The Internet's Most Effective Employment Classifieds

Natural Areas Director

Company:  Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Location:  Clermont, Kentucky

Website:  Unspecified

Areas of Responsibility:

As a member of the Drumlin Farm management team, work closely with the Director and senior staff on overall Sanctuary management. Manage the Sanctuary’s crop and livestock farming operations for educational purposes and the production of farm products. Oversee the maintenance of all buildings and grounds on this 230-acre property with over ten structures, including barns, program buildings and offices. Take a leadership role in the planning process for Drumlin Farm’s current $6 million capital campaign with a focus on facility and site safety improvements, and green design for the renovation of existing structures and creation of new buildings. 

Supervise a staff team of five full-time individuals, and numerous part-time staff, interns and volunteers. Manage an annual budget of approximately $500,000, and work closely with the management team to integrate farm revenues and expenses into a balanced Sanctuary budget of $1.7 million. Work jointly with staff on the ecological management priorities, with particular responsibility for promoting sustainable agriculture, while also protecting wildlife habitat. Take a lead role in site safety management and emergency response. Requires a bachelor’s degree in farm administration, ecological management, or related field, and at least five years experience in farming  facility maintenance, and management. Masters degree preferred. 

The successful candidate will be exceptionally well-organized, highly motivated, with excellent communication skills. 

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is seeking a Natural Areas Director. This senior level position requires a self-motivated, hands-on leader with a proven record of staff and volunteer motivation and community collaboration who will bring creativity and long-term vision to natural areas management and research in our rapidly growing and multi-faceted organization. A strong desire and the capacity to creatively link natural areas management and research functions with horticulture, education and exhibits is a must.

The Natural Areas Director develops and implements policies and procedures for natural areas management, stewardship and research at Bernheim including:

• ongoing inventory and monitoring of all aspects of Bernheim's natural areas,

• developing sound natural areas management practices that will become a model for the region,

• encouraging both in-house and outside research by soliciting new projects and overseeing a review, selection and monitoring process for them, and

• working closely with the Horticulture Department to develop a comprehensive conservation horticulture program creating a full spectrum of plant collections and science at Bernheim including natural areas, restored habitats, created habitats and ornamental horticulture.

Other important responsibilities include:

• working with the Development Department to help promote and fund Bernheim's stewardship and research activities,

• interpreting these activities to the public by working closely with the education department to develop programs, educational materials, and exhibits

• developing close affiliations and collaborations in the academic and scientific community, and

• soliciting strong community and outside professional input through a Natural Areas and Research Advisory Committee.

Candidates should have a Masters degree in an related discipline or equivalent experience, five years of increasing responsibility in an appropriate institution, a strong background in natural areas management and research, a diverse knowledge of natural history backed up with strong field experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to present programs and assist with development of educational materials and exhibits. Exposure to visitor services, marketing and development would also be helpful.

Bernheim's 14,000 acre facility includes a 250 acre arboretum, visitor center, research center, interactive outdoor exhibits, large natural areas, and 12,000 acre research forest. Bernheim is an equal opportunity employer actively promoting diversity in its staff, board and audience.

To apply: 

To apply please send a cover letter and resume to:

Natural Areas Search, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, P.O. Box 130, Clermont, Kentucky 40110. No phone calls please.