Conservation Manager
Holden Arboretum

The Science & Conservation department seeks a Conservation Manager to join our team at Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G). The Conservation Manager manages the conservation programs at the Holden Arboretum. This role focuses on conserving and restoring the organization's natural areas to inspire healthy landscapes regionally and nationally. This work involves conducting best management practices for conservation on Holden Forests & Gardens’ properties, while inspiring others to protect the natural world. 

The Conservation Manager, in collaboration with science and research staff, will oversee the management of 3,000 acres of natural areas and 1,500 acres of conservation easements to conserve native biodiversity and enhance forest health. This role includes networking to strengthen HF&G's regional conservation presence, maintain partnerships, leading public outreach, presenting at conferences, and writing articles to raise awareness of the Holden Arboretum’s conservation efforts.

This Conservation Manager will lead natural area planning and oversee staff to manage ecosystems, address health threats, conserve at-risk species, and implement restoration plans while ensuring safe, low-impact access. It will expand THA’s rare plant conservation, using long-term monitoring to develop in-situ and ex-situ strategies and create a regional network for species conservation. This role also collaborates closely with the Research Department for science-based management and with Community Forestry to share conservation practices. This role will support the work to elevate Holden Forests & Gardens’ community forestry & conservation initiatives. 

Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. HF&G strives for a welcoming workplace where everyone feels that they belong. This role is based at the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH. 

 Position Details:

• Reports to the Director of Community Forestry & Conservation
• Exempt Position
• Full-Time
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Conservation Manager, include, but are not limited to:

• Leads Holden Forests & Gardens’ (HF&G) conservation work, providing strategy for land management that incorporates planning for ecological threats and human influences
• Advances HF&G’s role as a conservation management role model, to help drive improved practice within the Great Lakes region
• Utilizes ongoing conservation projects as tools for disseminating best practices for land management
• Serves as project manager for ecological restoration projects such as forest and rare plant management along with wetland restoration
• Supervises Natural Areas Biologist, Conservation Biologist, and Conservation Technician
• Hires, schedules, approves payroll, conducts appraisals and provides supervision and guidance to regular and temporary direct reports
• Works with contractors and staff on land management
• Holds regular meetings with internal and external stakeholders to discuss project progress and potential plan modifications
• Adopts and promotes sustainable, science-based management practices for natural areas
• Coordinates the development and implementation of science-based management plans and land-use policy for natural areas
• Works with Holden Forests & Gardens’ research scientists to plan and implement an integrated Research and Management Plan
• Works with the Research Department to facilitate the integration of research activities with management or restoration activities when there are appropriate projects and available resources
• Establishes and ensures the monitoring of natural areas projects and analysis of the data
• Analyzes monitoring data to inform adaptive management strategies and share insights with land managers and the public, enhancing regional understanding of land management outcomes
• Leads grant writing, assists with grant preparation, and management for natural areas related projects
• Participates in planning for trails and other physical features that may impact gardens and natural areas
• Plans natural area management with the staff on the Natural Areas Committee focusing on teaching & demonstration for students at all levels including: forest ecology & management professionals, restoration ecology professionals, and forest landowners
• Collaborates with external conservation, forest ecology or restoration ecology organizations
• Develops and maintains working relationships with conservation and land trust organizations to provide technical assistance and promote regional green space conservation
• Serves as an expert resource for the general public and professionals
• Participates in employee education programs
• Manages program budget
• Engages with interns and seasonal staff; coordinates the conservation volunteer program
• Represents Holden Forests & Gardens at local, regional and national land stewardship-related professional meetings and events, including meetings that integrate research and management activities
• Contributes to the development of Holden Forests & Gardens’ overall strategic plan and ongoing activities
• Helps cultivate constituents and donors as needed
• Supports professional development of interns, NOWCorp members, seasonal employees and regular staff and assists with their training, professional development, safety, and daily tasks

Qualifications and Skills:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values 
• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in forest ecology, natural resources, restoration ecology, or related field
• A Master of Science degree and relevant research experience or significant practical experience in the field are strongly preferred
• Knowledgeable about the legal context for the conservation of land and biodiversity
• Knowledge of plant communities of the northeastern U.S. and Great Lakes Region
• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills; grant writing experience preferred
• Proficiency with computer software: MS Word, Excel & Outlook required. TEAMS, SharePoint, experience with PowerPlan and Access, a plus
• Experience in the use of equipment related to the management of natural landscapes, including mapping and record-keeping
• Able to represent Holden Forests & Gardens to its supporters and constituents credibly and professionally
• Possess the skill, experience, and temperament for collaboration, negotiation, and decision-making
• Appreciates the importance of the work of arboreta, public gardens, and museums
• Work independently as well as effectively with others  

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation: 

• Work outdoors where the ambient temperature spans 0 - 100-degree F.
• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, rocky, and steep
• Ascend and descend office stairs
• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing, and lifting
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily
• Ability to walk an average of 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain; occasionally more 

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes  | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!