Landscape Ecologist/Sustainable Landscape Mgmt. Coordinator
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $41,000.00 - $61,000.00
The UUCSR property is approximately 100 acres, 25 of which are landscaped areas around the building complex and the rest woodlands. Because the Congregation is looking to the future, UUCSR has begun to actively manage the 100-acre property in a sustainable manner. Various land initiatives have been implemented at the site relative to preservation of the land and resources as well as protection of habitat.
The Congregation has just finished developing a master landscape planning document which is providing a road map to continue seeking ways to use its resources in a way faithful to its ideals and mission and to create a sustainable legacy for the future. This position is to prioritize and implement the direction of the master plan and to protect the natural resources of the property. The coordinator will provide leadership and technical support in the management of that land resource which emphasizes sustainability and ecological restoration.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Responsible for all aspects of ground maintenance, including direct supervision of all landscape contractors and all others who do work on the site.
- Monitor condition of gardens around the campus, such as the memorial garden, the patio gardens, the community garden, and the wildflower gardens. Perform routine mulching, light pruning, weeding and other maintenance tasks, while identifying where more resources are needed.
- Organize a program of natural area restoration in the UUCSR woodlands by removing invasive plants and planting native shrubs and trees which can replace the arboreal behemoths that are now in the woodlands. Responsible for creation of management plan for long-term forest health.
- Maintain the barrier the Congregation installed around the bamboo stand. Develop plan for management of this invasive species.
- Monitor storm water and sanitary waste disposal systems on site and engage contractors to undertake maintenance tasks.
- Work with the Green Sanctuary and the Building and Grounds Committees to initiate and implement projects to enhance the grounds. Such possible projects could include wildflower meadows on the perimeter of the Great Lawn.
- Responsible for maintaining the boundary lines UUCSR shares with neighboring property owners.
Qualifications/Requirements
- B.A. or B.S. in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management or related field OR equivalent coursework OR 3 years hands-on experience in horticulture, invasive plant management and natural area restoration
- Commitment to Congregation’s the Sustainable Land Management Statement the land practices related to that statement.
- Strong gardening/landscaping skills and familiarity with using light gardening tools and power equipment such as a weedwhacker.
- Knowledge of invasive plants and their management/control
- Strong knowledge of native plant species, ecosystem restoration and forest health management
- Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions.
- Ability to shift priorities and focus, when needed.
- Ability to write contracts or proposals for the grounds.
- Ability to manage and oversee contractors.
- Flexibility to work overtime and weekends, when needed.
- Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects.
- Valid Driver License
Contact Information
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock (UUCSR)
Contact Name: Katerina Dembris
Email: kdembris@uucsr.org
Phone: 516-472-2928