Arboretum Program Manager

Illinois Institute of Technology; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Institute of Technology is seeking an Arboretum Program Manager to lead Alphawood Arboretum activities on Chicago's campus. The role focuses on stewardship, tree care, landscape planning, and community programs within an urban educational setting.

The position involves coordinating with academic and external partners, expanding the tree portfolio, maintaining safety standards, and pursuing Level II Accreditation while supporting educational initiatives across the campus landscape.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Arborist skill training.
• Experience with tree care, arboriculture, landscape management, or related area.
• Ability to identify tree and plant species in the field.
• Knowledge of tree care practices including pruning, safety, disease management.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape plans.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential or ability to obtain within period.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and stewardship for the Alphawood Arboretum.
• Oversee tree care, condition assessment, maintenance, preservation, and safety activities.
• Develop and implement proactive tree and landscape management practices.
• Grow the arboretum to reach Level II Accreditation.
• Plan and manage Arboretum and landscape projects with vendors and contractors.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Develop educational programs, events, and signage for engagement.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners.
• Communicate Arboretum information to internal and external audiences.

Skills

Arboriculture

Tree care

Landscape management

Project management

ISA Certified Arborist

Driver's license

Landscape plans reading

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry/Arboriculture/Natural Resource Management

5+ years related experience

Tools

GIS knowledge

Tree inventory systems

CAD

Job description

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Arboretum Program Manager

Position Details

Compensation: $90,000 - $95,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Position Type/Schedule: This is a full-time, exempt position with a regular Monday through Friday schedule. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support Arboretum programs, campus events, seasonal activities, or urgent tree and landscape needs.

Work Location: Illinois Tech, 10 West 35 th Street, Chicago, IL 60616.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, both presently and for the duration of employment with the university.

Position Summary

The Arboretum Program Manager provides leadership, stewardship, and program management for the Alphawood Arboretum at Illinois Institute of Technology: Illinois Tech, a certified Level I arboretum located on the University’s historic campus in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

The position is responsible for advancing and maintaining a high-quality and diverse portfolio of trees, prairie plantings, and other herbaceous landscapes in an urban educational environment. Key areas of responsibility include arboretum stewardship, tree care and maintenance, landscape planning, project management, campus and community programming, and collaboration with academic, community, and industry partners.

The Arboretum Program Manager works to ensure a safe, welcoming, sustainable, and aesthetically engaging outdoor environment for students, faculty, staff, tenants, visitors, and the surrounding community. The position reports to the Associate Vice President for Facilities and collaborates with University departments and external partners in support of the Arboretum’s educational, environmental, and community objectives.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Provide overall leadership and stewardship for the Alphawood Arboretum and support its continued development as a University and community resource.
• Oversee tree care, condition assessment, maintenance, preservation, and safety activities for the University’s tree portfolio.
• Develop and implement proactive tree and landscape management practices consistent with professional arboriculture, environmental, and safety standards.
• Guide the continued expansion and diversification of the Arboretum’s tree and plant portfolio, including consideration of biodiversity, sustainability, campus history, landscape architecture, and long-term environmental conditions.
• Grow the arboretum to reach Level II Accreditation.
• Oversee the development and care of prairie plantings and other herbaceous landscapes associated with the Arboretum.
• Plan and manage Arboretum and landscape projects, including project scope, vendor and contractor coordination, schedules, documentation, implementation, and preparation and coordination of materials supporting external funding opportunities for Arboretum programs and projects.
• Maintain accurate tree, landscape, project, and program records using appropriate technology and information systems.
• Develop educational programs, events, interpretive materials, tree walks, signage, and other resources that increase awareness and engagement with the Arboretum.
• Collaborate with Faculty, students, and academic departments to support educational activities, experiential learning, and other academic initiatives that make appropriate use of the campus landscape and Arboretum resources.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, public gardens, professional associations, industry partners, and subject matter experts.
• Communicate Arboretum information, tree data, campus landscape information, and program activities to internal and external audiences.
• Incorporate safety, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and applicable regulatory requirements into Arboretum activities and projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Arborist skill training.
• Experience with tree care, arboriculture, landscape management, or a closely related area.
• Ability to identify tree and plant species in the field.
• Knowledge of tree care practices, including tree condition and safety, pruning, preservation, bracing, removal, soil conditions, fertilization, and disease and pest management.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape plans and apply them to tree, plant, and outdoor projects.
• Strong organizational, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with University colleagues, contractors, community partners, and subject matter experts.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential or ability to obtain the credential within an established period following hire.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resource Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, or a related field.
• Five or more years of related tree care, arboriculture, landscape, or program management experience.
• Experience managing an arboretum, public garden, campus landscape, or similar outdoor environment.
• Experience coordinating landscape or facilities projects involving contractors and external service providers.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems, tree inventory or tracking systems, computer-aided design, or related technology.
• Pesticide Commercial Applicator/Operator License.
• Aerial lift, fall protection, forklift, or related safety certifications.

Service Standards and Performance Expectations

• Provides professional, responsive, and collaborative service to students, faculty, staff, tenants, visitors, community members, contractors, and external partners.
• Proactively identifies tree, landscape, safety, maintenance, and program needs and coordinates appropriate solutions.
• Maintains accurate and current records, project information, and program documentation.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding Arboretum activities, projects, programs, and concerns.
• Effectively manages multiple priorities, projects, and seasonal responsibilities while maintaining appropriate attention to safety, quality, and deadlines.
• Builds and maintains productive relationships across the University and with community, industry, and professional partners.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, accountability, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming campus environment.

Supervision & Budget Authority

• Provides supervision and work direction to assigned union, non-union, and student employees supporting Arboretum and landscape activities.
• Coordinates work performed by contractors, vendors, and other service providers associated with Arboretum projects and operations.
• Oversees the Arboretum program budget and related expenditures in accordance with University policies and established approval processes.

Physical Qualifications

• Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments.
• Must be able to travel throughout campus and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Position may require bending, kneeling, climbing stairs or ladders, and accessing landscape and tree-care work areas.
• May occasionally work at heights or around equipment used in tree and landscape maintenance.
• Must be able to safely perform the physical activities necessary to inspect trees, landscapes, and project sites.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Benefits

Illinois Tech offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with university contributions and matching for eligible employees; tuition assistance programs; flexible spending and commuter benefits; an employee assistance program; university holidays; and applicable paid and job-protected leave benefits. Eligibility, waiting periods, employee contributions, and coverage levels vary by benefit and position. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: Benefits Summary

EEO Statement

Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.