Job Tag: Conservation

The Stewardship Associate will be a cornerstone in the Land Trust of Virginia’s stewardship program. They will work closely with the rest of the Conservation Team to fulfill our obligation to monitor and manage our entire conservation easement portfolio, which currently includes 265 easements (now over 300 properties due to permitted divisions). Each conserved property is monitored on an annual basis, with the goal of documenting changes and ensuring compliance with the restrictions and obligations listed in the applicable easement. Monitoring can be accomplished with several methods, including ground-level visits to walk or drive through a property, drone flights to view a property from above, or “remote” monitoring to analyze satellite imagery. The Stewardship Associate will spend about half their time visiting properties, with the other half being either in the office or working remotely. Fieldwork includes walking a property to acquire photographic or other documentation and often involves engagement with landowners who may ask easement-related questions or want to describe recent or planned changes to their property. Office time will involve tasks such as analyzing easement compliance, creating monitoring reports, corresponding with landowners, and maintaining organized files for each easement property. The Stewardship Associate position will be a full-time position with an anticipated start date of November 15th, 2024.

Primary Responsibilities

Conducting visits to conserved properties to document significant natural or man-made changes.

Meeting and developing relationships with owners of conserved properties.

Creating comprehensive monitoring reports and following up on easement-compliance concerns or landowner inquiries.

Tracking, reviewing, and drafting responses to requests from landowners for easement interpretation or approval for a proposed activity that might impact the easement.

Organizing and maintaining stewardship-related records and files.

Preparing GIS mapping related to stewardship work.

Working with conservation-related software programs such as Landscape (stewardship database) and Lens (remote monitoring program)

Conducting conservation-related research online using interactive mapping programs and similar.

Attending Easement Committee meetings and Board meetings and presenting stewardship updates as necessary.

Managing the stewardship volunteer program.

Assisting stewardship volunteers or other members of the Conservation Team with stewardship questions or concerns.

Assisting in the process of acquiring new conservation easements, including creating inventories of natural and man-made features of individual properties, which includes photography, GIS mapping, and online research related to conservation and real estate.

Assisting with tabling at outreach events, including discussing LTV’s mission and conservation-related topics and opportunities with members of the public.

Assisting with LTV’s three annual fundraising events (Garden Party, Bike Event, and Field Party), which occur on weekends.

Adhering to the official policies and procedures adopted by the LTV Boad of Directors.

Adhering to stewardship-related standards and practices required by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Required Qualifications

Applicant must:

Be self-motivated and able to manage tasks independently.

Have meticulous attention to detail and recordkeeping skills.

Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Be reliable, personable, and well-organized.

Be good-natured, hardworking, and work well with a team.

Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (a degree in environmental studies is preferred)

Have strong computer skills, with proficiency using MS Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro

Have reliable transportation with the ability to be in our Middleburg office as needed.

Be able to walk through various terrain in all weather conditions.

Be able to lift, carry, pull, and push a minimum of 50 pounds.

Be comfortable traveling solo to properties, including farms (where livestock may be present) and forests, including through undergrowth (tick awareness is a must!).

Additional Qualifications

Experience with a conservation easement holder is preferred.

ArcGIS mapping experience is preferred.

Mastery of conservation-related software programs such as Lens and Landscape will be expected (following any necessary training), and prior experience is preferred.

Ability to navigate independently in the field using maps, hand-held GPS, and similar tools will be expected (following any necessary training), and prior experience is preferred.

A sense of humor is preferred.

Are you passionate about sustainable land management and driving positive environmental impact?
Do you thrive in a dynamic role that balances certification audits with client engagement across agricultural sectors? If you’re excited about supporting businesses in achieving sustainability goals while ensuring compliance with global standards, this Agricultural Sustainability Specialist position could be the perfect next step in your career!

What you can expect:

This role involves delivering sustainability advisory services to for-profit and non-profit clients across various industries, including agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. The specialist will initially work fully on the Agriculture team, then transition to a 60/40 split between Sustainability Advisory Services and Certification after completing auditor training. This role also includes conducting audits, managing client portfolios, and providing internal support.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Sustainability Advisory Services:

Provide sustainability advisory services for clients in the timber, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, textiles, soy, and beef sectors, supporting their efforts to meet sustainability commitments and legal requirements (e.g., EU Deforestation Regulation, UK Timber Regulation).

