Conservation Manager

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Inc; Maine; On-site; USD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier public garden is seeking a Plant Conservation Program Manager to lead initiatives in plant biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration in Maine. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree, extensive experience in conservation, and strong leadership skills. This full-time role includes a comprehensive benefits package and a salary of $69,000 – $88,000. Learn more about making an impact in an inspiring environment!

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in plant conservation or related fields.
• Experience in securing and managing grants.
• Strong knowledge of native New England flora and ecology.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated plant conservation and restoration projects.
• Supervise and inspire conservation staff.
• Develop partnerships with conservation organizations.

Skills

Plant identification

Leadership

Grant management

GIS proficiency

Communication

Education

Master's degree in botany or related field

Tools

Mapping software

Job description

Description

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Plant Conservation Program Manager!

Are you an experienced leader, passionate about plant conservation, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a premier public garden and conservation leader dedicated to both advancing plant biodiversity conservation and inspiring meaningful connections between people and nature. Located in scenic Boothbay, Maine, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens spans over 300 acres, including ornamental gardens and diverse natural communities. A new Horticulture and Plant Science Center with conservation lab spaces, germplasm preservation banks, an expanded herbarium, greenhouses, micropropagation facilities, and research and trial gardens is presently under construction and slated to open in early 2027.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Plant Conservation Program Manager to lead and coordinate our integrated plant conservation and species/habitat restoration efforts in Maine plus its Level III ecosystems, in collaboration with partners across New England, the greater US, and Canada. This role is ideal for a motivated professional who thrives in both field and leadership settings and is passionate about conserving native plant biodiversity.

This is a Year-round, Full-time position, eligible for our full benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.

$69,000 – 88,000 salaried, exempt

The Plant Conservation Program Manager is responsible for producing results that advance understanding of plants in wild and research settings, further conservation efforts, and effectively engage the public and professional community in our mission and conservation and research focus on understanding and mitigating climate change impacts to plants.

Primary Functions:

• Plan and manage integrated plant conservation, species augmentation, and future ecological restoration projects throughout Maine and the broader New England region.
• Lead, develop, recruit, and inspire conservation staff who can successfully collaborate with internal and external partners and achieve strategic goals; ensure clear communication and accountability across the team.
• Supervise this growing team of permanent staff members, as well as seasonal staff, interns, graduate students, and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain strong regional and national partnerships with conservation organizations, government agencies, the Wabanaki Nations and Wabanaki Confederacy, academic institutions, land trusts and other land stewards.
• Write and manage grants to support conservation projects and program expansion.
• Coordinate select scientific research initiatives related to plant migration, restoration techniques, and conservation outcomes.
• Ensure all field activities meet rigorous scientific, conservation, and safety standards.
• Lead development and oversight of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure conservation outcomes.
• Track and manage project budgets and financials, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
• Develop outreach materials, reports, and presentations, and publications to stakeholders, funders, and the public.
• Use GIS tools to support planning, mapping, and data analysis.
• Enforce safety protocols and supervise field operations to ensure team well-being.
• Represent The Gardens in professional organizations and at professional and community meetings and events.
• Participate in Gardens-wide initiatives including Gardens Aglow assignments.

Physical Requirements:

The majority of work will be performed in an office setting. Some work will be performed in the field.

Work schedule:

40 hours per week, typically Monday-Friday

Application review will begin August 7, 2025. Selected candidates will receive an initial virtual interview and finalists will be invited for a follow-up in person interview at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Requirements

• Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility principles into the Gardens’ internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.
• Master’s degree in botany, plant ecology, conservation biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in plant conservation, habitat restoration, or field botany, including at least 3 years of staff or team supervision.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing grants.
• Strong and comprehensive knowledge of native New England flora, including plant identification and ecological principles.
• Strong knowledge of scientific and conservation principles and practices.
• Demonstrated experience with monitoring and evaluation tools or frameworks.
• Proficiency in GIS, data management, or mapping software.
• Comfortable designing and delivering presentations or outreach to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with safety training for field work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines and institutions.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and across varied terrain.
• Ability to delegate tasks and oversee subordinates’ work, holding employees accountable for work performance on the job, etc.