Manager of Applied Ecology

Wild Seed Project is hiring a Manager of Applied Ecology

About us:

Wild Seed Project is a small, environmental nonprofit based in North Yarmouth, Maine. Our goal is to build awareness of the vital importance of native plants and to provide people with the tools to restore biodiversity in their own communities in order to expand wildlife habitat and build climate resilience. 

We are hiring a Manager of Applied Ecology to lead our landscape design and installation projects,  the publication of our annual Wild Seed Project guide, and our partnerships with municipalities and community-based conservation efforts. We’re looking for someone with deep knowledge of northeast native plants and the wildlife they support, coupled with a capacity to synthesize that expertise into programs and content that is educational, inspiring, and actionable. 

Key Responsibilities:

Wild Seed Project Publications & Content Creation

• Serve as project manager of annual Wild Seed Project guide, working in partnership with publication editor, graphic designer, WSP staff, guide contributors, and artists. Responsible for keeping publication on schedule and on budget; coordinating contributing writers, editor, photographer, artists, and other contributors. Work closely with graphic designer on publication design and deadlines. 
• Serve as lead content creator for annual print publication: write native plant profiles including descriptions of growth habits/rates, soil conditions, ecological benefits, etc; contextual essays; guild designs and planting templates; and other content as assigned.
• Produce content and develop educational resources for WSP website/blog, partner publications, and social media channels.

Applied Ecology

• Serve as organization’s lead on ecological landscape designs, creating garden templates and designs for a wide range of settings and use by the general public
• Serve as lead partnership liaison and project manager for educational landscape designs and installations: support Executive Director in developing contracts and identifying deliverables; create ecological landscape designs/planting plans; coordinate plant sourcing and installation; coordinate volunteer support as needed, including managing volunteer landscape designers
• Create educational signage for finalized projects
• Coordinate with WSP’s Native Seed Center staff to grow project-specific plants from seed
• Build connections and support established relationships with municipalities and community-based conservation efforts 

Teaching: Walks, Talks, and Workshops

• Lead a minimum of two educational programs per month for adult audiences (in person and on Zoom), including topics such as: Backyard Climate Action; Diversify Your Lawn; Native Plant Guilds; and others
• Develop new programs for adult audiences that weave together ecological gardening practices, native plant ecology, and climate action
• Co-host monthly members Q&A with WSP’s Seed Program Manager and special guests
• Propose new programs and curriculum to expand WSP’s program offerings and engage diverse audiences 

Desired Qualifications:

We’re looking for an experienced ecologist who is excited about mobilizing community members on issues related to environmental and climate justice through work with native plants. The ideal candidate will have experience in ecological garden design, deep knowledge of native plant ecology, be a skilled project manager, and an engaging and dynamic public speaker.

We’re looking for:

• Extensive knowledge of northeast native plants and ecology, and the role native plants play in supportive, balanced, climate-resilient ecosystems. Ability to communicate to audiences of all skill levels, providing clear, action-oriented educational resources, tools, and advice.
• An experienced educator and skilled public speaker able to translate scientific expertise into accessible programs and content for beginners and experts alike
• Experience and interest in writing for broad audiences
• Experience in ecological design and organic & ecological gardening practices. Formal landscape design experience is a plus, but not a requirement. This role is responsible for  providing consultation and design services for WSP’s Applied Ecology program, and the development of native plant garden templates for the general public.
• An intersectional understanding of environmentalism and the climate crisis
• Experience developing strong, mutually supportive community partnerships
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Skill and comfort with prioritizing and managing a large workload, including setting realistic expectations about what can be accomplished when
• Lots of creativity and an excitement about bringing ideas to the table and trying new things
• A commitment to understanding equity and decolonization as central to the work of Wild Seed Project
• Understanding of how our work intersects with the interests and priorities of marginalized communities, including Wabanaki communities, with a special focus on Indigenous perspectives on and knowledge about native plants.
• A love of being in nature, and a passion for environmental justice and climate action

Work Location

Wild Seed Project’s office is located in North Yarmouth, Maine, approximately 25 minutes north of Portland and our new Native Seed Center is located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, approximately 15 minutes south of Portland. We are currently working via a flexible, hybrid model, with staff splitting time between home and the office/in the field as their role demands. We take COVID precautions seriously and will revert to fully remote work if circumstances require. This role requires occasional nights and weekends. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Andrea Berry, Executive Director, at careers@wildseedproject.net with the subject line: Manager of Applied Ecology. Please submit all materials by May 15, 2023.