Urban Forest Manager

The City of Takoma Park seeks an Urban Forest Manager to provide specialized duties related to the City’s tree ordinance, administration of tree removals and tree protection permit processes, and management of the City’s urban forest programs on public space. The incumbent will use their expertise to serve as a City liaison to the City’s Tree Commission and use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgement in completion of responsibilities. This position is eligible for membership in the AFSCME union. The salary range for this position is $69,355.34-81,697.05 commensurate with experience.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

Manages numerous City programs and annual events including the following – Invasive Plant Management Program, Urban Forest Program, Annual Tree Planting Program, and the Annual Arbor Day Event; Contracts and monitors the work of tree care companies working on behalf of the City;

Oversees utility work performed in the City including its impact on trees located on public and private property, compliance with the Tree Ordinance, and Utility Memorandum of Understanding (MOU’s);

Monitors private construction to ensure compliance;

Drafts public information regarding tree care for the City website and newsletter;

Maintains and updates the City’s Tree Inventory;

Manages municipal infraction processes for tree violations;

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a relevant field;

One to three years of progressive, responsible and relevant Arborist experience; or,

Any combination of education, training, and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

In addition to these qualifications listed above, highly competitive candidates will have: Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture in Tree Risk Assessment Qualification;

Direct experience in thoroughly understanding the work of subordinates to be able to answer questions and resolve problems; Possession of or ability to readily obtain a Roadside Tree Care Expert.

Green Space Development Officer

The Green Space Development Officer for the West North Avenue Development Authority is the lead position, under the direct supervision of the Chief Planning and Development Officer for supporting the planning and development of open green spaces, urban farms and forestry, recreation and parks, and eliminating vacant and blighted land into usable open green spaces or economic agriculture projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

● Monitor performance implementation of State and City open green space planning and development activities to ensure alignment with the comprehensive economic plan of the Authority.

● Implement practices in green space development which include native tree plantings, wildlife habitat preservation, and water conservation in the redevelopment activities of WNADA funded projects.

● Collaborate with landscape architects and environmental consultants to repurpose current zoning and land uses to design and implement sustainable open green space projects.

● Manage green space land planners, landscape architects and general contractors redevelop disinvested recreation, open green spaces and urban farms in partnership with Parks and People Foundation, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and other related organizations.

● Participate in the review and recommendation of grants and financing awards to ensure coordinated alignment with the comprehensive plan.

● Organize and lead community meetings, workshops, and outreach programs to promote green practices with neighborhood associations along W North Avenue.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Science, Public Administration, Environmental Health, Community Planning or other relevant study. A Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Economics, Finance or Real Estate, or Master’s degree in Public Administration or Urban Planning.

Experience: 7 years of professional experience in urban policy and planning, land use, zoning, and real

estate development.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

You may submit a letter of interest, resume, Maryland State Employment Application, copy of your college transcript, three professional references and answers to the supplemental questions to ca*****@***da.org with the subject line: Resume – (Position Title).

Marine Mammal Rescue Coordinator

The Marine Mammal Rescue Coordinator role leads several aspects of the Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) team. The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure the MMR team maintains operational readiness through the oversight of facilities, vehicles, and response support personnel (volunteers and interns). The position supervises a Facilities and Equipment Technician and works in coordination with other response staff. As with all MMR roles, the MMR Coordinator will be a primary responder for the team, serving on the hotline and responding to all types of marine mammal strandings, associated follow up, data collection and entry, and recovery and preparedness. This role reports directly to the Senior Director of Rescue and will serve as one of the leaders of the MMR team, aiding in driving the team forward through operational efficiency, greater engagement and use of interns and volunteers, and support of all operational aspects of the program.

Role and Responsibilities

Intern and Volunteer Coordination

Oversee the development, implementation and management of the MMR volunteer program (~200 volunteer responders), including recruitment, training, and review of volunteers, general communications and engagement, and adherence to agreed policies and procedures. Maintain volunteer management software.
Serve as liaison to Americorps Cape Cod (ACC) program; submit annual proposals to maintain an ACC placement. Supervise the ACC member working with the MMR team each annual assignment.
Coordinate outreach efforts including organizing outreach events (up to 12/year), maintain and develop outreach materials and resources, and document outreach request and efforts.
Oversee the recruitment, training and management of MMR interns.
Work to progress diversity in the intern program through partnerships, and other innovative means.
Develop and maintain intern and volunteer protocols and training materials (training in coordination with IFAW’s Academy of rescue & Conservation).

Facilities, equipment and operations

Oversee facilities and equipment maintenance and readiness through supervision of the Facilities and Equipment Technician.
Ensure vehicles and vessels receive scheduled maintenance, needed repairs are made and they remain response- ready.

Stranding Response

Participate in 24 hour/365 hotline coverage within the team; provide 24-hr stranding hotline coverage on assigned days of the week and weekend/holiday coverage as necessary.
Lead and participate in all types of stranding response: live cetacean rescue, mass stranding response, health assessments, treatment, release and post-release monitoring; pinniped rescue, large whale response, necropsy of all taxa, etc.
Support data collection, entry, management and reporting.

Other Activities

Manage assigned budgets, ensuring timely recording of expenses, quarterly review and reporting of budget status.
Oversee maintenance of vehicle and vessel insurance and assigned contracts.
Serve as lead for Safety program, ensuring protocols are up to date and personnel are adequately trained. Serve as liaison for reporting of safety issues/injuries. Ensure that all safety equipment is in working order.
Lead grant proposal development and grant reporting as relates to intern and volunteer management, and facilities and equipment.
Coordinate planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning related to intern and volunteer programs and facilities/equipment maintenance. Develop key performance indicators. Capture data for indicators as related to MMR program and ARC PMEL measures.
Train with Disaster Response team and respond when needed both within the US and internationally.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, or marine science preferred; relevant higher degree ideal.
At least 5 years of experience in marine mammal stranding response, stranding management, species identification, and clinical care. Hands-on experience with stranded cetaceans and pinnipeds is required.
Experience working with volunteers, volunteer management, intern management, training and public engagement.
Understanding of veterinary technology, photography, necropsy, small boat handling, database management, and telemetry preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Working knowledge of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, PowerPoint and ACCESS software.
A valid Massachusetts driver’s license, or ability to acquire one, required.
DOT medical clearance, or ability to acquire clearance once hired, is required.
Ability to walk on rough terrain during inclement weather, swim, and lift 50 pounds.
Familiarity with the Cape Cod region is a plus.

Core Competencies

Excellent time management and ability to prioritize a variable set of activities.
Ability to both lead a team and serve as a strong, integrated team member.
Strong communication skills with the ability to connect with a variety of audiences from professional and scientific, to general public.
Resilience; the ability to deal with adversity in a positive manner, learning from mistakes.
Ability to recognize and take initiative within the team to meet the needs.

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Hiring range is $68,000 – $83,000

Conservation Technician

Conservation Technician I:

This position is based at the Phoenix Zoo’s Johnson Conservation Center and works with ten native species from a broad range of taxa, including black-footed ferrets, narrow-headed gartersnakes, pygmy-owls, desert fish, springsnails, and more. The Conservation Technician I is responsible for maintaining the safety, health and well-being of all assigned conservation specimens through the performance of documented husbandry practices, especially husbandry of animals reared specifically for release to the wild. This position assists in training volunteers and interns, participates in field conservation and research activities, provides support for conservation partnerships as assigned, and participates in guest interaction in support of the ACNC’s mission and goals.

Conservation Technician II:

This position is based at the Phoenix Zoo’s Johnson Conservation Center and works with eleven native species from a broad range of taxa, including black-footed ferrets, narrow-headed gartersnakes, pygmy-owls, desert fish, springsnails, and more. The Conservation Technician II is responsible for maintaining the safety, health and well-being of all assigned conservation specimens through the performance of documented husbandry practices, especially husbandry of animals reared specifically for release to the wild. This position assists in training of new staff and volunteers, participates in field conservation activities, provides support of conservation partnerships as assigned and participates in guest interaction in support of ACNC’s mission and goals.

Essential Duties:

Conservation Technician I:

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
Follow all animal servicing and safety guidelines, performing routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets; monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; observing and reporting any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens, administering prescribed medication to specimens, and assisting veterinary staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment.
Observe, document and report any structural or mechanical problems. Perform minor repairs and interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned.
Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
Participate in appropriate field conservation activities as assigned (e.g., surveys, field transport, reintroductions/translocations, habitat improvement projects).
Participate in the collection of research data for analysis as needed.
Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to meet the Zoo’s and Conservation Center’s overall goals, participating as appropriate with Education, Events, Development, Marketing and PR.
Assist the Director of Conservation and Science with writing and/or summarizing data for reports (annual reports, species updates, etc.).

Conservation Technician II:

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
Follow all animal servicing and safety guidelines. Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures, observing and reporting any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens, administering prescribed medication to specimens, and assisting veterinary staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment.
Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining animal care protocols and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessment; assist in routine inventory of supplies, notifying supervisor/manager of replenishments completed or needed.
Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, and restraint and treatment of animals.
Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
Assist Conservation and Science Manager and Senior Conservation Technician(s) in training new staff and volunteers, ensuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of section Standard Operating Procedures and that established training protocols are followed by staff and volunteers.
Participate in appropriate field conservation activities as assigned (e.g., surveys, field transport, reintroductions/translocations, habitat improvement projects).
Participate as appropriate in AZA, national, and/or global conservation efforts (e.g., studbook keeper, species coordinator, or taxa-focused conservation group(s) member, etc.)
Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to meet the Zoo’s and Conservation Center’s overall goals, participating as appropriate with Learning & Engagement, Events, Development, Marketing and PR.
Conduct presentations regarding Johnson Center animal programs and goals. Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo’s conservation mission.
Participate in the collection and analysis of data from ex situ and in situ activities and assist Director of Conservation and Science with development of publications.
Assist the Conservation and Science Manager and Senior Technicians with written reports and field equipment checks.
Serve in specialized departmental roles as assigned by supervisory staff (e.g., behavioral enrichment liaison, volunteer liaison, safety officer, etc.).

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)

Qualifications:

Conservation Technician I:

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required.
Minimum one year of experience in work relevant to animal husbandry, field biology, and/or conservation laboratory research, of which at least 6 months must consist of animal husbandry experience.
Knowledge of and experience using laboratory equipment and tools, including microscopes, water chemistry analysis tools, etc., preferred.
Ability and willingness to camp overnight for multiple days required, if needed for field work.
Previous experience with research and field work preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
Ability to engage and communicate with the public to share conservation and scientific messages.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces, repetitively bend and reach for cleaning purposes, and climb ladders.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors, often in extreme weather conditions, and hike multiple miles.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual tuberculosis test.
Ability to learn to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle and tow a truck and trailer set-up.
Ability to learn to use specialized computer programs for animal husbandry, reproduction, and research.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others and independently.

Conservation Technician II:

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required.
Minimum of two years full-time paid relevant husbandry experience or part-time equivalent thereof (Master’s degree in a related biological field may be substituted for one year of experience).
Demonstrated ability to effectively train staff following established training protocols.
Experience with laboratory equipment and tools such as microscopes, water chemistry analysis tools, etc.
Ability and willingness to camp overnight for multiple days required, if needed for field work.
Strong oral and written communication skills required.
Ability to engage with the public to share conservation and scientific messages.
Experience participating in wildlife-related field work.
Experience collecting data for scientific research.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces, repetitively bend and reach for cleaning purposes, and climb ladders.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors, often in extreme weather conditions, and hike multiple miles.
Possession of a valid driver license.
Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual tuberculosis test.
Ability to learn to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle and tow a trailer set-up if needed.
Ability to learn how to use specialized computer programs for animal husbandry, reproduction, and research.
Demonstrated ability to work well in groups and independently.

Senior Landscape Design Manager

The Senior Landscape Design Manager will report to NWF’s Senior Director of Design and Engagement, and will supervise the ECHO Grow Outdoors South Carolina design team, based in Columbia, South Carolina. This is a full-time, hybrid position (see definition below). The anticipated start date for this position is January 2025.

Principal Duties:

The primary focus of the Senior Landscape Design Manager will be to oversee the Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) Grow Outdoors South Carolina (GO SC) design team, consisting of landscape designers, in tasks related to engaging and training child care professionals and designing outdoor environments for young children to promote play, learning, and healthy development.

In this role, the Senior Landscape Design Manager will be expected to:

Apply evidence-based, best-practice design principles for outdoor learning environments at child care facilities, and create developmentally appropriate, custom design solutions driven by the programmatic needs expressed through authentic engagement with programs and community members.
Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Design and Engagement and the Colorado-based ECHO team to align and refine design standards and systems to ensure efficiency and innovation.
Develop participatory design processes and workflows to ensure that milestones are met according to project schedules and program and community expectations.
Oversee design team staff in the creation of site base plans, schematic designs, planting plans, cost opinions, and phasing plans, coordinate with landscape contractors to implement phased construction projects and provide on-call technical assistance to programs.

The candidate should be able to communicate design concepts and ideas through hand sketching, graphics, and rendering skills, have a strong attention to detail, have excellent organizational skills, be flexible, and have strong technical skills (grading, construction knowledge). Candidates must be self-motivated, great communicators, and possess strong leadership qualities.

The Senior Landscape Design Manager will:

Lead collaborative processes with Grow Outdoors South Carolina partners, and steering committee members, including representatives from the sponsoring state agencies (DPH and DSS).
Establish design review protocols to ensure that deliverables conform with the quality improvement objectives of ABC Quality, South Carolina’s QRIS for participating child care programs.
Lead team engagement with licensed child care programs to facilitate the creation of community-driven and informed design deliverables.
Train and mentor ECHO Grow Outdoors South Carolina team members on best-practices for the design and development of naturalized outdoor play and learning environments for young children
Develop and maintain office systems and standards for ECHO design team collaboration across offices.
Organize and conduct site visits in South Carolina with the design team to complete site analysis, site measurements and photo documentation
Plan and facilitate participatory design workshops.
Support the delivery of trainings for educators and design professionals on design principles for children’s environments.
Guide the maintenance and organization of archival systems for photographs and other design components.
Ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, and other technical resources as applicable to children’s environments in the South Carolina context.
Design and implement effective strategies to ensure design team workflow efficiency.
Provide on-site and on-call installation technical assistance to clients improving play environments.
Promote Grow Outdoors South Carolina through presentations at conferences and events with support from the ECHO team.
Form partnerships and collaborate with landscape contractors to implement projects at scale.

Education and Experience:

Professional degree in landscape architecture, horticultural science, or related field.
Registered landscape architect.
7 plus years of professional experience in a landscape architecture or design build firm, or related experience,
Demonstrated training and experience in designing outdoor learning environments for young children and/or families.
Working knowledge of child care licensing rules and regulations as they apply to the design of outdoor learning environments.
Working knowledge of inclusive design principles, ADA guidelines, sustainable landscape design principles, native plants and landscape materials.
Extensive experience managing complex projects and teams including adhering to budgets and meeting deadlines
Demonstrated ability to:
Work collaboratively in a team environment and develop positive working relationships.
Engage with a diverse range of people and bolster marginalized voices in your work.
Communicate effectively across disciplines (e.g., educators, families, construction professionals).
Listen and respond with empathy to others’ lived experiences that may be very different than your own.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Land F/X, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Growth mindset.

Field Technician

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for two full-time Field Technician positions to study and restore native grasslands on national parks across the Eastern United States as part of our Grasslands Restoration, Inventory, and Monitoring team. Field Technicians will be responsible for collecting baseline data from grassland remnants and proposed grassland “reconstruction” sites at a diverse array of national parks across the Eastern U.S., as well as carrying out restoration and land management work, and collecting post-treatment data from all sites. Field Technicians will travel extensively throughout the year, often working alternative work schedules to reach the different project areas (up to 90% of time will be spent in the field), with overnight stays and travel expenses covered by grant funds. This position will be remotely based in Clarksville, TN (45 miles from Nashville, TN). Field Technicians will receive daily direction from a Lead Field Technician and directly report to SGI’s Interior Low Plateau Grasslands Coordinator.

SGI, affiliated with the Center of Excellence for Field Biology at Austin Peay State University, is a dynamic organization where we celebrate, support and strive to promote diversity, equality and inclusion, and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

DUTIES:
● Assist with documenting, classifying, and mapping examples of various grassland habitats in National Parks across the Eastern U.S.
● Conduct surveys of grassland plant, bird, and pollinator species in a diverse array of National Parks across the Eastern U.S.
● Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects in National Parks across the Eastern U.S. (ie. site preparation, invasive species management, herbicide application, seed collection, planting of restoration seed mixes, and more).
● Plan weekly fieldwork activities with the Lead Field Technician.
● Communicate project updates and needs with the Lead Field Technician.
● Compile and maintain large, complex datasets.
● Assist in gathering written, photographic, and GIS data for each project location.
● Assist with preparing maps using GIS software.
● Collect plant samples for herbarium accession and other specimens from project sites.
● Read relevant materials and protocols.
● Participate in regular team meetings and SGI staff meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:
● Knowledge of grassland community types of the Southeastern United States.
● Knowledge of plant, bird, and pollinator species of the Southeastern United States.
● Knowledge of grassland restoration and reconstruction practices.
● Knowledge of invasive species management.
● Ability to use a GPS device and GIS software.
● Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
● Ability to work as part of a team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Experience in grassland restoration and/or land management is strongly preferred.
● Experience monitoring vegetation, grassland birds, and/or pollinators of eastern United States is strongly preferred.
● Must have excellent organizational and task-management skills.
● Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively within a dynamic team and a wide variety of people.
● Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.
● Must be flexible with travel and work schedules.

Coastal Ecologist

Your Impact:

As a Coastal Ecologist you will be part of the Natural Resources Team who is responsible for exemplary habitat protection and management statewide including 2,000 acres of salt marsh, 26 miles of barrier beach, an exemplary beach-nesting shorebird program and more than 700 acres of barrens habitat. This will be an opportunity to learn about and participate in many of the modern stewardship challenges land managers face today, especially those being exacerbated by climate change

The Role:

As a Seasonal Coastal Ecologist, you will assist with monitoring, research, and management activities associated with several large-scale ecological restoration efforts in Eastern Massachusetts. The primary focus of the position includes collecting monitoring data at multiple locations in the Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh ecosystem in New England and an Area of Critical Environmental Concern as part of an innovative partnership to restore resiliency and habitat to the Great Marsh. This position will also include monitoring for white-tailed deer browse impacts on 15 properties as part of The Trustees program to reduce deer browse impacts and improve habitat resiliency on thousands of acres of protected land.

Specifically, you’ll:

Conduct bird surveys to document habitat quality and use on 358 acres of salt marsh including:
Surveys of breeding birds with a focus on saltmarsh sparrows following established monitoring protocols (i.e., SHARP)
Monitoring tern foraging activity
Monitoring non-breeding bird use within salt marsh restoration areas and coordinating volunteer participation as time allows
Documenting habitat characteristics for saltmarsh sparrow nest sites
Collect data for breeding mosquitoes on 90 acres of salt marsh
Collect data on salt marsh restoration projects including ditch remediation, runnels, nesting islands, and marsh pools
Provide daily oversight for seasonal interns assisting with coastal habitat and species monitoring
Analyze collected data for birds, mosquitoes, and salt marsh restoration, and complete annual reports
Survey monitoring plots for deer browse at 15 forested properties throughout eastern Massachusetts
Other tasks and duties as assigned related to the Coastal Ecology Program

This is a seasonal limited term, non-exempt position working 40 hours/per week reporting directly to the Lead Ecologist for Inland Natural Resources.
Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

Required:
At least 3 months of previous field experience (does not need to be in salt marsh)
Coursework in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or related field
The ability to identify marsh feeding and breeding birds by sight and sound
The ability to identify plants
Strong verbal and written communication skills
The ability to work alone in the field or remotely as well as with volunteers and the public
The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions
The ability to perform physically strenuous duties, such as hiking up to several miles throughout a day
The ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds
The ability to occasionally work some weekends, holidays, and irregular hours (depending upon wildlife, weather, tides, and contractor availability)
Access to private transportation, mileage will be reimbursed
Preferred experience:
Marsh-nesting bird surveys
Biological data collection and management
GPS and ArcGIS mapping and navigation
Working with volunteers and/or citizen science programs

Please submit a cover letter detailing your previous experience!

Eligibility Criteria:

Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed]

A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Conservation Aide

Summary Description

Multiple positions are available for the summer of 2025. These positions will offer opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in natural resource management, plant identification, equipment operation, and park facility/grounds maintenance. These positions start May 19, 2025, and end approximately August 22, 2025. Extended employment opportunities may be available for qualified candidates. Positions are based at McFarland Park in Ames or at Hickory Grove Park in Colo.
Job Duties/Responsibilities

Duties will include mowing, string trimming, chainsaw operation, litter control, general carpentry, trail maintenance, prairie and forest restoration, and invasive species removal.

Conservation aides will report/repair safety hazards; offer assistance and information to the public; assist staff with area monitoring; maintain working relationships with other employees and the public; attend mandatory safety training and staff meetings; and perform related tasks as assigned. Work will involve the operation of UTVs, mowers/trimmers, chainsaws, trucks/trailers, tractors, and power tools.

Hours will average 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday (may include some
weekends and holidays if needed).

Breakdown of Available Positions:
Park Operations:

McFarland and Hickory Grove Park: park management and maintenance

Natural Resource:

Hickory Grove Park: natural resource management and restoration

Qualifications

Qualifications
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and have a current, valid driver’s license. Natural Resource Conservation Aides must have the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator’s certification within the first month of employment.

Employees will undergo post-offer, pre-employment background checks, and drug
screening.

Mandatory safety training is scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025.

Land Stewardship & Ecology Summer Internship

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Join our Land Stewardship & Ecology team this summer for a 10-week internship managing our 700+ diverse acres of forests, meadows, wetlands, streams, ponds, and agricultural lands in a southeastern Pennsylvania Piedmont landscape. You will be immersed in both the practice of land stewardship and the science of ecology, learning from varied experiences that range from restoration of native plant communities and scientific data collection to GIS mapping and invasive species management.

To learn more about our Land Stewardship & Ecology program please click here or here.

What you gain:

Hands-on experience in:

Ecological restoration planting
Meadow management
Trail maintenance
Invasive species management
Collecting and analyzing data

Opportunities to:

Help advance scientific research in ecology and test innovative land stewardship practices
Engage with volunteers and participate in educational programs related to land stewardship
Obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator License

Exposure to experts in scientific ecology, native plant horticulture, wildlife management, and ecological landscape design

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in or completed an associate or bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, environmental science, or a related field
A passion for land stewardship and conservation
High degree of motivation, organization, and attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, working from ladders, bending, stooping, lifting at least 50 pounds, and operating small equipment
A valid driver’s license

Forestry Program Administrator

The Yale School of the Environment (YSE) has addressed the world’s most critical environmental challenges through research, practice-based scholarship, and public engagement.

