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.

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.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• 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: tractor and brush hog, skid steer, track loader and forestry head attachment, front end loader, back hoe, herbicide spray equipment, etc.
• 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 - Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
• Ability to understand and assist in developing project budgets.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Advanced skills navigating through various PC applications including, but not restricted to Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.). Excel spreadsheet skills are essential.
• Solid internet research skills.

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.