Shaw Nature Reserve, Manager, Restoration and Land Stewardship

Summary :

Provides leadership and strategic vision for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program, while also directly providing oversight and personally contributing to the execution of 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 ecological 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. Effectively 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 & 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 our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors / managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Perform 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 :

Qualifications / Experience :

Education :

Other Skills and Abilities :

Language Skills : Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral / written).

Mathematical Skills :

Computer Skills :

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations :

Physical Demands :

Work Environment :

Contacts with Individuals / Organizations inside / outside the Garden :

Supervisor : Director, Shaw Nature Reserve ,