The Forest School (TFS) is dedicated to education, research, and leadership in forests and forestry. TFS has dedicated faculty and guides two master’s degree programs, the Master of Forestry (MF) and Master of Forest Science (MFS). TFS also runs global programs in forest research, teaching, and outreach, and manages the Yale Forests. The Forest School is home to 6 Centers & Programs, which engage in a range of professional and research-based initiatives focused on forests and people. TFS is home to the special events hub, the Yale Forest Forum (YFF). The primary focus of this position will be on coordinating activity within the School, YFF, affiliated centers and programs, and external stakeholders.

The Program Administrator position serves The Forest School at the Yale School of the Environment. The position will be supervised by the Executive Director of The Forest School with support from the Assistant Director.

The Forestry Program Administrator will: Manage a University program of small to medium scope. Have overall responsibility for coordination and development including: budget creation and tracking, maintaining TFS facilities and information systems, communications and administrative advocacy managing events and special projects schedules.

Coordinate with the business office on: Compiling documentation/relevant information needed to complete PO setup, finalize contracts, and ensure timely payment of vendor invoices. Serving as the primary contact for vendors of status on payments, PO setup, paperwork requirements, and other communications needed to ensure smooth workflow between The Forest School and Yale offices and external partners. Coordinating with external suppliers on purchase of equipment/materials and manage office supply needs and purchases.

Oversee Event Management: Coordinating, scheduling, and setting up location of events (virtual, hybrid, and in person), including: the Yale Forest Forum’s semester speaker series, Yale Forest Forum’s major events, The Forest School’s events. Support communications including TFS and YFF email inquiries and ensuring that inquiries get to the correct sub-department/person within the organization.

This position will draft budgets; create and run Zoom webinar series and events; coordinate with the IT office for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events; make room reservations, budget/order/shop food, room set-up/clean-up for events; submit paperwork for honoraria; schedule meetings, take notes, produce summaries; create extended education credit certificates; create student work positions, monitor and reply to student applicants via student employment website, and submit hire forms; calculate salary effort (per grant/other source); work with HR to transfer work study overage; approve student payroll; monitor all TFS/YFF accounts in Workday; submit grant proposals/budgets; submit grant financial interim reports to the business office; request grant no-cost extensions (NCE) if needed; make account payments; order office supplies; coordinate website maintenance; coordinate TFS/YFF annual report input; manage Supplier invoice requests (SIR); and reimburse invoices.

Essential Duties

1. In support of the overall mission, plans, directs and oversees programmatic activities. 2. Develops, implements, and maintains operational policies and procedures. 3. Manages program communications; identifies outreach potential, and promotes philanthropic and collaborative support of the program. 4. Works closely with leadership, internal and external colleagues, and community residents to further develop and implement strategic plans. 5. Identifies, solicits, and cultivates community partnerships and collaborations to assist in the development and growth of the program. 6. Tracks all program activities and regularly informs leadership of progress on each initiative. Recommends structural or programmatic adjustments, changes or additions based on full knowledge of missions, goals, and objectives. Develops metrics to identify and measure the success of the program. 7. Assists in identifying and evaluating potential future funding sources, and contributes to the submission of grants and contracts supporting the program, including the annual submission and writing of all content areas and budgetary sections of grant applications. 8. Develops and manages the program’s operating budget. 9. Manages the administrative infrastructure of the program. Manages human resources including staffing and hiring, supervision, performance development, counseling and discipline, if warranted. Oversees and manages information systems, facilities, and space needs. 10. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail with excellent follow through.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated experience with budget creation, tracking, and management.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Proficiency in using office software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Strong customer service skills and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize tasks considering importance, urgency, and resources, among other factors.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Demonstrated experience with meeting and event coordination.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Demonstrated experience with Drupal. Skills with software Excel and PPT. Skills with Adobe InDesign, Canva, and Mailchimp.