Develop and implement responsible sourcing systems for clients, including supply chain engagement, traceability mapping, and risk assessments.

Lead policy development, gap analysis, and benchmarking activities for sustainability systems.

Conduct research and provide clients with regular updates on relevant sustainability standards and legislative changes.

Develop customized sustainability solutions and initiatives specifically designed to address the unique needs of each client.

Auditing:

Conduct audits against sustainability standards such as Rainforest Alliance (RA) and Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Lead or assist in factory, mill, farm, or forest audits, both onsite and remotely.

Review internal audit programs for client organizations and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Manage and peer-review audit reports, proposals, and compliance documentation.

Sales and Client Engagement:

Participate in sales efforts for Sustainability Advisory Services, including identifying client needs, creating budgets, and negotiating service agreements.

Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine proposals, while also managing direct client relationships.

Support the Regional Engagement and Communications team by conducting client meetings, preparing budgets, and providing technical sales assistance.

Foster long-term client engagement by identifying new opportunities for advisory services.

Internal Support and Administration:

Stay current on service developments and attend internal training sessions on relevant sustainability topics.

Timely completion of administrative duties, including timesheets, expense reports, and internal systems management (Salesforce, expense reports, time tracking).

Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Provide ongoing support to the Sustainability Advisory and Certification divisions by assisting in project management, proposal writing, and compliance tasks.

Your first year with us

Within three months you will:

Complete auditor training for sustainability standards such as Rainforest Alliance (RA), Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and other relevant certifications.

Gain hands-on experience by assisting with audits under supervision, preparing audit reports, and familiarizing yourself with internal auditing procedures.

Develop a solid understanding of the advisory services offered by the agriculture team, focusing on sustainable supply chains, policy development, and gap analysis.

Familiarize yourself with internal systems (Salesforce, expense reports, time tracking) and complete administrative tasks in a timely manner.

Within six months you will:

Transition to the 60/40 split between Sustainability Advisory Services and Certification contributing to both divisions and leading smaller projects.

Conduct independent audits for existing standards (RA, RSPO) and manage a small portfolio of clients, ensuring compliance and timely reporting.

Take ownership of advisory services related to supply chain engagement, risk assessments, and policy development for key clients.

Lead or support sales efforts for Sustainability Advisory, creating budgets and proposals, and negotiating service agreements.

Provide internal support by sharing knowledge and participating in team meetings and trainings.

Within twelve months you will:

Increase client engagement by delivering advisory services that align with sustainability goals and expanding opportunities for future projects.

Contribute to business development efforts by identifying new client needs, creating proposals, and supporting long-term planning.

Participate in professional development by attending conferences or industry events and enhancing your expertise in sustainability standards.

Important Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Ecology, Biology, Conservation, or a related field required.
At least 2 years of work experience in farming, agricultural supply chains, or sustainability auditing.
Experience with RA, RSPO, or similar certifications preferred.
Strong knowledge of agricultural sustainability standards, policy development, and client relationship management.
Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Fluent English required; Spanish skills preferred.
Dual work eligibility (US and Canada) a plus.
Willingness to travel up to 25%

What Sets Us Apart:

Global work culture
High degree of flexibility – remote work, work from home.
An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role.
Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
Potential future international travel opportunities
A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
Extended benefit package
20 days of paid vacation plus 4 floating holidays

Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ) of Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the nation’s oldest zoos, exhibiting over 100 animal species. Our culture is built on our core values -community, fun, innovation, diversity, integrity, sustainability, and excellence. We value our role in the community as a treasured place for families and a trusted resource for learning; we create a sense of community for our staff and contribute to the global conservation community. We provide a fun experience for our guests and believe that a fun environment is essential to create a great workplace. We are willing to take risks, to propose novel ideas and to think “out of the box”. Bold dreams are welcome here. We act with respect toward all. We value diversity and are intolerant of bias. Integrity and honesty drive our business practices and our relationships with each other and our constituents. We are driven by our vision of greater sustainability in our environmental practices and in our business model. We believe that by establishing a sustainable financial base we can best achieve our goals. We are always striving for excellence. We work to exceed expectations in all areas.

