Urban Ecologist

The Holden Arboretum

Full-Time

Opportunity:

The Urban Ecologist will conduct research at the intersection of basic and applied science concerning plants and their roles within urban environments. Research areas may include forest health, plant pathology, urban forestry, forest management, arboriculture, conservation or climate resilience. It is expected that research will take place primarily in urban landscapes. The scientist will also translate research findings into practical solutions for present and future ecological challenges and will communicate findings to the public. Approximately 50% of the scientist’s time will be devoted to research, 40% to scientific communication and public outreach, and 10% to other departmental duties.

The scientist is expected to develop their own research program in urban ecology, publish in scientific journals, present talks at scientific meetings and public forums, obtain extramural funding, and serve as an academic advisor to graduate students. The scientist will also serve on relevant committees within Cleveland, OH and beyond, and will work with stakeholders to enact solutions to pressing environmental issues within the urban environment. The scientist is expected to participate in academic and public outreach activities at HF&G. The scientist will collaborate with relevant Holden programs, potentially including Horticulture, Conservation, Community Forestry, and/or Education. Adjunct appointments at collaborating universities are possible and encouraged.

Key Responsibilities:

Note: The percentage of time spent on each duty is approximate.

Conducts research in an appropriate field of biology (50%)*

• Develops a research program in urban ecology and/or forestry with a focus on urban landscapes in northern Ohio and relevance to similar urban environments, particularly those in the Great Lakes Region.
• Communicates research results to national and international science forums via publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, oral presentations and posters. We expect on average one publication each year in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
• Obtains extramural funding through grants, foundations or other sources.
• Participates, and takes leadership roles, in professional scientific activities, e.g. serving as reviewer for scientific journals & federal granting agencies and organizing scientific meetings.
• Serves as a committee member for graduate students, as appropriate, in support of research objectives.
• Collaborates with scientists at Holden Forests & Gardens and other institutions.
• Practices according to highest standards in research and scholarship, record-keeping, and laboratory and field safety, including hazardous materials.
• Establishes adjunct appointments at a regional university and collaborative research projects.
  
  
  

Outreach and science communication (40%)*

• Leads development of educational and visitor outreach activities and print materials within the Research Department, sometimes in conjunction with Education and Guest Services departments. Outreach will focus on urban landscapes, and content can be live, print, or web-based.
• Holds workshops and informal training sessions for communities in urban ecology and forestry. This can be in collaboration with community groups.
• Serves as a resource and consultant for community groups, non-profits, local and state government agencies, and academic institutions on urban ecology best practices and science-based management.
• Attends and serves on committees that foster urban ecology and forestry within our region, including but not limited to, the Cleveland Tree Coalition.
• Raises funds in conjunction with CEO, Finance, and Development departments.
• Fosters external positioning of Holden Forest & Gardens research through public relations efforts.
  
  
  

Other department duties and organization service (10%)*

• Ensures staff training in the following areas:
• Safe laboratory and field practices
• Generally-accepted ethical standards in research and scholarship
• Record-keeping, including archiving of samples and data, both written and electronic
• Grant writing
• Public speaking
• Project management
• Management and mentorship of other staff, students, and volunteers
• Oversees quality control testing of methods and equipment used in analyses of samples.
• Complies with all aspects of laboratory safety, safety stations, safety manuals, safety SOP and MSDS sheets.
• Serves on HF&G committees, as needed.
• Supports Marketing and Development efforts, as needed.
• Ensures all employees are properly trained in safety procedures prior to participation in activities.
• Promotes a culture of safety by leading by example and encouraging open communication about safety concerns.
• Observes all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities.
• Reports any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor.
• Screens, interviews, onboards, trains, and manages technical staff, graduate students and undergraduate interns in collaboration with Human Resources and Director of Research
• Manages employees, including scheduling, payroll approval, appraisals, supervision, and guidance to permanent and temporary direct reports

Qualifications and Skills:

• Ph.D. in an appropriate field of biology, ecology, horticulture, or forestry.
• Strong record of research publications, scientific outreach, and professional service in urban ecology.
• Demonstrated and recognized leadership in the field of urban ecology research.
• Aptitude and experience as public advocate and interpreter of scientific research.
• Aptitude for administration of budgets, personnel, and other aspects that relate to leading a research enterprise.
• Knowledge in urban ecology, plant biology, ecology, forestry or other mission relevant area of plant science.
• Ability to work independently on diverse tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to the general public and specialized professional audiences.
• Ability to represent Holden Forests & Gardens to its supporters and constituents credibly, enthusiastically, and professionally.
• Ability to manage budgets and oversee proper purchasing procedures.
• Ability to ensure goals for staff are being met. Evaluate through performance evaluations.
• Appreciation for the importance of the work of arboreta, public gardens, and museums.
• Quantitatively and analytically skilled, and attentive to detail.
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive
  
  
  

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Communicate over the telephone, in person and electronically.
• Travel as necessary to attend meetings and events
  
  
  

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!

Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit their CV, cover letter highlighting key relevant experiences, a Research Statement, and contacts for 3 professional references. Application material will be reviewed on September 15, 2025.

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.