Conservation Program Manager

Job Description

The Conservation Program at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum leverages the unique position of the Garden and the University to make valuable and unique contributions to plant conservation and ecological restoration in Utah and the broader region, and to elevate the role of native plants in solving societal challenges and creating healthy, resilient places. At the heart of the program is the maintenance of our long-term seed bank of Utah rare, threatened, and endangered species. In addition, the conservation program works with a network of plant conservation partners to perform research, assist with restoration efforts, and provide botanical expertise to support conservation efforts throughout Utah and the Western Rocky Mountain and Great Basin regions.
The Conservation Program Manager oversees day-to-day operations of the conservation program and works closely with the Director of Conservation and Research on planning, budgeting, and reporting.

About Us

Red Butte Garden & Arboretum (RBGA) is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West and together with the University of Utah, is the State Arboretum of Utah. We are located on 100 acres in the foothills on the eastern edge of the University of Utah campus. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. The Garden, which is community-funded; is renowned for its numerous plant collections, display gardens, 580,000 springtime blooming bulbs; including a vast collection of daffodils; gorgeous private event spaces, a world-class outdoor concert series, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintains working relationships with Conservation Partners, including federal and state agencies, non-profits organizations, etc.
• Works with the Director and Partners to identify conservation priorities and projects.
• Works with the Director to identify funding opportunities and prepare and submit proposals.
• Oversees individual project administration and implementation, personnel, purchasing, travel and field logistics, and report preparation.
• Oversees full time and part-time conservation staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Coordinates with horticultural, programs, and marketing/communications staff as appropriate to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Oversees the maintenance of the Garden’s conservation seed collections, and any trials, testing, or propagation associated with rare and endangered native plants at the Garden.
• Collaborates with researchers, staff, and partners to carry out research studies both in the field and at the garden.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of employment may be required. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.

Additional Information

Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, conservation science, or other related field plus 5 years of experience working in plant conservation, including some experience in a supervisory or leadership role OR a master’s degree in a related field plus 3 years of experience, including in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Familiarity with Utah’s native plants, geography, and ecosystems.
• Familiarity with seed banking of rare species, including practices and standards associated with collection, testing, storage, and germination.
• Familiarity with field methods for plant conservation, including restoration, population assessments and monitoring. Ability to plan and implement field expeditions including planning and logistics, travel and purchasing, hiring, and supervising crews.
• Physical ability and willingness to undertake field work under potentially challenging conditions, including driving on remote, rough roads, backcountry camping, hiking over rough terrain, carrying heavy loads, and spending long hours to days outdoors in a wide variety of weather.
• Experience and ability in grant writing and reporting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent people skills and ability to work in a strongly collaborative environment.
• Experience and strong capability with collecting, analyzing, and reporting scientific data, maintaining, and organizing records and datasets.
• Highly organized and able to manage projects, people, and work processes effectively.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, R.

Application Instructions

APPLICATION LINK: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/170956