Description

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is seeking a highly skilled Conservation Field Botany Program Manager to lead initiatives in the Conservation & Research Department. This role involves overseeing projects focused on the monitoring and collection of rare or threatened plant species, managing fieldwork operations; manage permitting, and coordinating with internal and external partners to advance conservation efforts. The successful candidate will also play a crucial role in data management, including the use of GIS and drone technology for plant demography studies. Reporting to the Director of Applied Conservation, they will work closely with Conservation & Research staff and will provide support to the Directors of Research and Conservation Partnerships as needed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead applied conservation projects targeting threatened, endangered, rare, and culturally significant species and habitats across the southeastern United States.
• Coordinate and network with staff and external partners (e.g. local, regional, national, and international) to identify, prioritize, and develop new projects and ensure current project deliverables are met. 
• Supervise full-time Field Biologists and part-time or temporary field technicians and interns (e.g. communicate project goals, delegate tasks, provide feedback, resolve conflicts, conduct progress check-ins, and provide opportunities for professional growth)
• Lead trainings for staff and partners on departmental field data collection and safety protocols
• Lead and/or support other staff in the execution of field-based activities (e.g. inventorying, monitoring, collection of biotic & abiotic materials, experimental data collection, management, out plantings, augmentations) 
• Utilize GIS technology to collect, manage, and analyze geospatial data, and prepare professional grade maps.
• Conduct and oversee field data collection, manage permitting processes, and utilize advanced technologies such as GIS and drones for data analysis and mapping.
• Prepare and disseminate project reports, contribute to professional meetings, and engage in grant writing and management.
• Ensure proper maintenance and organization of field equipment and supplies, and provide training to staff on operational protocols.
• Write grant proposals and manage grant-supported projects as part of a multi-investigator team.
• Facilitate partnership, networking, and training opportunities for the C & R team. 

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. in Biology, Botany, or related field. M.S. preferred
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in botanical fieldwork, with a strong emphasis on conservation practices
• Proficient in the use of GIS applications, including ArcGIS Pro, and experienced in drone operations for ecological research
• Strong familiarity with methods and technologies specific to vegetation inventorying & monitoring work 
• Skilled in route planning and backcountry navigation using topographic maps, compasses, GPS devices, and navigational applications such as Gaia GPS and Avenza Maps
• Strong familiarity with the flora and vegetation communities of the southeastern United States
• Experience collecting seed, genetic material, cuttings, and other rare plant materials, in methods consistent with conservation best practices (e.g. maternal line tracking)
• Experienced in the ethical collection of plant materials and familiar with best practices in conservation
• Proficiency in plant identification skills to species, genus, and family levels, preferably of southeastern North America
• ESRI experience in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and Survey 123 applications 
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience communicating with a wide variety of audiences

Physical Requirements: 

• This position involves strenuous field work in extreme weather conditions
• The ability to lift 50 lb. is required
• Regional and local travel up to 45% of the time is expected. Some international and extended periods of travel and weekends may be required. 
• Must be able to drive a wide variety of vehicles, including 4WD
• Must have a current passport
• Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s License and clean driving record

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.