RWPZ is currently recruiting a full-time, year-round, non- exempt Horticulturist. Under the supervision of the Manager of Buildings/Grounds Maintenance and Horticulture, the individual in this position is responsible for all plant material within the Zoo including, but not limited to, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and leaf and snow removal.

Responsibilities:· Plant floral or ornamental plant and trees.· Care and maintenance of all plant material within the Zoo including, but not limited to, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching.· Irrigation of plants and lawns (public and off-exhibit areas).· Daily operations and maintenance of the Greenhouse.· When necessary, plan for the freezing/winterizing of plants.· Landscaping inventories. · Trimming/edging.· Grass cutting/mowing and weed whacking.· Tree removal and pruning.· Special event setup of plant material and themed decorations.· Identification and removal of poisonous plants.· Removal of invasive species.· Grading terrain.· Designing and selecting plants for new planting areas.· Participation and coordination of leaf removal.· Designing and decorating for events such as, but not limited to, corporate events, birthday parties, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and Holiday Lights.· Work night events such as, but not limited to, Zoobilee and Brew at the Zoo and support other departments for such events.· Participate in snow and ice removal.· Clearing debris after weather-related storms.· Follow all Zoo procedures regarding driving and maintaining Zoo vehicles and motorized equipment.· Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager of Buildings/Grounds Maintenance and Horticulture and/or the Deputy Director of Operations.

Required Experience, Training and/or Education:

Required Experience and Education:

High school diploma or equivalent plus one year experience in horticulture, gardening, landscape design, nursery work, and/or botany, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience and Education:

· Successful completion of a background check.

· Valid state driver’s license.

· Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.

· 24 hour on-call availability for Zoo emergencies, including storm response.

· Willingness to work flexible work schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Harris County – Commissioner Precinct One has several opportunities for an Horticulturist!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will design, install, and maintain landscapes and gardenscapes throughout Harris County – Precinct One’s Parks, Community Centers, and Courthouses.
You will conduct soil analysis, adding soil amendments, till and grade soil to prepare for landscapes and seasonal planting; assist with digging trenches, installing drainage and irrigation, and make repairs to gravel walkways.
You will also, install trees, shrubs, and flowers in designated garden areas and maintain equipment and tools.
Other duties as assigned.

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

Experience:

Horticulturist I – One (1) year of related experience
Horticulturist II- Three (3) years of related experience
Horticulturist III – Five (5) years of related experience
Proficiency in Microsoft software applications which could include Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point and Share Point

Licensure:

Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B within given time frame

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of landscape design and plant cultivation, integrated pest management, soil amendments and fertilizers
Knowledge of native plants
Knowledge of operating landscaping equipment

Summary: This position will serve as the state lead to engage in activities that preserve, enhance, restore, and increase resiliency for the conservation and long-term management of marine protected species by promoting agency collaboration and stakeholder stewardship while supporting cultural and traditional practices to ensure the long-term viability of Hawaii’s marine ecosystems.

Who We Are: The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources’ (DAR) mission is to work with the people of Hawaii to manage, conserve, and restore the state’s unique aquatic resources and ecosystems for present and future generations. DAR serves as the lead agency in managing marine resources ecosystems in Hawaii.

We are excited to find a dedicated Aquatic Biologist V to take the lead in our Protected Species Section. This pivotal role within DAR will involve supervising and developing projects aimed at bolstering the conservation and sustainable management of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, false killer whales, humpback whales, and other marine mammals and protected species. The successful candidate will have the autonomy to offer valuable advice and guidance on aquatic protected species and fisheries interactions. They will also play a key role in providing specialized support for the Division’s local and statewide initiatives, contributing their expertise in marine protected species and fisheries interactions. Join us in making a positive impact on Hawaii’s marine ecosystems.

As a Division of Aquatic Resources Team member, you’ll:

Develop and lead Protected Species management strategies for Hawaii in partnership with fishers, communities, agencies, researchers, conservation groups, and businesses.
Forge partnerships with Hawaiian fisheries, communities, researchers, agencies, conservation groups, and businesses to achieve common goals.

