Tree and Natural Lands Specialist at COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS

Boothbay, Maine, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Mar, 26

Salary

30.0

Posted On

16 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Arborist, Tree Management, Natural Lands Management, ISA Certified Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment, Data Collection, GIS, Communication Skills, Microsoft Office 365, Power Equipment, Plant Enthusiasm, Ecological Health Management, Invasive Species Monitoring, Teaching, Collaboration, Independence

Industry

Civic and Social Organizations

Description

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. Primary Functions: 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. 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. 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 Requirements 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.

Responsibilities

The Tree and Natural Lands Specialist is responsible for executing the tree risk management plan and managing both cultivated and naturally occurring trees on the Gardens property. This role also involves monitoring and managing approximately 280 acres of uncultivated forest and supporting the horticulture team with tree care and management work.