The University of Georgia
State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation
The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604
Overview
Posting Number: F2361P Working Title: State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation Department: PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA About the University
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report and serves with multiple campuses and a large student body. UGA employs thousands of faculty and staff and offers programs in 19 schools and colleges. About the College/Unit/Department
The UGA State Botanical Garden – Who We Are: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG) is part of Public Service and Outreach. The garden spans 323 acres of natural areas and cultivated gardens and hosts educational programming, public exhibits, and the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance. The core mission is conservation, education and horticulture, serving communities across Georgia and beyond through public service and outreach. We seek a leader to guide a team of faculty and staff in support of public service, research, education, and outreach related to conservation horticulture and native plant sustainability. The role advances collaboration with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and other university units to strengthen research, education, and community impact. Position Summary
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites applications for the Director of Plant Science and Conservation. This position is part of Public Service and Outreach and offers teaching opportunities with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Director provides strategic direction for the Conservation and Research unit, leads fundraising and grant activity, oversees research and scholarly output, and ensures high-quality public service and educational programs. The role includes teaching responsibilities (6-7 credit hours per year) and supervision of graduate students, along with collaboration across university units to expand conservation science impact and native plant restoration initiatives. The Director will supervise faculty and professional staff, manage budgets and contracts, develop funded research programs, provide technical assistance to partners, and engage with local and national organizations to advance conservation horticulture and demonstration projects. The position emphasizes training the next generation of conservation scientists and expanding opportunities for student and community engagement in Georgia and beyond. Duties/Responsibilities
Direct Conservation Unit:
Manage all faculty, staff, programs, impact evaluation, budgets and contracts assigned to the Science and Conservation department at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG). Obtain funded sponsored projects and grants to support research activities in collaboration with Garden faculty, Public Service and Outreach partners, and external collaborators. Produce scholarly work, including published papers and professional presentations. Evaluate the impact of Science and Conservation at the SBG. Supervise, coach and develop technical staff and graduate students. Provide technical assistance, consultation, and other services to partner agencies. Establish and maintain consultative working relationships with local governments, education, agencies, and professional associations at the university, state and national level. Teaching:
Teach courses 6-7 credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, at UGA. Develop and update courses related to conservation and horticulture; oversee internships; supervise graduate students; create content and interactive materials for online courses; develop training programs and examinations. Develop courses such as Conserving Native Plants (HORT3333S) and related topics; oversee internships (HORT 3940S); supervise graduate students. Develop online course content and related teaching materials. Leadership and Collaboration:
Provide strategic direction for the Conservation and Research unit, lead training, webinars, and community engagement; collaborate with CAES and other units to advance research and public service objectives. Contribute to grant funding, faculty development, and partnerships with state and local agencies. Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. in botany, conservation horticulture, environment, public administration, agriculture, or related field. Preferred/Additional Requirements
Rank on hire will depend on qualifications and experience per Public Service and Outreach guidelines. Ten years of experience in conservation horticulture is preferred. Knowledge of conservation horticulture operations, curriculum development, reporting requirements, and native plant restoration is desirable. Familiarity with global plant conservation efforts and sustainable practices is preferred. Ability to manage multiple projects, communicate effectively, and lead interdisciplinary teams is essential. Other requirements include ability to travel, transport equipment, and manage financial resources. The position has responsibilities related to security access and driving, with background checks and credit checks as applicable. Benefits and Conditions
Benefits eligibility; 12-month fiscal contract; non-tenure track; anticipated start date 08/01/2025. Location: Athens Area. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons needing accommodations should contact Central HR. USG core values include Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details are available in policy manuals and on the university websites.
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Posting Number: F2361P Working Title: State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation Department: PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA About the University
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report and serves with multiple campuses and a large student body. UGA employs thousands of faculty and staff and offers programs in 19 schools and colleges. About the College/Unit/Department
The UGA State Botanical Garden – Who We Are: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG) is part of Public Service and Outreach. The garden spans 323 acres of natural areas and cultivated gardens and hosts educational programming, public exhibits, and the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance. The core mission is conservation, education and horticulture, serving communities across Georgia and beyond through public service and outreach. We seek a leader to guide a team of faculty and staff in support of public service, research, education, and outreach related to conservation horticulture and native plant sustainability. The role advances collaboration with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and other university units to strengthen research, education, and community impact. Position Summary
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites applications for the Director of Plant Science and Conservation. This position is part of Public Service and Outreach and offers teaching opportunities with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Director provides strategic direction for the Conservation and Research unit, leads fundraising and grant activity, oversees research and scholarly output, and ensures high-quality public service and educational programs. The role includes teaching responsibilities (6-7 credit hours per year) and supervision of graduate students, along with collaboration across university units to expand conservation science impact and native plant restoration initiatives. The Director will supervise faculty and professional staff, manage budgets and contracts, develop funded research programs, provide technical assistance to partners, and engage with local and national organizations to advance conservation horticulture and demonstration projects. The position emphasizes training the next generation of conservation scientists and expanding opportunities for student and community engagement in Georgia and beyond. Duties/Responsibilities
Direct Conservation Unit:
Manage all faculty, staff, programs, impact evaluation, budgets and contracts assigned to the Science and Conservation department at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG). Obtain funded sponsored projects and grants to support research activities in collaboration with Garden faculty, Public Service and Outreach partners, and external collaborators. Produce scholarly work, including published papers and professional presentations. Evaluate the impact of Science and Conservation at the SBG. Supervise, coach and develop technical staff and graduate students. Provide technical assistance, consultation, and other services to partner agencies. Establish and maintain consultative working relationships with local governments, education, agencies, and professional associations at the university, state and national level. Teaching:
Teach courses 6-7 credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, at UGA. Develop and update courses related to conservation and horticulture; oversee internships; supervise graduate students; create content and interactive materials for online courses; develop training programs and examinations. Develop courses such as Conserving Native Plants (HORT3333S) and related topics; oversee internships (HORT 3940S); supervise graduate students. Develop online course content and related teaching materials. Leadership and Collaboration:
Provide strategic direction for the Conservation and Research unit, lead training, webinars, and community engagement; collaborate with CAES and other units to advance research and public service objectives. Contribute to grant funding, faculty development, and partnerships with state and local agencies. Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. in botany, conservation horticulture, environment, public administration, agriculture, or related field. Preferred/Additional Requirements
Rank on hire will depend on qualifications and experience per Public Service and Outreach guidelines. Ten years of experience in conservation horticulture is preferred. Knowledge of conservation horticulture operations, curriculum development, reporting requirements, and native plant restoration is desirable. Familiarity with global plant conservation efforts and sustainable practices is preferred. Ability to manage multiple projects, communicate effectively, and lead interdisciplinary teams is essential. Other requirements include ability to travel, transport equipment, and manage financial resources. The position has responsibilities related to security access and driving, with background checks and credit checks as applicable. Benefits and Conditions
Benefits eligibility; 12-month fiscal contract; non-tenure track; anticipated start date 08/01/2025. Location: Athens Area. Open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons needing accommodations should contact Central HR. USG core values include Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details are available in policy manuals and on the university websites.
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