Description

External Retirement Plan Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2025 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 04/29/2025 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. Candidates will be considered for the position until it is f illed. Application materials should include a cover letter, curriculum vita, a brief writing sample from a technical report, and three references with contact information. The finalists for the position will be required to provide three letters of recommendation.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Administrative Faculty Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. in botany, conservation horticulture, environment, public administration, agriculture, or related field.
Position Summary
The State Botanical Garden at The University of Georgia invites applications for the Director of Plant Science and Conservation at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This position is part of the division of Public Service and outreach at the University of Georgia and is offered in collaboration with teaching opportunities at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

As a Public Service and Outreach unit at the University of Georgia, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG) contributes directly to the university's overarching public service mission of improving people's lives by addressing pressing environmental issues, enhancing research output, and providing UGA students and the community at large with cutting-edge education in this crucial field. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is the hiring unit for this public service faculty position.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia serves communities in Georgia and beyond by applying scientific expertise to address grand challenges for improving environmental function and resilience. As a university garden, we are also committed to supporting student success through experiential learning opportunities. We are seeking an enterprising and thoughtful leader who can lead a team of faculty and staff focused on helping state, local, and national environmental organizations to strengthen the university's capabilities in addressing pressing environmental issues, enhancing our research output, and providing our students and community at large with cutting-edge education in this crucial field.

Training the next generation of experts in conservation science and horticulture will enable the State Botanical Garden of Georgia to contribute meaningfully to global conservation efforts and advance knowledge in sustainable practices. In partnership with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences this position is expected to significantly boosts research capacity and UGA's presence in the effort to study and preserve native plant species while also developing native plant materials for restoration and ecosystem resilience. The partnership with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, particularly the Department of Horticulture, allows the faculty member to teach courses that cover the latest advancements in plant conservation, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to become future leaders in conservation horticulture.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia Science and Conservation department provides technical assistance to local partners and government agencies in the areas of boost research capacity, study and preserve native plant species while also developing native plant materials for restoration and conservation, and training and development of the next generation of conservation leaders. This position manages a team of subject matter experts who are public service faculty and professional staff. This position is responsible for the strategic direction of the unit including business development, contracts and grants, research, analysis and making sure all contractual obligations are met. The unit manager position is part of the leadership team of the SBG Management and works collaboratively with other units and divisions across the Institute to deliver quality and objective research and technical assistance to governments across the state of Georgia. As a public service and outreach faculty member and collaborator with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Director of Conservation and Research teaches 6-7 credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture and supervise graduate students. Expectations include development of grant funded research programs as well as scholarship activities. Provide technical assistance and applied research consultation as needed.

The Director of Conservation and Research will be responsible for the strategic direction of the SBG Conservation and Research Unit. As a public service faculty member, the unit manager will also have the opportunity to share their expertise through training, research, webinars, presentations, and advising community partners.
Additional Requirements
Rank on hire will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience, according to Public Service and Outreach Appointment and Promotion Guidelines found here: http://outreach.uga.edu/policies/appointment-andpromotion-guidelines/
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Ten years of experience working in a conservation horticulture setting is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Incumbent must be able to function effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Must have knowledge of conservation horticulture operations and curriculum development for university programs.
• Knowledge of conservation horticulture reporting requirements, policies and processes, and developing native plant materials for restoration and economic development is preferred.
• Knowledge of programmatic and curriculum requirements of the global plant conservation efforts and advance knowledge in sustainable practices in conservation horticulture
• Knowledge of application of knowledge for preservation native plant species and developing native plant materials for restoration and economic development
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work
• Skill in oral communication, public speaking, and group facilitation
• Skill in written communication and writing professional reports and articles and developing professional presentations
• Ability to communicate highly technical topics
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and as a team member
• Ability to manage multiple projects and presentations simultaneously
• Ability to apply creative solutions to complex problems/issues
• Ability to develop and deliver learning programs and related curriculum and education materials at a level appropriate for the user
• Ability to learn, adapt, and apply new learning technologies in training and development service delivery for multiple audiences.
• Ability to manage long-term projects and funder relationships
• Ability to effectively coach, develop, motivate and engage employees and students
• Ability to effectively assign, delegate and manage work done through others
• Must be able to effectively manage multiple staff and interns, work alone, as a team member, or as a project lead.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for academic and partner interactions and presentations.

Physical Demands
Work is typically performed in diverse field settings throughout the state. Ability for day travel, with some overnight travel, is essential. Ability to transport and load/unload teaching and research equipment and materials is required
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
Direct Conservation Unit: Manage all faculty, staff, programs, impact evaluation, budgets and contracts assigned to the Science and Conservation department at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG).

• Obtain funded sponsored projects and grants to support research activities. Secure funding for projects in collaboration with Botanical Garden faculty and staff as well as with partners in Public Service and Outreach, academic and external partners.
• Produce scholarly work, including published papers and professional presentations.
• Evaluate the impact of Science and Conservation at the State Botanical Garden.
• Supervise, coach and develop technical staff and graduate students assigned to the SBG
• Science and Conservation department.
• Provide technical assistance, consultation, and other services to partner agencies.
• Establish and maintain consultative working relationships with personnel in local governments, education, agencies, and professional associations at the university, state and national level.

Percentage Of Time 70 Duties/Responsibilities
Teaching: Teach courses 6-7 credit hours per year for the Department of Horticulture within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UGA.

• Develop and update courses such as: Conserving Native Plants (HORT3333S - 3 credits); Propagation of Native Plant Material (To be developed - 3 credits); Management and Administration of Botanical Gardens (To be developed - 3 credits).
  • Oversee the Conservation and Horticulture internships within Science and Conservation at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (HORT 3940S) and supervise graduate students.
  • Create content, write text and develop interactive exercises for online courses
  • Develop training programs, instructional plans, supporting materials and examinations.
  
  
  

Percentage Of Time 30

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents