Natural Resources Associate 1

Naples Botanical Garden Inc•Naples, FL

4d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class botanical garden, featuring plants from around the tropical and subtropical world. The Garden’s mission is to connect people and plants through display, education, conservation, and applied science. The Garden has beautifully restored native habitats, cultivated gardens, walking trails, and public programming that offer education and enjoyment for people of all ages. Naples Botanical Garden is a 501(c)3 organization. Position Summary: The Natural Resources Associate position will act as a member of the Garden’s Natural Resources team, under the direction of the Director of Natural Resources, supporting the Garden’s mission to conserve plants and habitats of the tropics and inspire the protection of nature. The Natural Resources Associate will support the management of all on-site natural and created ecosystem areas through direct field work.

Requirements

The Natural Resources Associate will have a demonstrated interest in natural resource management and plant conservation.
Willingness to complete and maintain relevant certifications and licenses, including Florida Pesticide Applicator’s licenses, Basic Wildland Firefighter Certification, Wilderness First Aid Training, and Certified Interpretive Guide Training.
Basic computer skills using Microsoft Office – Outlook, Teams, Word and Excel.
Knowledge of common horticultural techniques, common native and invasive plant species, and a variety of south Florida habitats or a willingness to learn.
Good verbal and written communication skills, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors in a hot and humid environment.
Possess a commitment to the Garden’s mission of connecting people with plants.
Organized and motivated with a strong work ethic.
Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Pre-employment background check required.

Nice To Haves

Preferred minimum 1-year experience proficiently operating and maintaining power tools and machinery, including tractors and implements, excavators, skid steer, high-brush mower, lawn mower, string trimmer, and hand or power tools.
Experience with geospatial data collection, preferably in ArcGIS applications including FieldMaps and Survey123 is preferred.

Responsibilities

The Natural Resources Associate will work in the daily management activities of the Garden’s natural areas, stormwater gardens, urban forest display gardens, and off-site conservation areas; duties include landscaping tasks, trail maintenance, herbicide application, invasive species management & prescribed fire activities.
Support training, interpretation, and educational outreach on plant conservation, natural resource management, prescribed fire, and native and nuisance wildlife to a wide range of staff, student, professional and other audiences
Support efforts to collect and manage environmental data toward a goal of bringing science to natural resource management.
Provide direction to volunteers and collaborative support to visiting scientific investigators.
Ensure all departmental equipment and resources are regularly cleaned, maintained, and stored properly.