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The Wildlife Society

State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation

The Wildlife Society, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604

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Position Details Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC FLSA. Faculty Rank: Administrative Faculty. Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.). Tenure Status: Non‑Tenure Track.

Position Summary The State Botanical Garden at The University of Georgia invites applications for the Director of Plant Science and Conservation at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This position is part of the division of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia and is offered in collaboration with teaching opportunities at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

As a Public Service and Outreach unit, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG) contributes directly to the university’s overarching public service mission of improving people’s lives by addressing pressing environmental issues, enhancing research output, and providing UGA students and the community at large with cutting‑edge education in this crucial field. The SBG serves communities in Georgia and beyond by applying scientific expertise to address grand challenges for improving environmental function and resilience.

The position will lead a team of faculty and staff focused on helping state, local, and national environmental organizations strengthen the university’s capabilities in addressing pressing environmental issues, enhancing our research output, and providing our students and community at large with cutting‑edge education.

Minimum Qualifications A Ph.D. in botany, conservation horticulture, environment, public administration, agriculture, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Ten years of experience working in a conservation horticulture setting.

Ability to function effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Knowledge of conservation horticulture operations and curriculum development for university programs.

Knowledge of conservation horticulture reporting requirements, policies and processes, and developing native plant materials for restoration and economic development.

Knowledge of programmatic and curriculum requirements of global plant conservation efforts and sustainable practices in conservation horticulture.

Knowledge of application of knowledge for preservation of native plant species and developing native plant materials for restoration and economic development.

Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.

Skill in oral communication, public speaking, and group facilitation.

Skill in written communication and writing professional reports and articles and developing professional presentations.

Ability to communicate highly technical topics.

Ability to take initiative, work independently and as a team member.

Ability to manage multiple projects and presentations simultaneously.

Ability to apply creative solutions to complex problems/issues.

Ability to develop and deliver learning programs and related curriculum and education materials at a level appropriate for the user.

Ability to learn, adapt, and apply new learning technologies in training and development service delivery for multiple audiences.

Ability to manage long‑term projects and funder relationships.

Ability to effectively coach, develop, motivate and engage employees and students.

Ability to effectively assign, delegate and manage work done through others.

Must be able to effectively manage multiple staff and interns, work alone, as a team member, or as a project lead.

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for academic and partner interactions and presentations.

Duties / Responsibilities Direct Conservation Unit:

Manage all faculty, staff, programs, impact evaluation, budgets and contracts assigned to the Science and Conservation department at SBG.

Obtain funded sponsored projects and grants to support research activities.

Secure funding for projects in collaboration with Botanical Garden faculty and staff as well as with partners in Public Service and Outreach, academic and external partners.

Produce scholarly work, including published papers and professional presentations.

Evaluate the impact of Science and Conservation at SBG.

Supervise, coach and develop technical staff and graduate students assigned to the SBG Science and Conservation department.

Provide technical assistance, consultation, and other services to partner agencies.

Establish and maintain consultative working relationships with personnel in local governments, education, agencies, and professional associations at the university, state and national level.

Teaching (30% of time):

Teach 6–7 credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UGA.

Develop and update courses such as: Conserving Native Plants (HORT3333S – 3 credits); Propagation of Native Plant Material (To be developed – 3 credits); Management and Administration of Botanical Gardens (To be developed – 3 credits).

Oversee the Conservation and Horticulture internships within Science and Conservation at SBG (HORT 3940S) and supervise graduate students.

Create content, write text and develop interactive exercises for online courses.

Develop training programs, instructional plans, supporting materials and examinations.

Physical Demands Work is typically performed in diverse field settings throughout the state. Ability for day travel, with some overnight travel, is essential. Ability to transport and load/unload teaching and research equipment and materials is required.

Background Investigation Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. A pre‑employment drug test may be required for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.

Applicant Documents

Resume/CV

Cover Letter

Writing Sample (technical report)

List of References with Contact Information

Contact University of Georgia. For accommodations or assistance with materials related to this search, contact Central HR at hrweb@uga.edu.

EEO Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status.

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