MN Landscape Arboretum Natural Resources Team Lead

This position is located in Chanhassen, MN. As a member of the Arboretum'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 Arboretum'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 team'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 Arboretum'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 Arboretum'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 driver'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 Applicator'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

• Master'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.

Pay Range: $74,000-$78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).