Education: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor’s degree and major in marine biology, freshwater biology, ecology, environmental science, zoology or a related biological science.

Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in fishery or aquatic biology which involved the management, conservation, development, utilization and protection of aquatic resources, and/or scientific research dealing with aquatic resources and environment.

The School of Life Sciences (SoLS) at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (UHM) invites applications for a permanent, full-time (9-month) tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in Conservation Biology to begin August 1, 2025, subject to position clearance and availability of funds.

UHM is a Carnegie Research 1 University with a strong emphasis on research as well as undergraduate and graduate education. Our vision is to be locally and globally recognized as a premier student-centered and community-serving university, and to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning. UHM adheres to fair and inclusive recruitment and hiring procedures, and is a campus committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion excellence. For more information on the Manoa Strategic Plan, visit https://manoa.hawaii.edu/strategicplan/.

The successful candidate will join an integrative life sciences program with broad interests in conservation, evolution, ecology, organismal biology, and cell and molecular biology, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Biology, Botany, Microbiology, Marine Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Zoology. For more information about SoLS, please visit https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences/.

Duties and Responsibilities

Establishing a vigorous extramurally funded research program
Publishing research in leading academic journals
Providing mentoring and research opportunities for undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars
Teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, providing service to the School, University, profession, and community. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate courses in conservation biology and/or related topics, as well as development of new courses in the applicant’s area of expertise.
Performing related tasks as assigned
Responsible for building collaborative educational and research relationships with conservation programs such as the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit https://pcsuhawaii.org/ and Lyon Arboretum https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyon/, which focus mainly on terrestrial ecosystems in Hawaii. This position will work with these programs to facilitate internship opportunities for SoLS students in real-world management contexts.

Minimum Qualifications

Earned Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree from a college or university of recognized standing in a field relevant to the position by time of hire.
Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
Evidence of research productivity.
University teaching experience.

Desirable Qualifications

Postdoctoral research experience in biology or a conservation-related field.
Ability to work in a diverse and multicultural environment, with a demonstrated commitment to broaden participation and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as commitment to a safe and inclusive campus environment.
Experience working with diverse stakeholders involved in conservation-focused natural resource management.
Interest in conservation of island ecosystems, restoration ecology, invasive species ecology, conservation of rare species, and related fields, particularly in the Pacific.
Interest in developing place-based research questions and/or teaching approaches in the context of UHM becoming a Native Hawaiian place of learning

In 2021 The Nature Conservancy and Utah State University-Blanding launched an 8-week paid undergraduate program focused on natural resource management for students with Tribal backgrounds. The Native American Tribes Undertaking Restoration and Education (NATURE) program seeks to bridge the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and western science by mentoring and training a small cadre of undergraduates from Tribal backgrounds to work at the interface of scientific research, public lands management, and Tribal perspectives. Students receive training in essential skills including GIS, remote sensing, methods in rangeland assessments, ecological restoration, and inventory and monitoring methods from leading experts in the field. Students meet with and are mentored by traditional Indigenous practitioners, public land managers, and professors as they develop a culminating project. The students’ summer experiences conclude with final, formal presentations, typically tackling an environmental issue relevant to their personal and academic experiences. A fundamental goal of this program is to provide mentorship, internship, and job skills for Indigenous students to help prepare them for related professions.

The Utah NATURE Program Fellow (NPF), a one-year position starting January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025, acts as the program manager with key tasks including the development, management, and coordination of the NATURE 2025 program. The position will be remote, part-time, approximately 15-20 hours per week, during the academic year, becoming in-person, full-time for the 10 weeks when the program is in session. The Program takes place June 16th through August 15th, 2025. The NPF will travel with the students throughout the 10 weeks. During those 10 weeks travel is reimbursed, and room and board are provided.

