State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation

Job Details

Posting Number: F2361P

Working Title: State Botanical Garden Director of Science & Conservation

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area, Georgia

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Anticipated

Start Date:

08/01/2025

Job Posting Date: 04/29/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

Classification

Title:

Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank: Administrative Faculty

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status: Non‑Tenure Track

The State Botanical Garden at the University of Georgia invites applications for the Director of Plant Science and Conservation. This position is part of the Division of Public Service and Outreach and is offered in collaboration with teaching opportunities at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Director will lead a team of faculty and staff focused on strengthening the university’s capabilities in addressing environmental challenges, enhancing research output, and providing students and the community with cutting‑edge education in conservation science and horticulture.

• Ph.D. in botany, conservation horticulture, environment, public administration, agriculture, or a related field.

• Ten years of experience working in a conservation horticulture setting.

• Function effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of conservation horticulture operations, curriculum development for university programs, and native plant material development for restoration and economic development.
• Knowledge of programmatic and curriculum requirements of global plant conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
• Establish priorities, organize work, and manage long‑term projects.
• Strong oral and written communication, public speaking, group facilitation, and technical presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently, as a team member, and as a project lead, including coaching, motivating, and engaging employees and students.
• Adaptability to new learning technologies and complex problem solving.

Direct Conservation Unit (70%)

• Manage all faculty, staff, programs, budgets, and contracts for the Science and Conservation department.
• Obtain and manage funded projects and grants to support research activities.
• Produce scholarly work, including published papers and professional presentations.
• Evaluate the impact of Science and Conservation activities.
• Supervise, coach, and develop technical staff and graduate students.
• Provide technical assistance, consultation, and other services to partner agencies.
• Establish and maintain consultative relationships with local governments, educational agencies, and professional associations at the university, state, and national levels.

Teaching (30%)

• Teach 6‑7 credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
• Develop and update courses such as Conserving Native Plants, Propagation of Native Plant Material, and Management and Administration of Botanical Gardens.
• Oversee the Conservation and Horticulture internships and supervise graduate students.
• Create content, write text, and develop interactive exercises for online courses.
• Develop training programs, instructional plans, supporting materials, and examinations.

• Rank on hire will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, according to Public Service and Outreach Appointment and Promotion Guidelines.
• Work is typically performed in diverse field settings throughout the state; day travel, some overnight travel, and carrying equipment are required.
• Position of Trust:
  Yes.
• Financial responsibilities and access to security resources:
  Yes.
• Driving is a responsibility of this position.
• Driving and transportation responsibilities are essential.
• Credit check required for positions with financial responsibilities.
• Background investigation and possible drug test required.

Compensation will be determined by qualifications and experience. Candidates will be considered until the position is filled. Application materials should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief writing sample from a technical report, and three references. Finalists will provide three letters of recommendation.