a hands-on leadership style, strategic vision, in-depth knowledge of native plants and ecological gardening, and an understanding of arboriculture.
Strong program management experience, including the ability to build strategic partnerships to accomplish departmental and organizational goals.
Working knowledge of a full range of industry-related equipment and service vehicles, both manual and machine operated, as well as basic office equipment and computer software.
Ability to work in various weather conditions, including working in the sun and, at times, extreme heat.
Ability to carry out daily physical work and to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; as well as ability to walk, climb, kneel, bend, stoop, sit, crouch, operate service vehicles, climb ladders, carry and operate standard gardening equipment intermittently throughout the day, and to work in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions for an extended period.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Current Kentucky Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License with the 3N Category or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
ISA Arborist certification preferred.

Education and Experience

An advanced degree is desirable, but at a minimum, a four-year degree in horticulture, ecology, landscape design or a related field, and ten years of increasing responsibility at respected institutions is required.
Background in public horticulture either in a park or public garden setting preferred.
Widely versed and current in horticultural and botanical fields (e.g., pollinators, invasive plants, native plants, plant disease, Integrated Pest Management, etc.).
Training and experience in horticultural best practices.

This full-time, salaried position reports to the President and CEO.

Pay range: $65,000 – $75,000 annually.

The Engineering Division is seeking enthusiastic Conservation Ecology Trainees to join our seasonal team and support hands-on fieldwork across a variety of native plantings on City-managed land. Working under the guidance of our Stormwater Vegetation Coordinator and Conservation Technician, this role plays a key part in enhancing the ecological health of the City’s stormwater management system. You’ll assist with establishing native vegetation, managing invasive species, and documenting local plant and wildlife communities—all with comprehensive training provided.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Remove invasive plants by manual, mechanical or chemical means including digging, hand pulling, power brush cutting, foliar spraying, cut-stump treatments and others.
Identify and inventory common plant and animal species, especially highly problematic invasive species such as garlic mustard, wild parsnip, crown vetch, bird’s foot trefoil, sweet clover, reed canary grass, burdock, Japanese knotweed, Japanese hedge parsley, purple loosestrife, invasive thistles, common reed grass and others.
Provide plant and care for desirable plants including plugs, seedlings or seeds.
Collect native seeds for use on greenways and ponds.
Make informed decisions about restoration approaches on ponds and greenways.
Survey City rain gardens and medians for invasive species, safety/vision hazards, aesthetics and plant health. Remove undesirable vegetation as necessary.
Work with and provide guidance to Operation Fresh Start (OFS) youth crew members under supervision of OFS crew leader and/or Stormwater Vegetation Coordinator.
Provide guidance to volunteers in the field.
Field and/or direct inquiries about restoration work from residents in the field.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Interest in learning about native Wisconsin plants and habitats, invasive plant identification and control techniques, and ecological restoration techniques and theory AND;
Previous participation in Operation Fresh Start Conservation Crews OR participation in Briarpatch Youth Services Madison Summer Team, Cream City Conservation Group, or a similar conservation program.

-OR-

Three (3) or more months experience working in the field in any of the following capacities: restoration ecology related position; landscaping; farming; forestry; or experience in vegetation management such as identifying native and invasive plants and pursuing invasive plant control or related.

-OR-

Currently enrolled in or graduated from a Bachelor’s degree or higher program in Restoration Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Conservation, Forestry, Wildlife Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Biology, or closely related field.

Zoo New England is a regional leader in native rare species conservation. Our Field Conservation Department is integral to fulfilling the zoo’s mission of helping protect and sustain the natural world and inspiring people to join us in that effort.

Essential Job Functions

The Conservation Outreach Biologist advances the Field Conservation Department’s mission through direct conservation work (field surveys, habitat restoration, etc) and through outreach that inspires landowners, stakeholders, and the public to take conservation action. The biologist will also coordinate with regional partners to ensure conservation efforts are strategically aligned across the region. This role requires maintaining detailed project records, preparing reports for partners and funders, and working flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate field work and outreach events.