The NPF coordinates the NATURE Program for the 2025 season, including managing the schedule and supporting students. The NPF will work for four months with the leadership team. They will advertise and recruit student participants, interview student candidates, plan the schedule and curriculum development for the program. The NPF will be full-time for 10 weeks during the summer where they will work directly with the students as a mentor, facilitate speakers and programming, and will organize travel. Following the in-person session, the fellow will work directly with TNC’s new Global Director of Indigenous Science to explore building a framework for creating a TNC-wide NATURE Program.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Minimum Qualifications:

BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management principles.
Experience working with Tribal communities or with Tribal students.

Desired Qualifications:

Preference for candidates who have already finished their undergraduate degrees.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1 – 2 years of mentorship or teaching.
Ability to recognize plant and animal species.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field, including Indigenous ways of knowing.
Preference for experience and knowledge of desert Southwest ecosystems.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

The Kent Conservation District, a governmental subdivision of the State of Delaware, is seeking applicants for the
contractual services position of Marsh Bird Biologist with the DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. This permanent, full-
time position is responsible for conducting research and monitoring activities on Delaware’s wildlife (plants and animals)
and developing actions to protect, conserve, and promote responsible resource management of these species for wildlife
related recreational and educational opportunities.

Delaware provides critical habitat for several marsh bird species identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need,
including the federally threatened Black Rail and priority species such as the Saltmarsh Sparrow, and the Coastal Plains
Swamp Sparrow. These birds use Delaware for breeding and migration and are at risk from climate change and
landscape modification. The primary responsibilities of this position will be to develop and implement a marsh bird
monitoring plan for the Division to monitor population trends of Delaware’s marsh birds, and to add survey locations as
Delaware begins marsh restoration efforts targeted for marsh nesting birds. This position will also serve as the DFW
liaison to the saltmarsh sparrow and black rail working groups within the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture and work with state
and federal agencies towards conservation and restoration of Delaware’s expansive saltmarshes. The Marsh Bird
Biologist may assist with other projects within Delaware as needed.

JOB DUTIES:

Lead marsh bird and associated wetland habitat research and monitoring activities for Delaware.
This position will work directly with a program manager and two avian biologists that implement conservation

efforts on a broad suite of avian species, including breeding and migratory shorebirds, marsh birds, and colonial
waterbirds.

Collect data in the field using point counts, mist-netting, and nest searching, and conduct data analysis to

estimate density and occupancy, species richness, and population parameters of various marsh bird species and
associated upland and wetland habitats.

Implement actions to protect and conserve marsh birds and associated upland and wetland habitats identified in

the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan.

Organize, process, and analyze large amounts of data.
Ensure data is disseminated to partners in a timely manner.
Provide technical assistance by performing site evaluations to assess habitat or species population status.
Provide guidance on wildlife habitat restoration and management projects on private and public lands and assist

with setting land-protection priorities for conservation partners and for state agencies.

Supervise seasonal staff.
Represent the Division of Fish and Wildlife on various technical committees.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possession of a bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Planning, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural
Science, Architectural History/Historical Preservation Archaeology/Anthropology, or related field.

2. Two years’ experience in performing environmental specialist work which includes the analysis assessment of
environmental and/or cultural impacts of projects and/or programs.

3. Two years’ experience in analyzing and evaluating data.
4. Two years’ experience in technical report writing.
5. Two years’ experience in ensuring compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies,

and procedures.
6. One year experience in environmental project management which includes planning, developing implementing,

managing, and evaluating environmental projects to ensure objectives are met.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possession of a master’s degree or higher in Wildlife, Ecology, Conservation, Natural Resources, or related field.
2. Three years’ experience managing wildlife research projects, which includes planning, developing, implementing,

managing, and evaluating projects to ensure objectives are met.
3. Three years’ experience using GIS mapping programs such as ArcMap or ArcPro.
4. Three years’ experience in analyzing and evaluating scientific data.
5. Three years’ experience conducting marsh bird surveys and identifying birds by sight or sound.
6. Two years’ experience with capture, banding, marking, and processing birds.
7. Two years’ experience prioritizing marsh sites for habitat restoration.
8. Two years’ experience operating and navigating boats.

The CNPS Vegetation Program is hiring two full-time positions with varying experience levels directly supervised by the Vegetation Program Manager. Both positions include at least 12 months of work, beginning in December 2024, and are likely to be extended based upon an expectation of future funding. The positions include a full-time, non-exempt Associate Vegetation Ecologist position and a full-time, exempt Vegetation Data Specialist position. If the applicant pool does not include candidates who meet the additional qualifications for the Vegetation Data Specialist role, CNPS may hire two Associate Vegetation Ecologist positions instead.

Both roles are responsible for supporting regional vegetation inventory, classification, mapping, and monitoring efforts focused on either southwestern or northern California in addition to other areas, through the coordination of field missions and the promotion of the Manual of California Vegetation and Sensitive Natural Communities Initiative. Areas of focus for field work include a) Santa Barbara to San Diego and b) Mendocino to Lake counties. Areas of focus for office work (data compilation, analysis, and reporting) extend across northern California (including Humboldt to Modoc counties). These are remote, home-based positions that require the final applicants to live and work in California.

The positions require detail-oriented individuals to coordinate fieldwork and crews in vegetation inventory and mapping efforts, to assist in vegetation fieldwork in key ecological regions, to organize and integrate vegetation data in regional efforts, to analyze/classify and describe vegetation, and to increase training, outreach, and communication on California’s vegetation. The positions will typically work independently and have the opportunity to lead teams of 4+ staff, partners, and/or volunteers, in the office or in the field. Other responsibilities include training staff, students, and/or volunteers on data collection, data entry, vegetation community classification, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tasks using CNPS vegetation methods and related work (e.g., range map production & rarity evaluation of vegetation types, plant identification & specimen collection).

To qualify for the Vegetation Data Specialist position, candidates must have at least 6 years of professional experience in a directly related field (excluding college coursework) and prior experience supervising staff. The Vegetation Data Specialist will oversee 2 or more direct reports, providing mentorship and managing their performance.

Location

These are full-time (40-hour week) remote office, home-based positions, for residents of California.
Required travel and time in the field will account for 10 – 25% of annualized responsibilities. Work travel is paid.
Field work is seasonal with the concentration of required travel occurring during Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Additional Information

Fieldwork schedules may be rigorous (e.g. 10 hours/day during 4- or 7-day stints, with camping remotely or staying at motels/home rentals overnight).
A valid driver’s license is required.
Periodic travel to locations throughout California will be required. (Work travel is reimbursed.)

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center’s Plant Growth Facility seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic candidate to immediately fill a full-time Horticulturist position on our Greenhouse team.

The regular schedule for this position is five days per week (40 hrs/week. All Horticulturists work occasional weekend and holiday coverage as needed. Willingness to regularly work one weekend day per week is a bonus.

The DDPSC Plant Growth Facility is a dynamic, state-of-the art research facility with over 60,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space and 100 environmental growth chambers. Plant Growth Facility staff are responsible for supporting the research activities of internal laboratories and external clients. Danforth Center Community members come from over 20 countries, and we welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our local community and beyond.

Full-time staff are eligible for our excellent benefits package, including health/vision/dental, retirement plan with employer match, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation and holidays, and more.

Description:

