Position Information

Classification Title Public Service Professional AD FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

The Georgia Native Seed Network (GNSN) is a new initiative by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and its partners to address the inadequate supply of Georgia ecotype plant materials. The program will focus on producing local ecotype seeds for regions throughout Georgia where there is significant demand from numerous fully funded ongoing habitat conservation and restoration projects. These plant materials will primarily be cached for post-wildfire restoration actions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Still, they will also be used for restoration throughout the state. This involves identifying and collecting seeds, vouchering and assessing the genetics of populations of restoration species, establishing production sites, and managing an inventory of plant material for the state. The Georgia Native Seed Network aims to develop regional standards, protocols, and best practices for seed increase, collection, and storage. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia will manage the network.

Funding is secured for two years. The position's term may be extended should additional revenue lines be secured. The successful candidate's primary role will be to serve as the Program Manager of the Georgia Native Seed Network. This position will entail extensive program development and management, partner cultivation, coalition building, fundraising, grant writing, and travel. This position will supervise the GNSN Coordinator and 3-5 technicians implementing field work. The Program Manager will work closely with other team members at SBG and partner organizations. The Program Manager will report directly to the SBG Science & Conservation Director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

* Demonstrated experience with project management, leadership, motivating and inspiring others in a team environment.
* Proven experience developing, implementing, and completing projects.
* Knowledge of and prior experience implementing SOS Seed Collection Protocols.
* Experience with writing project reports, publications, and grant proposals.
* ·At least two years of experience in project budgeting and fiscal management. Experience in UGA systems preferred.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with various audiences, including laypeople, volunteers, private landowners, interns, academics, business leaders, agency personnel, donors, and other professionals.
* Excellent communication skills, both in written and oral communication, and exceptional presentation abilities.
* Preferred proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS products, including Collector and Survey123.
* Experience operating heavy equipment (tractors, skid steers, etc.)

Physical Demands

* Work in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings.
* Hike over rugged terrain and various landscapes (wetlands, grasslands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.)
* Lift 50 pounds.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Program Development and Management, and Financial and Administrative Management: 65%

* Develop and manage a new Georgia native seed program for ecological restoration focused on grassland, woodland, and wetland species.
* Establish and lead all aspects of the program, including hiring staff and interns, establishing research, developing a seed collection/storage strategy, and developing native plant materials.
* Develop and manage a coalition of partners, including seed producers, government agencies, NGOs, universities, corporations, and philanthropic foundations.
* Coordinate program development with existing teams (SOS, USFWS, etc.).
* Oversee and manage a team of technicians planning, prioritization, collection, cleaning, shipping, storage, research, and production of native seeds based across the state of Georgia.
* Serve as primary liaison for administrative matters with SBG, SGI, SOS National Curator, and USFWS Partners Program.
* Manage donor grant budgets and reporting.
* Manage all donor communications and relations.
* Ensure all procurement meets UGA and funder policies and procedures.
* Lead grant proposal writing for major funding from various sources.

Percentage of time 65 Duties/Responsibilities

Technical and Field Work: 20%

* Support the coordinator with obtaining permits, organizing field trips, collecting and documenting plant materials, participating in volunteer events, and propagating and maintaining plant materials.
* Attend training to stay updated on technical protocols.
* Support team members and partners in Plant propagation.
* Assist team with grassland and grassland-associated ecosystem restoration.
* Assist team with providing technical assistance to partnering producers.
* Assist team with establishing native plant production plots.
* Operate heavy equipment
* Operate power tools

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Communications and Outreach: 15%

* Develop and manage written materials (brochures, informational packets), communications (Zoom calls, phone calls, update emails), and social media content.
* Publicize the program through presentations, webinars, articles, and brochures.
* Work with contractors to establish and maintain a web presence for the program.
* Support team to implement education, outreach, reporting, and policy efforts through communications.
* Coordinate and conduct annual workshops and outreach events.

Percentage of time 15

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Jennifer Ceska Recruitment Contact Email jceska@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

* Resume/CV
* Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.