Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: Elling Eide Center - Sarasota, Florida
Pay: Negotiable based on experience
Description:
The Assistant Land and Environmental Programs Manager joins a team of intellectually curious, scientifically rigorous, hard-working, and interdisciplinary professionals who support the unique mission and vision of the Elling Eide Center. Under the direction of the Land and Environmental Programs Manager, this position is responsible for hands-on execution and daily operations of a comprehensive land management plan that protects, preserves, maintains, and restores the 72-acre nature preserve surrounding the Elling O. Eide Library in Sarasota, Florida, while supporting the Center's broader environmental programs. This role offers excellent opportunities for early-career professionals to develop field skills in an intellectually rich, interdisciplinary environment. Significant program areas include environmental land management, restoration and enhancement, as well as horticulture of native, ornamental, and edible plants. Additionally, because the Eide Center exists at the intersection of conservation science and humanities scholarship, this position helps support visiting national and international scholars, as well as diverse archaeological, historical, and cultural resources within the preserve.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Work is typically related to land management at the Eide Preserve or performing environmental programs in support of the Elling Eide Center, under the direction of the program Director. In general, work assignments include but are not limited to:
Primary Responsibilities (60-70% of time):
Daily preserve management and maintenance
Horticultural care including planting, pruning, watering, and mulching
Assist with prescribed fire operations under direction of Certified Burn Manager
Habitat management and invasive species control
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of infrastructure
Equipment operation including tractors, UTVs, mowers, and hand tools
Coordinate and supervise contractors and volunteers during field operations
Protect and maintain archaeological features during all preserve operations
Technical/Scientific Work (20-30%):
Field surveys and biotic monitoring
Photo documentation of preserve conditions and project progress
Data entry and database management
Assist with GIS mapping and spatial data collection
Sample collection for water quality or soil testing
Support Functions (5-10%):
Assist with visitor and researcher coordination
Support public education and outreach activities
Equipment and supply inventory management
Contribute to grant reports and management plan updates
Occasionally support facilities and structures repair
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related field, with 1-2 years of field experience OR Associate's degree with 3-4 years progressive experience in land/preserve management; OR 5 years demonstrated experience in habitat restoration and land stewardship.
Valid Florida driver's license with clean driving record
CPR/First Aid certification within 6 months of hire; Wilderness First Aid certification preferred.
Technical Competencies
Basic native plant identification and Florida ecosystems knowledge
Computer use, including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office
Safe equipment operation and basic mechanical troubleshooting
Field Requirements
Physical ability to work outdoors 70-80% of time in heat, rain, and around wildlife
Ability to lift 50 lbs occasionally, 20 lbs frequently
Ability to pass moderate pack test and to pass on an annual basis.
Comfortable working in/around water, climbing equipment, bending, stooping, crawling
Ability to work independently in remote areas of the preserve
Professional Skills
Clear verbal communication with supervisors, contractors, and volunteers
Ability to follow detailed work plans and safety protocols
Self-motivated with ability to work independently once trained
Basic time management and task prioritization
Professional demeanor when interacting with preserve visitors and researchers
Desirable Qualifications:
Agricultural, horticultural, or landscape design skills
Ability to operate tractors, UTVs, and trailers
Invasive species identification and control methods
Herbicide applicators certification
Basic GIS and GPS navigation skills
Prescribed fire training (S-130/190) or willingness to obtain
Basic chainsaw safety and operation
Experience with ESRI ArcGIS or other mapping software
Spanish language skills
Familiarity with East Asian cultures, history, languages, or humanities scholarship
Interest in or familiarity with cultural resource preservation
Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work and learning
Schedule:
Full Time, 40 hours per week
Generally, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am- 3:30 pm
Occasionally may be required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as requested.
Attend special events (as needed)
Working Conditions:
Generally, outdoor field environment (70-80%) and indoor office work (20-30%). Performs strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions. Able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently. Required to drive vehicles as part of the duties of the job, e.g. tractor, golf cart, truck. Able to climb and descend equipment and ladders. Able to bend, stoop, crawl, and reach. The position requires visual acuity and depth perception as well as the ability to hear and identify sounds. Work in and around water.
To Apply:
1) Please send the following materials to careers@ellingoeide.org: a. Resume b. Cover Letter 2) Please include the job title in the subject line. 3) Please indicate in the email body where you saw this job opportunity.
