Conservation Technician

Opportunity

The Community Forestry & Conservation department at Holden Arboretum is seeking a seasonal Conservation Technician to assist in managing natural areas, including pest assessments, invasive species control, and general forest management. The candidate will work closely with the Conservation Manager, Natural Areas Biologist, Conservation Biologist, and other team members to ensure stewardship of our natural areas. Responsibilities may include sharing knowledge with colleagues, private landowners, and the public.

This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH.

• April through mid‑September, flexibility in start date
• Monday–Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm (≈ 40 hours per week)
• $16 per hour

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, values, and core commitment
• Complete assessments of hemlock trees and associated pests such as elongate hemlock scale and hemlock wooly adelgid on private and Holden‑owned lands
• Use general forestry tools (prisms, angle gauge, Biltmore sticks, DBH tape, maps, compass)
• Use hand tools (pruners, loppers, hand saws) for invasive plant removal
• Apply herbicides and pesticides via backpack sprayers and other equipment (required)
• Lead volunteers in garlic mustard management and related data management
• Assist with aphid‑related surveys, research, and outreach
• Maintain operational and pesticide records
• Operate gas‑powered tools including brush cutters and chainsaws
• Operate electric power tools such as drills, grinders, chainsaws, pruning saws, and reciprocating saws
• Assist with restoration plantings, plant propagation, and maintenance of restoration plants at Holden’s Long Science Center greenhouse
• Assist with breeding bird, bluebird, junco, and bat monitoring programs
• Use GIS and GPS electronic mapping and positioning technology
• Assist with data entry, record keeping, and grant reporting
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance
• Communicate with landowners and the public as needed about conservation topics
• Assist with rare plant monitoring, forest health and quality assessments, aquatic vegetation surveys, deer impact surveys, and Beech Leaf Disease surveys
• Other duties and projects as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Undergraduate degree in biology, forestry, environmental science, related field, or relevant experience in natural resource management (preferred)
• Prior experience in natural resource management (desired)
• Pass a criminal background check
• Maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable record (≤ 3 points)

• Passion for people and nature
• Knowledge of regional invasive plants, native trees/shrubs, and bird identification
• Ability to understand basic instructions
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, One Drive)
• Comfortable navigating and leading staff and volunteers through remote natural areas using maps, compass, and GPS
• Ability to plan and communicate requests to a team

• Operate power equipment and perform strenuous, hands‑on work year‑round in all weather conditions
• Work outdoors or indoors with temperatures from subzero to > 100 °F
• Transport oneself by foot over wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky terrain
• Effective vision, hearing, hand, and arm dexterity
• Operate machinery and equipment (utility vehicles, pruners, shears, string trimmers, sprayers, blowers, push and riding mowers)
• Stand, bend, kneel, climb, reach, pull, push, sit, grab, lift, and carry up to 50 lb
• Walk an average of 3–5 mi per day in variable terrain; occasionally more

Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland. Discounts in our stores & cafes. Free parking at both campuses any time we are open. Free admission to many Northeast Ohio museums. Free Employee Assistance Program. And more!

Qualified applicants should submit resume along with 3 professional references by Monday, February 16, 2026.

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds.

HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.