MN Landscape Arboretum Natural Resources Team Lead
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Application
Details
Posted: 23-Jan-25
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Salary: 52,291.20 - 86,257.60
Internal Number: 366493
This position is located in Chanhassen, MN. As a member of the Arboretumâ™s Horticulture and Collections Department, the Natural Resources Team Lead directs, oversees, and works alongside a team of horticulturists and gardeners dedicated to the holistic stewardship of the Arboretumâ™s natural resources including woodland, wetland, and grassland habitats and related garden spaces such as the Wildflower Garden, Spring Peeper Meadow, the Prairie, and others.
The Team Lead works with departmental leadership to set priorities, manage staff assignments, and direct work across the Natural Resource teamâ™s areas of responsibility. In addition, the Team Lead assists with the development and implementation of long-term management plans that guide work prioritization, restoration activities, pest and invasive plant species management, trail creation, safety standards, prescribed burns, and other specialized maintenance.
This position also contributes to the day-to-day physical work of the unit with direct responsibility for a portion of the unit's areas. Additionally, the Natural Resources Team Lead serves as a leader within the department to assist in the coordination of activities across the horticultural operation. The position engages fully in the professional activities of the Arboretum and works collaboratively with colleagues on interdepartmental effort, supports the Arboretumâ™s internship training programs through the development and instruction
of hands-on training and mentorship as assigned.
This position is considered an essential employee responsible for maintaining essential operations, responding to weather events, snow management, and other landscape operations during weather-related emergencies and other University closures.
This position is a full-time (12-month) 40 hour/week, benefits and overtime eligible, Civil Service position. Hours are generally 7am to 3:30pm, M-F, Tu-Sa, or Su-Th.
Essential Functions Horticulture and Natural Resources Operations (60%)
Oversee natural area restoration and maintenance including vegetation, wildlife habitat, and trail maintenance in assigned areas
Coordinate with plant health specialist to conduct pest and disease scouting, monitoring, and treatments and oversee other plant health practices
Lead planting, pruning, and integrated pest management of trees, shrubs, and annual and perennial plant collections within assigned areas; conduct seed collection and assist in propagation of native plants
Oversee and direct work of horticulturists, senior gardeners, assistant gardeners, volunteers, and others in assigned areas
Lead weeding, mulching, and brush chipping in assigned areas
Lead mowing, string trimming, and leaf cleanup in assigned areas
Oversee the safe application of pesticides and soil amendments, and maintain associated records
Maintain and properly and safely use equipment.
Maintain proper plant records in assigned areas
Natural Resource Team Leadership (30%)
Work with departmental leadership to coordinate prioritization of work and resource distribution within the Natural Resource areas and among Natural Resource staff members
Assist with develop long-term management plans and strategies for the restoration and care of all Natural Resource areas
Research, write, and coordinate grant opportunities for all Natural Resources areas
Work with departmental leadership to develop partnerships with University of Minnesota researchers to facilitate research opportunities and develop research-driven restoration and management strategies
Demonstrate and support teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, and cooperation
Oversee inventory and equipment orders for all Natural Resource areas
Coordinate with outside contractors and stakeholders working within Natural Resource areas.
Assist in hiring, training, and mentorship of Natural Resource staff.
Additional Operational and Institutional Support (10%)
Assist curatorial staff and researchers with landscape surveys, record keeping, research support, and other related evaluations.
Contribute to departmental training initiatives and committees
Assist with oversight of snow removal operations and perform assigned duties as an essential staff during weather related and other emergencies situations impacting the Arboretumâ™s normal operations
Assist with educational and outreach activities, internal and external communications, special events, and other institutional initiatives.
Other related job duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree in natural resource management, horticulture, biology, plant sciences, forestry, or other related field plus at least four years of experience in natural resource management or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.
At least one year of supervisory experience.
Must have and maintain a valid MN driverâ™s license.
Within one year of employment, must earn and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credential.
Within six months of employment, must possess and maintain a Minnesota Noncommercial Pesticide Applicatorâ™s license.
Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons and may require evening and weekend work as need
Must be able to perform manual labor including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting loads up to 50 lbs.
May be required to possess and maintain appropriate MN DNR Prescribed Burn certifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Masterâ™s degree in natural resource management or related field
Demonstrated experience in project management, grant writing, and team leadership
Ability to operate equipment related to grounds management functions, including front-end loaders, tractors, and pickup truck mounted snow plows, leaf blowers, riding and push mowers, string trimmers, salt/sand spreaders, snow blowers, and dump trucks.
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.