Minimum Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field

Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly within the region for site visits and fieldwork

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to engage diverse audiences

Physical ability to conduct field surveys in various weather conditions and terrain

Proficiency with standard computer applications, particularly Microsoft Excel

Must be willing to work nights and some weekends during the month of June

Greenwood Gardens is a treasured public garden, a 28-acre former private estate incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2003 and accessible to the public since 2013. Located in Short Hills, New Jersey, approximately 25 miles west of New York City, Greenwood is an enchanted hideaway, graced with terraced gardens, woodlands, meadows, grottoes, fountains, Arts and Crafts follies, and winding paths. Since undertaking capital projects in 2009, 2019, and 2020 in which we added substantial parking capacity; renovated the core portion of the historic garden, including two water features and major portions of the landscape; and currently restoring the last of our water features – the Cascade – Greenwood’s potential for continued growth calls for increased attention and expertise to be focused on creating a world-class garden as a critical means of attracting new visitors, members, donors, and volunteers. We see a bright future ahead for this key element of the organization and look forward to welcoming a dynamic individual in the role of Horticulture Director who can build on the work and accomplishments already achieved to successfully lead Greenwood’s horticulture efforts into the future.

POSITION SUMMARY/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Horticulture Director (HD) will be directly responsible for overseeing all horticultural activities at Greenwood including every aspect of the management and long-term planning for and care of its horticultural displays and tree collection. The role requires a hands-on leadership style, strategic and aesthetic vision, in-depth knowledge of plants, and the critical ability to recognize when new horticultural designs are required and the skill to create them, in collaboration with key stakeholders.

The HD is a member of the Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Executive Director (ED), and working in close coordination with the Deputy Director (DD), whose role incorporates serving as Head of Facilities and Operations. The HD, in concert with the ED and DD, will confer regularly about areas of horticulture focus and treatment approaches to ensure aesthetically appropriate and sustainable outcomes in the garden. Two full-time gardeners and one seasonal gardener will report directly to the HD who will also oversee and direct the activities of Green Team volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of eight to ten years of horticultural management and landscape design experience in a public garden or private estate with a minimum of five years of hands-on supervisory responsibility.

B.A. or B.S. degree in landscape design, horticulture, conservation, or related field.

In-depth knowledge of plant culture, maintenance, and identification.

Team-player, willing to physically and intellectually collaborate on all tasks required for maintaining the highest standards of landscape management and operations, programs, development, and communications.

Must understand the artistic presentation of plants in a public garden setting.

Ability to read and understand landscape drawings.

Strong leadership skills that motivate a team to produce excellent results in a collegial environment marked by high morale and teamwork.

Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, able to interact with trustees, management, staff, high level donors, township officials, and contractors.

Ability to effectively interface with the public by leading tours, from time to time, giving presentations to a variety of audiences.

Solid administrative computer skills (Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook); ability to manage horticulture database.

Must be able to operate all tools, vehicles, irrigation systems and equipment required for use by the horticulture department; ability to walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move 40 pounds with proper tools year-round.

Valid New Jersey State driver’s license.

A valid NJS pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain one.

Salary range: $90,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience.

The Land Conservation Steward is a staff member of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Chapter (TNC). SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species management, and wetland restoration) across Florida and for stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. TNC’s Central Florida preserves are part of the statewide Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and include The Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Tiger Creek (TCP), Saddle Blanket Scrub (SBSP) and Venus Flatwoods (VFP). The position is based out of The Disney Wilderness Preserve. These preserves and this position are integral to CCI and its mission. The Steward performs and participates in land management efforts with an emphasis on TNC preserves and with conservation partners in the surrounding landscape. They are responsible for ensuring that all stewardship related activities comply with TNC’s, local, state, and federal requirements. They serve as part of SAF’s Central Florida Program (CFL) team and are supervised by the CFL Land Conservation Coordinator.

The Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands. Their primary responsibilities are to control and monitor non-native plant species, participate in prescribed fire management activities, and assist with fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance. They will also assist with other aspects of preserve management, monitoring efforts and general stewardship. These activities can include road and trail maintenance, Red Cockaded Woodpecker and Florida Scrub Jay habitat improvement, fence maintenance or removal, wildlife monitoring, supporting preserve outreach events/tours, and hosting volunteer workdays. The Steward will be based out of the Disney Wilderness Preserve but will also work on several Nature Conservancy properties in the central Florida region, to include Hatchineha Ranch, Tiger Creek Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. Housing and basic utilities, except for telephone/internet, may be provided in a Conservancy residence in Kissimmee, FL. This position functions as a part of the land management team to maintain, enhance, and restore threatened and imperiled ecosystems in the central Florida landscape.

What You’ll Bring:

High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Must meet minimum TNC – National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm.
Must achieve minimum TNC training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level; Ability to walk 3 miles with a 45-pound pack vest with a time of 45 or minutes or less.

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Bachelor’s degree and 1 – 2 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field.
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualification for single resource boss.
Completion of S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and other team members.
Experience using GPS hardware and ArcGIS applications to collect and manipulate spatial data.
Ability to obtain a State of Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator license within 6 months of hire.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), frequently in the absence of supervision.

Position Purpose

A participating member of the Trail Horticulture team responsible for the health, care and growth of plant material used in the Garden’s dynamic trails, gardens and displays with the goal of achieving the highest level of excellence in alignment with best practices in horticultural care for desert plants and visitor experience. Directly supervises a team of Gardeners to assist in the maintenance of assigned areas.

Position Information:

Pay: $51,600 – $61,900/yr DOE

Position Type: Full time, Exempt

Shifts: Monday – Friday

Essential Duties

Leads the maintenance and care for team areas ensuring that all plant beds meet the Garden’s standards of health, aesthetic and cultivation including the development of care strategies and implementation of solutions. Participates in the evaluation of plant bed performance and plant acquisition in collaboration with the Trail Horticulturist Manager and Director of Horticulture for Trails and Displays.
Serve as a knowledge expert for their team by identifying desert plant species including significant collection plants, performing plant diagnostics with treatment recommendations and communicating specific cultural needs required for plants in assigned areas.
Actively manage and monitor living collection accessioned plants in areas of responsibility including the documentation, review and evaluation for the collection’s care, health and growth in collaboration with Trail Horticulture Manager, Plant Form Specialists and Plant Registrars.
Actively leads a team of Gardeners for area by organizing and prioritizing their day-to-day tasks while providing coaching and evaluation of performance.
Teaches and serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for selected classes and content for the Garden’s Desert Landscape School in coordination with the Education department.
Supervise, manage, and communicate with volunteers working with the Horticulture Trail team.
Provide support for all departmental activities including plant sales, display installations, collecting trips and Garden activities.
Participates in departmental, Garden, and planning meetings; assist with reports and proposals; continue professional education and participation in professional organizations.
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Competencies

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, life sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of automatic irrigation systems, IPM practices, and pruning of woody and herbaceous desert plants.
Preferred experience working in a horticulture-based position for a public garden, museum, or display garden.
Exceptional time management, communication and organizational skills.
The ability to solve problems using discretion and good judgment, high levels of personal motivation and professionalism.
Valid Driver’s license for cart training and use.
Ability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays when needed.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) in the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS) at Alabama A&M University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Forestry and Outreach. The position is a nine-month tenure-track appointment, with 50% Teaching and 50% Research responsibilities, and an additional three-month summer research employment opportunity. The position includes involvement in the 4-week Forestry Apprenticeship Program in June of each year. Initial research funding will be available. The rank and tenure status of the position are negotiable based on qualifications.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Science and Forestry, Ecology, and Wildlife. Graduate programs include Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Plant and Soil Science.
Examples of Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses such as natural resource management, forest recreation, biostatistics, forest pests and protection, and other forestry-related courses,
Coordinating/assisting the 4-week Forestry and Fire Apprenticeship Program
Coordination of outreach and recruitment efforts of the Forestry, Ecology, and Wildlife Program,
Securing external research funding and conducting scholarly research in the candidate’s area of expertise,
Mentoring master’s and doctoral students and serving in professional societies.
Providing service to the department, university, professional societies, and communities by working on committees, advising undergraduate students, participating in recruitment activities, engaging stakeholders such as landowners, farmers, and their organizations, NGOs, associations, and relevant state agencies, and community organizations
Other duties assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):

Ph.D. in forestry or a closely related discipline, with emphases on forest health, protection, and management. ABD (All but Dissertation) candidates will also be considered. One degree should be from an institution located in the US, preferably in forestry/natural resources from a SAF (Society of American Foresters) accredited program.
Evidence of scholarly productivity and creativity, such as refereed publications, presentations in professional societies, etc.
Evidence of actual or potential success in teaching, research, and service is also expected.

Interest and ability to develop collaborative partnerships – within and across university disciplines, at national, international, and private sector levels.
Ability and willingness to effectively advise and mentor students at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.

Valid US driver’s license.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

College or university teaching or teaching assistant experience.
Ability to develop a field-based research program in forest ecosystem management, as evidenced by a record such as prior experience and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
History of success in securing external research funding.
Ability to collaborate with other faculty in interdisciplinary projects and engage in outreach to landowners, managers, and other stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to travel with students in the field, to professional meetings and conferences, forestry conclaves, and to camp out.
Experience with or graduation from an SAF (Society of American Foresters) accredited program is preferable.

The Conservation Easement Specialist plays a vital role in managing and monitoring conservation easements to ensure the protection and sustainable use of natural resources. This position involves conducting field assessments, analyzing environmental data, and ensuring compliance with legal and ecological standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental science, land management, or related fields, with proficiency in GIS and ecological restoration techniques. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation efforts through detailed research, data collection, and analysis.

Duties

Conduct on-site inspections of conservation easements to assess land condition and compliance with legal agreements
Collect and analyze ecological data related to plant health, tree care, and habitat quality
Utilize GPS and ArcGIS (including ArcGIS software) for mapping and spatial analysis of land features
Research environmental laws, regulations, and best practices relevant to conservation easements
Perform ecological restoration activities to maintain or improve habitat quality
Document findings through detailed reports and maintain accurate records of land conditions and changes over time
Collaborate with landowners, government agencies, and environmental organizations to support conservation goals
Assist in developing management plans that incorporate horticulture, farming practices, and sustainable land use

Skills

Proficiency in GIS tools such as ArcGIS and GPS technology for mapping and spatial analysis
Strong knowledge of horticulture, tree care, farming, and ecological restoration techniques
Excellent data collection skills with the ability to analyze complex environmental datasets
Research skills to stay informed about environmental law, land management policies, and conservation strategies
Analysis skills for interpreting ecological data and making informed recommendations
Experience with agriculture practices and understanding of sustainable land use principles
Familiarity with environmental law related to conservation easements
Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects and maintaining detailed records

This position is ideal for individuals passionate about environmental preservation, land management, and ecological research. Candidates should possess a combination of technical expertise in GIS, ecology, law, or related fields to effectively support conservation initiatives.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the County Manager, the Director of the Allegheny County Parks Department provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction to the Allegheny County Parks system. This is a public facing position, where the incumbent must be both a strong operations manager internally and a competent spokesperson and communicator externally. The Director implements the policies of the elected County Executive and works with the Allegheny County Parks Foundation to envision and develop park capital projects. The Director works with the elected and appointed officials, civil servants, potential funders, and volunteer leadership to craft strategic and financial planning objectives. The Director provides leadership to a staff of approximately 185 full-time and 700 temporary employees, oversees an annual operating and capital budget of ~$50 million, and serves as an ambassador to the community and other governmental agencies. The Director’s Office is responsible for the executive management of the highly diverse services and operations of the Allegheny County Parks Department.

Minimum Requirements:

Master of Science Degree in Park Administration and Management or related field AND Ten (10) years of progressive experience in the maintenance of parks and their assets and resources and the administration of recreation programs and park facilities and systems, including two (2) years directing the work of or supervising staff.
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
CPRE (Certified Park and Recreation Executive) and CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) preferred.

Salary: $144,626 per year

The Natural Resource Technician is responsible for assisting the Curator of Collections and Grounds and taking leadership in managing 131 acres of the Iowa Arboretum & Garden’s natural resources including woodland, prairie, and the Treehouse Village recreation area. The Natural Resource Technician reports to the Curator of Collections and Grounds. This position is responsible for coordination and supervision of a team of volunteers. Working with the Curator of Collections and Grounds, they will follow the protocols necessary to uphold excellent management of natural resources. This position will also work with senior staff in the development of programs and managing budgets to reach or exceed annual goals. Full-time.

Primary Tasks:

Serve as the steward of the Treehouse Village recreation area with waste disposal, debris clearing, cleaning surfaces, monitoring for ADA compliance, answering visitor questions
Care for trails systems including keeping them clear, mowing, rerouting, repair, and replacing signage
Coordinate and monitor management of existing ecosystems including oak/hickory and maple/linden woodland
Coordinate and monitor management of prairie restoration(s) and Conservation Reserve Program contracts
Control non-native species perpetuation and hazardous plant removal
Develop natural resource documentation including species surveys/catalogs, management strategies, and educational curricula
Plan and coordinate controlled burns
Identify and collect native plant germplasm with potential for use in ornamental horticulture
Assist with special events, snow removal in winter

Education and Experience

a four-year baccalaureate degree or commensurate experience;
horticultural/forestry, organizational, fiscal, and managerial experience in a professional setting;
strong public speaking, communication, and presentation skills;
supervisory, collaborative and interpersonal skills;
knowledge in forestry, environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental ecology or similar fields;
experience on heavy equipment, chainsaw training, equipment maintenance experience;
computer experience to include Database software, Google products, and Microsoft Office;
a valid driver’s license is required.

*must receive Pesticide Applicator Certification within 60 days of hire, must complete RT-130 and S-190 Wildland Fire Safety Training within 3 months of hire