Job Description
Position Description: Position Summary
The Associate Director of Conservation leads strategic initiatives within the Conservation department including the management of fieldwork, landowner engagement, and nursery propagation. Specifically, this position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens TREES Initiative, a large-scale native tree conservation and restoration program focused on the Guadalupe River watershed. Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation & Collections, and in coordination with the Chief Mission Officer, this position serves as the central coordinator for landowner engagement, seed collection, plant production, and restoration logistics, ensuring that projects move efficiently from planning through implementation and long-term success.
This role works closely with private landowners, public officials, land management agencies, nurseries, and internal Garden staff to identify suitable restoration sites, source genetically appropriate plant material, and oversee propagation, planting, and monitoring efforts. The Project Manager plays a critical role in translating conservation goals into on-the-ground outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Management and Coordination
Oversee operational aspects of the TREES Initiative, including project planning, timelines, deliverables, and coordination among multiple partners.
Develop and manage annual work plans, planting targets, and project schedules aligned with funding requirements and ecological priorities.
Track project progress, outcomes, and metrics for internal reporting, grant compliance, and partner communications.
Landowner and Partner Engagement
Work directly with private landowners, municipalities, and public land managers to identify, evaluate, and secure sites suitable for native tree restoration along the Guadalupe River.
Coordinate site assessments, including access, soil conditions, hydrology, species suitability, and long-term stewardship considerations.
Serve as a primary point of contact for external partners, fostering strong working relationships and clear communication.
Seed Collection and Plant Sourcing
Plan and coordinate seed collection activities for native tree and woody plant species, working with conservation staff, trained volunteers, and partner organizations.
In collaboration with the SABG Volunteer Manager, recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers in support of seed collection efforts, including field safety, collection techniques, and documentation standards.
Ensure seed collections follow established conservation protocols, including appropriate documentation, genetic considerations, and legal/ethical standards.
Manage seed cleaning, processing, and short- or long-term storage in coordination with conservation and collections staff, including oversight of volunteer-supported seed cleaning workflows.
Propagation and Nursery Coordination
Coordinate with commercial nurseries to contract-grow native trees and shrubs for TREES Initiative projects, including setting production targets and delivery timelines.
Work with Garden propagation staff to oversee in-house propagation efforts, including seedlings grown for restoration plantings.
In collaboration with the SABG Volunteer Manager, coordinate and supervise volunteer activities at the Garden related to propagation, including seed cleaning, up-potting, watering, weeding, and general plant care.
Monitor plant quality, species accuracy, and readiness for planting across all production sources.
Restoration Implementation and Logistics
Coordinate planting logistics, including plant delivery, staging, volunteer or contractor involvement, and on-site coordination.
In collaboration with the SABG Volunteer Manager, recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for off-site activities, including planting events, seed collection trips, aftercare, and long-term monitoring.
Assist with or oversee planting events and restoration activities as needed, ensuring proper installation techniques and site-specific considerations.
Support post-planting monitoring, maintenance planning, and adaptive management in collaboration with partners, landowners, and volunteer teams.
Data Management and Documentation
Ensure accurate tracking of seed collections, plant production, and restoration outcomes using institutional data systems.
Maintain organized records related to sites, species, quantities, and partners to support reporting, evaluation, and long-term conservation planning.
Contribute to maps, summaries, and project documentation for internal use, partners, and funders.
Communication and Representation
Represent the TREES Initiative in meetings, site visits, and public or partner-facing settings.
Organize and lead workshops, presentations, and classes.
Contribute content and information for reports, presentations, and outreach materials related to the initiative.
Support donor and grant reporting by providing timely and accurate project updates.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Forestry, Botany, Ecology, Horticulture, or a related field required; Masters degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in ecological restoration, conservation project management, native plant production, or related applied fieldwork.
Experience working with landowners, public agencies, or conservation partners on land-based projects.
Working knowledge of native Texas trees and woody plants required.
Skills and Competencies
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple moving parts simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable working with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
Working knowledge of seed collection, plant propagation, and nursery production processes.
Ability to manage data, track outcomes, and maintain detailed records.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data management tools; familiarity with GIS or mapping tools is a plus.
Comfortable working outdoors and traveling to field sites as needed.
Physical and Other Requirements
Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and terrain.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with field, nursery, or planting activities as needed.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for planting events or partner coordination.
