DIRECTOR, LAND STEWARDSHIP AND ECOLOGY

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of excellence in horticulture, education, and the arts. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Longwood Gardens is seeking an inspiring and experienced leader to serve as our Director of Land Stewardship and Ecology. Longwood offers an extraordinary platform for ecological impact, innovation, and outreach. In this pivotal role, you will lead the conservation and enhancement of more than 1,000 acres of natural and agricultural landscapes, spanning woodlands, wetlands, meadows, all with a focus on biodiversity, ecological health, and natural beauty. Responsibilities include:

•    Building and executing the vision for restoration, ecological research, wildlife and invasive species management and overall landscape aesthetics

•    Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of land stewardship practices grounded in ecological science

•    Direct, inspire and mentor a team of full-time staff, seasonal employees, interns, students, and volunteers

•    Develop and lead ecological restoration and research projects to enhance native biodiversity, soil and water health, and ecosystem resilience

•    Manage wildlife populations, invasive species, and ensure the health, function, and aesthetic integrity of natural landscapes

•    Write both scientific content and for non-expert audiences, deliver compelling public presentations, lead informative tours, and effectively manage and inspire teams

•    Play a key role in preserving biodiversity and enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape, both for today and for generations to come

We’re looking for a leader that thrives in dynamic environments, values collaboration across disciplines, brings creativity to problem-solving, and is deeply committed to ecological sustainability in both vision and practice. The ideal candidate will possess: 

•    A doctorate in horticulture, restoration ecology, biology, environmental science or related field

•    A minimum of 7 years of experience in natural land management 

•    A minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role is required

•    Proven understanding of science-based ecologically minded land management, plants native to the mid-Atlantic region, ecological research, plant conservation 

•    Demonstrated ability to improve ecosystem function

•    Strong record of publishing original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals, demonstrating thought leadership in the fields of ecology, conservation, or land management

•    Strong decision-making, communication, analytical, problem-solving skills

•    Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook 

•    Strong communication skills 

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.