Tree and Natural Lands Specialist

Join to apply for the Tree and Natural Lands Specialist role at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
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Full‑time, year‑round, benefit eligible position. Salary $27.00—$30.00 per hour, non‑exempt.

• 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 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 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.

• 70% outside, with time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, using hands/fingers for repetitive motion, fine manipulation, firm grasping, head/neck in rotational, extension, and flexing movements.
• 30% of time inside in a sitting position.
• Maximum load to lift/carry up to 50 lbs.

Virtual interview with Horticulture Director and Curator of Living Collections.

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in botany, horticulture, ecology or related subject.
• At least 3 years working in tree management or natural lands management.
• ISA certified arborist, licensed to work in Maine or willing to transfer license to Maine within 90 days of hire.
• ISA tree risk assessment qualified (TRAQ) assessor with at least 1 year of TRAQ experience.
• Comfortable working with data, including collecting data in the field 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.
• Comfortable interacting with guests, staff, board members, and the community.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Efficient use of computer systems, proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 products to maintain electronic database/records.
• Experience running and maintaining power equipment is helpful; 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 relationships with visitors and guests.

Applications will be reviewed January 8, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.