The College of Biological Sciences (CBS) at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities seeks a Director of the CBS Conservatory and Botanical Collection to lead the development and growth of this important resource for botanical teaching, K-12 and public outreach, and research.

College of Biological Sciences Conservatory & Botanical Collection Overview
The CBS Conservatory’s collection is the most diverse in the Upper Midwest, including over 1,500 unique plant species from across the world. Living collections are housed in a new facility constructed in 2019 (9,000 square feet) including four biome rooms with large, in-ground plantings. The Conservatory plays an essential role in supporting botanical courses, public outreach, and research. Link to the Conservatory: https://cbs.umn.edu/conservatory

We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates with a Ph.D. (or Masters with relevant experience) in evolutionary biology, plant biology, ecology, horticulture, or related fields with a strong expertise and interest in plant diversity. The ideal candidate has experience with living plant collections and personnel management, but we strongly encourage all interested persons to apply.

Position overview
The role of Director requires an individual who is energetic, professional, and collaborative and has excellent managerial, organizational, and communication skills. The primary responsibilities will be to curate the conservatory collections, support course instruction, oversee greenhouse operations, teach a specimen-based course in their area of specialty, supervise the other members of the Conservatory staff team, and manage an enthusiastic set of volunteers. This position offers exciting opportunities to engage in teaching, outreach, and research with other CBS faculty, staff, and students as well as our field stations (i.e. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories).

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Curation of the Conservatory - 50%
● Oversee the plant collection and the academic and administrative functions of the CBS Conservatory and Botanical Collections.
● With CBS leadership, make strategic decisions about plantings, collections, exhibits, programming, and partnerships that enhance CBS’ teaching, research, and outreach mission.
● Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and budget strategies to guide and support operations of the Conservatory.
● Stimulate greater involvement, participation, and awareness of the Conservatory from internal and external audiences.
● Effectively manage, mentor and train the Conservatory staff team including recruitment, retention, performance management and coaching of team members. The team currently consists of a full-time Conservatory Services Coordinator, a half-time Education and Outreach Coordinator, and two student employees. Set clear direction, priorities and benchmarks for the Conservatory team. Promote excellence through well-defined and measurable goals.

Teaching and Mentoring - 30%
● Work collaboratively with faculty and staff in Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB) and other departments and colleges at the University to support educational efforts related to plants.
● Teach up to one undergraduate course per academic year in an area of their specialty.
● Mentor undergraduate students in research or outreach projects.

Public Outreach - 15%
● Oversee Conservatory activities for public education, leveraging faculty research interests and identifying new and continued partnerships.
● Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to support outreach relating to plants.
● Ensure that public education and outreach programming is culturally responsive
and considers the needs of underserved communities.
● Represent the CBS Conservatory publicly to advance the standing and use of the greenhouse collections.

Regulatory Compliance - 5%
● Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies.

Essential Qualifications
● Master's degree in evolutionary biology, plant biology, ecology, horticulture, or related fields with strong expertise and interest in plant diversity. 
● Successful experience with greenhouse operations.
● Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and with a diverse university community. 
● Excellent managerial, organizational, and communication skills.
● Have or obtain a state pesticide applicator license (Category A & E) within 90 days of start of appointment .
● Hold or obtain a valid MN Driver's license within 90 days of the start of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications
● Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, plant biology, ecology, horticulture, or related fields with a strong expertise and interest in plant diversity.
● Experience with living plant collections and curation.
● Experience teaching lecture- or lab-based courses at the college level.

To Apply

The priority application deadline is August 26, 2024.

Link for applicants outside the UMN system: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/362641

Link for current employees at the University of Minnesota: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/int/362641