Working under general supervision, the Horticulturist performs duties associated with the production and maintenance of research plants at consistent levels of high quality within the Plant Growth Facility indoor growth chambers. Duties are directly related to cultivation of a variety of research crops in accordance to achieve maximum crop health. The types of plant material grown in the PGF are diverse and may include agronomic and staple crops, perennials, model species, orphan and food security crops, and more. Horticulturist will ensure growth spaces are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, functionality and safety. Communicates effectively and utilizes organizational systems to provide excellent service in support of research projects for PGF clients and collaborators. Acts and communicates in a manner that promotes a culture of collaboration, innovation, integrity and respect within the PGF team and with all Center employees, PGF clients, visitors and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Provide research plants with the optimum environment and inputs to achieve maximum health. Irrigate and fertilize appropriately for plant type and developmental stage.
Planting/transplanting; pruning; seed harvesting, cleaning, packaging; familiar with crop propagation methods like sticking cuttings, grafting, dividing, etc.
Assist with assembly of irrigation systems; operate irrigation valves to apply correct clear or fertilizer water treatments. Perform minor plumbing repairs for irrigation lines and hoses as needed.
Actively monitor fertilizer levels at injection stations, promptly replenishes and accurately mixes concentrated fertilizer solution according to SOPs.
Maintain a clean growing environment:
Keep greenhouse shelves, benches, and floors free of debris.
Sanitize work surfaces and floors as required.
Regularly clean and sanitize greenhouses between users or crop cycles; participate in whole-house cleanouts by moving tables, irrigation lines, and power-washing surfaces.
Support pesticide spray team by safely measuring and mixing pesticides, keeping accurate and orderly records, spotting pesticide applicators, and applying pesticides under guidance of upper-level Horticulturist. Safely clean pesticide spray tanks, wands and nozzles according to SOPs.
Routine maintenance and upkeep of greenhouse equipment and infrastructure: Clean evaporative cooling systems and other equipment as needed or directed; Maintain general care of horticultural tools and equipment; Monitor physical growing environment and equipment to help ensure proper environmental control, promptly reporting issues to Manager.
Ensure that common areas are consistently organized, neat and tidy. Stock supplies specific to assigned work area.
Provide support services for different facility areas as needed, including regulated plant waste handling program (bagging, tying bags, transporting carts, etc.).
Provide excellent customer service by displaying a courteous and accommodating attitude when interacting with clients; professionally and promptly refers clients to appropriate personnel to address concerns or for troubleshooting.
Utilizes digital communication systems to efficiently and effectively communicate with co-workers, provide updates on task progress, and keep records as needed.
Able to train Assistant-level staff in tasks related to sanitation, maintenance and general operations procedures.
Assist upper-level Horticulturists or Manager with experimental trials to optimize crop growth and production systems.
Ensure a safe and compliant work environment. Follow and promote pesticide safety regulations, general health and safety procedures, biosafety policies and regulations, and Plant Growth Facility operational policies.
Lives the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship.
Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

Ability to work in a physically challenging environment:

Working in hot, humid environments with temperatures as high as 95 degrees F.
Adjusting to rapid fluctuations in temperature and humidity while moving chamber to chamber.
Lifting heavy soil/waste bags and greenhouse supplies.
Reaching and bending under chamber shelves.
Frequent twisting to maneuver hoses and other items.
Repetitive operation of water nozzles and other tools. Fine hand movement to assemble irrigation and plant support systems, replace light bulbs, staking, tying, etc.
Ability to transport carts, cumbersome supplies, etc. up ramps. Ability to safely navigate narrow chamber aisles and enclosed spaces.
Safely and appropriately working around and handling regulated plant material and research crops.
Prolonged bending/kneeling/squatting to clean drains and work surfaces, attend to irrigation, prune plants, etc.
Working on feet for prolonged periods; daily, extended walking within a large growth facility.
Will be trained to safely and effectively use a pallet jack (manual and electrical).

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

High attention to detail, ability to quickly learn new tasks and concepts while working in a fast-paced environment; inquisitive and communicative; effectively carry out duties under general direction from upper-level Horticulturists and Manager.
Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with scientific personnel, Plant Growth Facility and Facilities staff. Able to communicate clearly and effectively verbally, in writing, and digitally.
An adaptable, attentive and thorough work ethic; a positive, service-oriented attitude. Demonstrated success in customer-service setting is desirable.
Fundamental understanding of plant cultivation and propagation techniques, soils and water management, nutrient disorders and management, plant pests/pathogens, and microclimate modification.
Knowledgeable of appropriate and effective watering practices and ability to apply proper, consistent, and well-timed irrigation for controlled-environment crops
Ability to learn how to scout and identify various greenhouse pests and pathogens. Subsequently learn how to apply appropriate control measures in alignment with PGF Integrated Pest Management program procedures and best practices.
Competent using MS Office and web-based programs to track and create tasks, generate reports and protocols, compile data, etc.
Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree or higher in Horticulture or related field preferred.
Minimum of 6 months of hands-on, relevant experience in crop production, especially in a greenhouse/ controlled environment setting.
An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
Some weekend and holiday work required.
Certification(s) Required: Possess Missouri Non-commercial pesticide applicator license, or obtain within six (6) months of hire.