The Associate Director of Conservation leads strategic initiatives within the Conservation department including the management of fieldwork, landowner engagement, and nursery propagation. Specifically, this position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens TREES Initiative, a large-scale native tree conservation and restoration program focused on the Guadalupe River watershed. Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation & Collections, and in coordination with the Chief Mission Officer, this position serves as the central coordinator for landowner engagement, seed collection, plant production, and restoration logistics, ensuring that projects move efficiently from planning through implementation and long-term success.
This role works closely with private landowners, public officials, land management agencies, nurseries, and internal Garden staff to identify suitable restoration sites, source genetically appropriate plant material, and oversee propagation, planting, and monitoring efforts. The Project Manager plays a critical role in translating conservation goals into on-the-ground outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Management and Coordination
Oversee operational aspects of the TREES Initiative, including project planning, timelines, deliverables, and coordination among multiple partners.
Develop and manage annual work plans, planting targets, and project schedules aligned with funding requirements and ecological priorities.
Track project progress, outcomes, and metrics for internal reporting, grant compliance, and partner communications.
Landowner and Partner Engagement
Work directly with private landowners, municipalities, and public land managers to identify, evaluate, and secure sites suitable for native tree restoration along the Guadalupe River.
Coordinate site assessments, including access, soil conditions, hydrology, species suitability, and long-term stewardship considerations.
Serve as a primary point of contact for external partners, fostering strong working relationships and clear communication.
Seed Collection and Plant Sourcing
Plan and coordinate seed collection activities for native tree and woody plant species, working with conservation staff, trained volunteers, and partner organizations.
In collaboration with the SABG Volunteer Manager, recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers in support of seed collection efforts, including field safety, collection techniques, and documentation standards.
Ensure seed collections follow established conservation protocols, including appropriate documentation, genetic considerations, and legal/ethical standards.
Manage seed cleaning, processing, and short- or long-term storage in coordination with conservation and collections staff, including oversight of volunteer-supported seed cleaning workflows.
Propagation and Nursery Coordination
Coordinate with commercial nurseries to contract-grow native trees and shrubs for TREES Initiative projects, including setting production targets and delivery timelines.
Work with Garden propagation staff to oversee in-house propagation efforts, including seedlings grown for restoration plantings.
In collaboration with the SABG Volunteer Manager, coordinate and supervise volunteer activities at the Garden related to propagation, including seed cleaning, up-potting, watering, weeding, and general plant care.
Monitor plant quality, species accuracy, and readiness for planting across all production sources.
Restoration Implementation and Logistics
Coordinate planting logistics, including plant delivery, staging, volunteer or contractor involvement, and on-site coordination.
In collaboration with the SABG Volunteer Manager, recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for off-site activities, including planting events, seed collection trips, aftercare, and long-term monitoring.
Assist with or oversee planting events and restoration activities as needed, ensuring proper installation techniques and site-specific considerations.
Support post-planting monitoring, maintenance planning, and adaptive management in collaboration with partners, landowners, and volunteer teams.
Data Management and Documentation
Ensure accurate tracking of seed collections, plant production, and restoration outcomes using institutional data systems.
Maintain organized records related to sites, species, quantities, and partners to support reporting, evaluation, and long-term conservation planning.
Contribute to maps, summaries, and project documentation for internal use, partners, and funders.
Communication and Representation
Represent the TREES Initiative in meetings, site visits, and public or partner-facing settings.
Organize and lead workshops, presentations, and classes.
Contribute content and information for reports, presentations, and outreach materials related to the initiative.
Support donor and grant reporting by providing timely and accurate project updates.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Forestry, Botany, Ecology, Horticulture, or a related field required; Masters degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in ecological restoration, conservation project management, native plant production, or related applied fieldwork.
Experience working with landowners, public agencies, or conservation partners on land-based projects.
Working knowledge of native Texas trees and woody plants required.
Skills and Competencies
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple moving parts simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable working with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
Working knowledge of seed collection, plant propagation, and nursery production processes.
Ability to manage data, track outcomes, and maintain detailed records.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data management tools; familiarity with GIS or mapping tools is a plus.
Comfortable working outdoors and traveling to field sites as needed.
Physical and Other Requirements
Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and terrain.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with field, nursery, or planting activities as needed.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for planting events or partner coordination.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Associate Director of Conservation position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management Jobs sector. This role in San Antonio offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Event Management Jobs is a plus.
