Ecologist

Holden Forests & Gardens; Kirtland (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

8 holidays + 3 floating holidays

403(b)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Free parking

Museum admissions

Job summary

Holden Forests & Gardens seeks an Ecologist to lead an independent research program and advance understanding of plant–environment relationships in the Great Lakes region.

The role combines rigorous science with public engagement, translating findings into practical conservation actions through education and outreach.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, ecology, horticulture, forestry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated record of scientific research and publication.
• Experience communicating science to professional and/or public audiences.
• Evidence of professional service and scholarly engagement.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and manage research projects, including personnel and budget responsibilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to pursue external funding opportunities.
• Commitment to collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
• Appreciation for the role of arboreta, public gardens, museums, and similar mission-driven organizations in advancing science and public understanding.
• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an independent, externally recognized research program.
• Conduct innovative research addressing environmental challenges, particularly those relevant to the Great Lakes region.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present research at scientific conferences, professional meetings, and public forums.
• Pursue and secure external funding to support research initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Holden Forests & Gardens and with external academic, governmental, nonprofit, and professional partners.
• Translate scientific findings into practical responses to environmental and conservation challenges.
• Serve as a primary advisor or committee member for graduate students in support of research objectives.
• Communicate scientific discoveries to diverse audiences through presentations, educational programming, publications, and outreach activities.
• Serve as a scientific ambassador for the Holden Arboretum.
• Foster public understanding of plant science, ecology, forestry, and/or environmental issues.
• Contribute expertise to institutional initiatives that connect research with community engagement and education.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Science communication

Grant writing

Collaboration

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in biology/ecology/horticulture/forestry

Job description

Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs.

The Holden Arboretum seeks an Ecologist to join its Research Department. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to develop an independent research program that advances scientific understanding of plants and their environments while contributing practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges affecting the Great Lakes region and beyond.

The successful candidate will combine rigorous scientific inquiry with public engagement, translating research discoveries into meaningful action through collaboration, education, and outreach. We welcome applicants whose expertise aligns with a broad range of plant and environmental research areas, including urban ecology, forest health, plant pathology, forestry, forest management, climate resilience, and related inquiries centered on relationships between plants and their environments.

As a member of Holden Arboretum’s research team, the Ecologist will lead an independent research program, while contributing to the institution's mission through science communication, public engagement, and organizational service. The position balances research excellence with applied impact, creating opportunities to connect scientific discovery with conservation, environmental stewardship, and community understanding. Researchers have opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and with universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of theEcologistinclude, but are not limited to:

Research and Scholarship:

• Develop and sustain an independent, externally recognized research program.
• Conduct innovative research addressing environmental challenges, particularly those relevant to the Great Lakes region.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present research at scientific conferences, professional meetings, and public forums.
• Pursue and secure external funding to support research initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Holden Forests & Gardens and with external academic, governmental, nonprofit, and professional partners.
• Translate scientific findings into practical responses to environmental and conservation challenges.
• Serve as a primary advisor or committee member for graduate students in support of research objectives.

Science Communication and Public Engagement

• Communicate scientific discoveries to diverse audiences through presentations, educational programming, publications, and outreach activities.
• Serve as a scientific ambassador for the Holden Arboretum.
• Foster public understanding of plant science, ecology, forestry, and/or environmental issues.
• Contribute expertise to institutional initiatives that connect research with community engagement and education.

Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in biology, ecology, horticulture, forestry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated record of scientific research and publication.
• Experience communicating science to professional and/or public audiences.
• Evidence of professional service and scholarly engagement.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and manage research projects, including personnel and budget responsibilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to pursue external funding opportunities.
• Commitment to collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
• Appreciation for the role of arboreta, public gardens, museums, and similar mission-driven organizations in advancing science and public understanding.
• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

In addition to the salary range of $75,000 – 85,000, we offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year + 3 Floating Holidays | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to manyNortheast Ohio Museums | FreeEmployee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors.