Tree and Natural Lands Specialist
Employment Type
Job (Full-Time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Tree and Natural Lands Specialist!
Are you an arborist who is passionate about natural landscapes, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?
This is a Full-Time, Year-round, benefit eligible position.
$27.00 – 30.00 hourly, non-exempt
The Tree and Natural Lands Specialist is responsible for carrying out the tree risk management plan, managing both cultivated and naturally occurring trees on the Gardens property. Additionally, this role monitors and manages approximately 280 acres of uncultivated forest.
Physical Requirements:
-70% outside, with time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, hands/fingers used for fine manipulation, hands/fingers used for firm grasping, head/neck in rotational movements, head/neck in extension movements, head/neck in flexing movements.
-30% of time inside in sitting position.
-Maximum load employee will be required to lift/carry is up to 50 lbs.
About Us
At nearly 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest public garden in New England. With two miles of hiking trails, 19 acres of ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and those suited to northern coastal conditions, nearly a mile of saltwater frontage, a children’s garden, a sensory garden, and so much more, there’s something for everyone. A true Maine experience, the Gardens is committed to connecting people to plants and nature, preserving the biodiversity of the Maine coast, and continuing to be a place accessible and welcoming to all. The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment where every member of our community is valued, respected, and appreciated. We acknowledge that a society is stronger, more resilient, and more beautiful when it is diverse. We are committed to identifying and striving to eliminate barriers that, historically, have prevented the full participation of communities most impacted by inequity.
Duties & Responsibilities
-Execute the tree risk management program as dictated by the tree risk management plan, and under the direction of the tree risk management program review panel
-Perform ISA tree risk assessments on cultivated and naturally occurring trees on Gardens property, including those in named garden spaces and along forest trails
-Support horticulture team with tree care and management work, including consulting on pruning and tree health
-Author long-term tree care and pruning plans for trees in the living collections
-Collect and maintain tree risk and tree health data in alignment with the tree risk management plan, living collections policy, and integrated pest management plan
-Act as the point of contact between the Gardens and outside tree care contractors
-Coordinate and execute in-house tree removals as needed and appropriate
-Plan for and perform management activities focused on improving the ecological health of the Gardens’ uncultivated lands
-Monitor, report and rectify, with support, challenges in natural lands care such as invasive pests and plants, plant disease, and removal of downed and hazardous trees
-Monitor and repair deer fence as needed
-Maintain trails to ensure guest and staff safety
-Teach 1-2 courses on tree identification, tree care, pruning, ecological land management, or related topics as part of the Gardens’ adult education course offerings
-Support the internal invasive and non-native species committee in monitoring natural lands for invasive plants and insects
-Participate in Gardens-wide initiatives including Gardens Aglow assignments.
Education and Experience
-Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in botany, horticulture, ecology or related subject
-Must have at least 3 years working in tree management or natural lands management
-Must be an ISA certified arborist, licensed to work in Maine or willing to transfer license to Maine within 90 days of hire
-Must be an ISA tree risk assessment qualified (TRAQ) assessor with at least 1 year of TRAQ experience
-Must be comfortable working with data, including collecting data in the field both on paper and virtually, and storing and accessing data. Familiarity with GIS is preferred but not required
-Familiarity with Maine’s natural communities and native flora preferred
-Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, board members, and the community
-Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills
-Efficient use of computer systems, with proficiency using Microsoft Office 365 products to maintain electronic database/records
-Experience running and maintaining power equipment is helpful, and confidence on ladders is required
-Enthusiasm for plants and the natural world and a commitment to advancing the mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
-Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility principles into the Gardens’ internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.
Additional Information
Applications will be reviewed January 8, 2026, and position will remain open until filled.
Interview process:
Virtual Interview with Horticulture Director and Curator of Living Collections
