Arboretum Program Manager

Illinois Institute of Technology • Chicago, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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
• applicable paid and job-protected leave benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED