Missouri Botanical Garden
Shaw Nature Reserve, Manager, Restoration and Land Stewardship
Missouri Botanical Garden, Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Overview
Shaw Nature Reserve, Manager, Restoration and Land Stewardship — Provides leadership and strategic vision for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program, while directly contributing to ecological restoration and land management activities at Shaw Nature Reserve including invasive species control, native species seed collection, and prescribed fire. Provides guidance, training, and supervision for restoration staff and leads the SNR Volunteer Land Stewardship program. Ensures that the restoration program is science-driven and adheres to best practices. Fosters relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners to support the Ecological Restoration Program. Communicates restoration objectives and coordinates work activities with staff throughout SNR and other Garden divisions. Maintains long-term management plans for SNR natural areas. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Manages and mentors a team of restoration staff and volunteers, providing leadership and strategic vision for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program to build internal capacity and serve as a regional model for best practices. Develops, manages, and executes strategies for invasive species management and native seed collection. Manages the SNR prescribed fire program and monitors, assesses, and adapts prescribed fire objectives in coordination with the SNR Ecological Resource Scientist. Leads, supervises, and fosters the growth of the Volunteer Land Steward program. Trains and supervises restoration technicians, seasonal interns, and volunteers. Manages and coordinates all restoration-related contractor activities at the Nature Reserve. Serves as point of contact for agriculture tenants leasing SNR working lands. Maintains current knowledge of restoration science and best management practices for ecological restoration. Identifies funding opportunities and collaborates with SNR Director, Ecological Resource Scientist, and IA staff to prepare grant proposals and submit reports, both in a supporting role and as primary investigator, as needed. Collaborates with the SNR Ecological Resource Scientist, the Garden’s Science and Conservation division, and other partners to facilitate ecological research and address restoration challenges at Shaw Nature Reserve. Fosters relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners to sustain and expand support for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program and to build regional capacity for collaborative restoration initiatives. Evaluates SNR natural communities to identify, document, and assess current conditions in addition to ongoing and emergent land management concerns. Maintains and updates prioritized management plans for restoration strategies at SNR including invasive species management and prescribed fire. Maintains and ensures execution of the seasonal cycle of restoration activities including time sensitive activities such as seed collection, herbicide treatments, firebreak preparation, and managing brush. Ensures that restoration staff have the appropriate certifications and training including but not limited to; pesticide application, prescribed fire and equipment operation. Collaborates with SNR Director and Facilities Manager to develop and execute strategies for providing the infrastructure, vehicles, equipment and implements necessary for operation of the restoration program. Ensures that restoration activities are accurately recorded in the Restoration Web App geospatial database. Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within the division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees. Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides supervision for 4-5 Ecological Restoration technicians, seasonal interns, and participants in the Volunteer Land Stewardship Program (~35). Provides training for stewardship technicians employed by Habitat Forever via the MDC/SNR/QFPF Collaborative Ecological Restoration Team. The position will manage performance and direct duties of contractors engaged to support Restoration and Land Management. Competencies
Leadership: Leadership competency includes the knowledge, skills and abilities required for management of people, budgets and assigned business functions/operations. Communication: Verbal and written communication, listening, and visitor relation skills. Collaboration: Teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus. Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, prioritization, and action. Problem Solving: Judgment, decision making, creativity and resourcefulness. Stewardship: Application of Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate. Qualifications/Experience
Minimum 5-7 years related experience with ecological restoration and land management, including progressive supervisory and management experience. Knowledge of regional native and invasive plant species, seed collection, and invasive species control. Understanding of ecological concepts (particularly related to the natural communities of Missouri). Ability to skillfully and safely operate a wide range of machinery (tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, etc.). Experience with preparation of firebreaks and execution of prescribed fires in the capacity of crew boss. Safety and vaccination considerations as required by Garden policies and local health guidelines. The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge and skills required. Education
Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, forestry or related area required. Master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered. Other Skills and Abilities
Ability to safely use a wide range of equipment including tractors, brush hogs, skid steers and forestry attachments. Proficiency with chainsaw operation, tree felling and safety. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to manage several significant projects at once. Excellent organizational, time management and interpersonal skills. Language Skills
Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written). Mathematical Skills
Proficient college math aptitude including basic arithmetic, percentages and decimals; ability to assist in developing project budgets. Computer Skills
Advanced skills navigating Microsoft Office; Excel skills are essential. Solid internet research skills. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and clean insurable driving record (prior to employment). Ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license within 6 months of hire date. Ability to obtain NWCG S-212 (preferred) or MDC chainsaw certification within 1 year of hire date. Must complete Missouri Prescribed Burn Certification training for Burn Managers within 6 months of hire. Prior NWCG FFT2/FFT1 experience is preferred. Physical Demands
Standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods; 90%+ of workday on feet or with restoration equipment. Ability to work on uneven terrain, in various weather conditions. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Work Environment
Outdoor work in all weather conditions; safety around the public. Weekend and extended hours as needed; occasional off-site travel. Contacts with Individuals/Organizations
Collaborates with SNR Director, SNR Ecological Resource Scientist, SNR Facilities Manager, and other SNR staff; interacts with Garden divisions and external partners as needed. Supervisor
Director, Shaw Nature Reserve
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Shaw Nature Reserve, Manager, Restoration and Land Stewardship — Provides leadership and strategic vision for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program, while directly contributing to ecological restoration and land management activities at Shaw Nature Reserve including invasive species control, native species seed collection, and prescribed fire. Provides guidance, training, and supervision for restoration staff and leads the SNR Volunteer Land Stewardship program. Ensures that the restoration program is science-driven and adheres to best practices. Fosters relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners to support the Ecological Restoration Program. Communicates restoration objectives and coordinates work activities with staff throughout SNR and other Garden divisions. Maintains long-term management plans for SNR natural areas. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Manages and mentors a team of restoration staff and volunteers, providing leadership and strategic vision for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program to build internal capacity and serve as a regional model for best practices. Develops, manages, and executes strategies for invasive species management and native seed collection. Manages the SNR prescribed fire program and monitors, assesses, and adapts prescribed fire objectives in coordination with the SNR Ecological Resource Scientist. Leads, supervises, and fosters the growth of the Volunteer Land Steward program. Trains and supervises restoration technicians, seasonal interns, and volunteers. Manages and coordinates all restoration-related contractor activities at the Nature Reserve. Serves as point of contact for agriculture tenants leasing SNR working lands. Maintains current knowledge of restoration science and best management practices for ecological restoration. Identifies funding opportunities and collaborates with SNR Director, Ecological Resource Scientist, and IA staff to prepare grant proposals and submit reports, both in a supporting role and as primary investigator, as needed. Collaborates with the SNR Ecological Resource Scientist, the Garden’s Science and Conservation division, and other partners to facilitate ecological research and address restoration challenges at Shaw Nature Reserve. Fosters relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners to sustain and expand support for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program and to build regional capacity for collaborative restoration initiatives. Evaluates SNR natural communities to identify, document, and assess current conditions in addition to ongoing and emergent land management concerns. Maintains and updates prioritized management plans for restoration strategies at SNR including invasive species management and prescribed fire. Maintains and ensures execution of the seasonal cycle of restoration activities including time sensitive activities such as seed collection, herbicide treatments, firebreak preparation, and managing brush. Ensures that restoration staff have the appropriate certifications and training including but not limited to; pesticide application, prescribed fire and equipment operation. Collaborates with SNR Director and Facilities Manager to develop and execute strategies for providing the infrastructure, vehicles, equipment and implements necessary for operation of the restoration program. Ensures that restoration activities are accurately recorded in the Restoration Web App geospatial database. Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within the division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees. Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides supervision for 4-5 Ecological Restoration technicians, seasonal interns, and participants in the Volunteer Land Stewardship Program (~35). Provides training for stewardship technicians employed by Habitat Forever via the MDC/SNR/QFPF Collaborative Ecological Restoration Team. The position will manage performance and direct duties of contractors engaged to support Restoration and Land Management. Competencies
Leadership: Leadership competency includes the knowledge, skills and abilities required for management of people, budgets and assigned business functions/operations. Communication: Verbal and written communication, listening, and visitor relation skills. Collaboration: Teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus. Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, prioritization, and action. Problem Solving: Judgment, decision making, creativity and resourcefulness. Stewardship: Application of Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate. Qualifications/Experience
Minimum 5-7 years related experience with ecological restoration and land management, including progressive supervisory and management experience. Knowledge of regional native and invasive plant species, seed collection, and invasive species control. Understanding of ecological concepts (particularly related to the natural communities of Missouri). Ability to skillfully and safely operate a wide range of machinery (tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, etc.). Experience with preparation of firebreaks and execution of prescribed fires in the capacity of crew boss. Safety and vaccination considerations as required by Garden policies and local health guidelines. The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge and skills required. Education
Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, forestry or related area required. Master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered. Other Skills and Abilities
Ability to safely use a wide range of equipment including tractors, brush hogs, skid steers and forestry attachments. Proficiency with chainsaw operation, tree felling and safety. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to manage several significant projects at once. Excellent organizational, time management and interpersonal skills. Language Skills
Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written). Mathematical Skills
Proficient college math aptitude including basic arithmetic, percentages and decimals; ability to assist in developing project budgets. Computer Skills
Advanced skills navigating Microsoft Office; Excel skills are essential. Solid internet research skills. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and clean insurable driving record (prior to employment). Ability to obtain a pesticide applicators license within 6 months of hire date. Ability to obtain NWCG S-212 (preferred) or MDC chainsaw certification within 1 year of hire date. Must complete Missouri Prescribed Burn Certification training for Burn Managers within 6 months of hire. Prior NWCG FFT2/FFT1 experience is preferred. Physical Demands
Standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods; 90%+ of workday on feet or with restoration equipment. Ability to work on uneven terrain, in various weather conditions. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Work Environment
Outdoor work in all weather conditions; safety around the public. Weekend and extended hours as needed; occasional off-site travel. Contacts with Individuals/Organizations
Collaborates with SNR Director, SNR Ecological Resource Scientist, SNR Facilities Manager, and other SNR staff; interacts with Garden divisions and external partners as needed. Supervisor
Director, Shaw Nature Reserve
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