Ecological Stewardship Lead — Campus Gardens & Preserve

Brandywine; Pennsylvania, United States, Northern America, Americas; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA, seeks a Campus Gardens & Preserve Manager to lead stewardship and management of a diverse landscape of native gardens, meadows, woodlands, and trails. The role expands the campus from 15 to 325 acres, coordinating horticulture, land management, educational programming, and visitor experience in alignment with Brandywine’s conservation mission.

You will supervise staff and volunteers, develop a long‑term plan, manage seed programs, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in horticulture, ecological gardening, land stewardship, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in horticulture, ecology, botany, natural resource management, or related field.
• Knowledge of Mid-Atlantic Piedmont native plants; seed experience preferred.
• Ability to plan long-term stewardship of complex landscapes balancing conservation and access.
• Strong supervisory and organizational skills with budget management.
• Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision.
• Experience operating hand/power tools and equipment (mowers, tractors, chainsaws).
• Experience designing interpretive programming or public engagement initiatives.
• Bird habitat stewardship knowledge a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; diplomacy.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365.
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs; weekends/evenings may be required.
• Valid driver’s license and transportation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee additions, revisions, and maintenance of the Campus Gardens & Preserve across current and expanding acreages.
• Recruit, onboard, supervise staff, interns, and volunteers dedicated to stewardship and maintenance.
• Develop and implement a holistic land management plan for the expanding campus (native gardens, meadows, woodlands, trails).
• Oversee routine maintenance, seasonal operations, and long-term stewardship balancing ecological health with public access.
• Serve as subject matter expert on native Mid-Atlantic Piedmont plants and ecological horticulture.
• Oversee native plant seed program and annual seed catalogue and sales, including inventory and education materials.
• Supervise nursery operations producing plants for sale and campus needs.
• Plan ecological restoration and maintenance projects; manage contractors.
• Maintain property boundary awareness and address encroachments and neighbor relations.
• Design and lead interpretive and educational programming; guided walks and workshops.
• Coordinate with leadership on construction, events, and campus planning.
• Contribute articles for Brandywine publications and social media.
• Prepare and manage budgets and invoicing for gardens, preserve, and trails.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Horticulture

Ecological gardening

Land stewardship

Preserve management

Ecological landscape management

Strategic thinking

Supervisory experience

Budgets

Independent field work

Public engagement

Bird habitat stewardship

Microsoft Office 365

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in horticulture, ecology, botany, natural resource management

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA, seeks a Campus Gardens & Preserve Manager to lead stewardship and management of a diverse landscape of native gardens, meadows, woodlands, and trails. The role expands the campus from 15 to 325 acres, coordinating horticulture, land management, educational programming, and visitor experience in alignment with Brandywine’s conservation mission.

You will supervise staff and volunteers, develop a long‑term plan, manage seed programs, and