State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation

State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation

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• Posting Number: F2361P
• Working Title: State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation
• Department: PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA
• Location: Athens, GA
• Employment Type: Fiscal (12 mo.) / Non‑Tenure Track

Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. Candidates will be considered until the position is filled.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia invites applications for the Director of Plant Science and Conservation. This public service faculty position is part of the Public Service and Outreach division and includes teaching opportunities at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

A Ph.D. in botany, conservation horticulture, environmental science, public administration, agriculture, or a related field.

• Function effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of conservation horticulture operations and curriculum development for university programs.
• Knowledge of conservation horticulture reporting requirements, policies and processes, and of developing native plant materials for restoration and economic development.
• Knowledge of programmatic and curriculum requirements of global plant conservation efforts and advancement of sustainable practices.
• Application of knowledge for preservation of native plant species and development of native plant materials.
• Skill in establishing priorities, organizing work, oral and written communication, public speaking, group facilitation, and teaching.
• Ability to communicate highly technical topics, take initiative, manage multiple projects, and apply creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to develop and deliver learning programs and related curriculum for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage long‑term projects, funder relationships, and educate and motivate staff and students.
• Strong interpersonal skills for academic and partner interactions.

Manage all faculty, staff, programs, impact evaluation, budgets and contracts assigned to the Science and Conservation department at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

• Obtain funded sponsored projects and grants to support research activities, securing funding in collaboration with garden faculty, staff, and partners.
• Produce scholarly work including published papers and professional presentations.
• Evaluate the impact of Science and Conservation at the State Botanical Garden.
• Supervise, coach, and develop technical staff and graduate students assigned to the SBG Science and Conservation department.
• Provide technical assistance, consultation, and other services to partner agencies.
• Establish and maintain consultative working relationships with personnel in local governments, education agencies, and professional associations at the university, state, and national levels.

Teach courses 6‑7 credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UGA.

• Develop and update courses such as:
  Conserving Native Plants (HORT
  3333S – 3 credits);
  Propagation of Native Plant Material (To be developed – 3 credits);
  Management and Administration of Botanical Gardens (To be developed – 3 credits).
• Oversee internships and supervise graduate students in Conservation and Horticulture.
• Create content, write text and develop interactive exercises for online courses.
• Develop training programs, instructional plans, supporting materials and examinations.

Percentage of time
: 70% Conservation Unit, 30% Teaching.

Work is performed in diverse field settings throughout the state. Day travel with some overnight travel, transport of equipment and materials required.