Ecological Land Manager - Private/Public Nature Preserve : Job Details

Job Title: Ecological Land Manager

Reports to: On-site Property Manager; Managing Director of Operations and Properties

Location: Garrison, NY and New York, NY

Job Summary

The Ecological Land Manager (ELM) is a multifaceted role that combines expertise in eco-land management, forestry, and horticulture to oversee the stewardship, restoration, and maintenance of a 160+ acre ecological preserve with both public and private land areas in Garrison, NY.

The ELM brings expertise to the property management team, leading and participating in the development of new projects, restoration, health and ongoing maintenance of all ecological and land management practices to ensure the long-term health and resilience of the local ecosystems, which includes identifying and addressing invasive species, pathogens, and environmental challenges while developing and implementing plans to protect native plant and wildlife habitats.

In this role, the ELM leads landscape restoration efforts, manages irrigation systems and advances biodiversity initiatives. The ELM also oversees the maintenance and improvement of key areas like entrances, roadsides, and parking lots, along with trail management, ongoing landscaping and animal control needs.

Working closely alongside an Assistant ELM and a Gardener, the Ecological Land Manager reports to the on-site Property Manager as well as the Managing Director of Operations and Properties, and also works in close coordination with the property owner. The ELM is a critical team leader, partner and advisor. In addition to the Garrison property, the ELM will also have input into the maintenance and management of an 8,000 sq. ft. NYC rooftop garden.

The ELM is passionate about flora, fauna, and ecological management and preservation. They are hands-on, professional, proactive, and reliable while upholding the utmost respect for boundaries, privacy, and confidentiality always. A critical member of the Garrison property team, the ELM helps to ensure the Principal's overall vision for the estate is realized.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop mapping of the property to become intimately knowledgeable of the entire preserve including the residential envelopes
• Identify invasive species problem areas as well as disease and insect infestations. Lead all restorative efforts
• Monitor for, coordinate, and participate in the removal of invasive species that may impact the natural environment
• Plan and lead efforts to increase flora/fauna biodiversity and climate change resilience on the property
• Oversee major projects which may include brook restoration, marsh restoration, bird viewing decks, new trails, and visitor informational area
• Plan, document, lead and implement landscape restoration efforts and landscape maintenance work, including management of all trails on the property
• Understand environmental health issues pertaining to the landscape, i.e. assuring safe, timely and appropriate use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers
• Understand and manage irrigation needs
• Management of landscapes around the houses and other structures in the residential envelopes and areas adjacent to other developed areas like roadsides, entrances, parking lots, and other miscellaneous areas that need maintenance, improvement, and ongoing care
• Management of greenhouse and vegetable garden
• Document, encourage and protect native fungi throughout the property
• Work closely with vendors and subcontractors to maintain the property at the highest standards
• Investigate, plan, procure and establish new native plant communities
• Meadow development; Introduce new native plants from seed and plug to increase biodiversity
• Oversee landscaping and grounds which includes weeding, trimming, watering, pruning, planting, shoveling, sawing, sweeping, raking, and other activities as needed
• Adequately document ongoing site work and develop practical maintenance protocols and procedure manuals
• Oversee inspections, quality control, scheduling of periodic work, and inventory control
• Create and ensure Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems are in-place and effective
• Ensure all landscape and garden equipment is well maintained and serviced
• Liaise with expert consultants
• Prepare the grounds for seasonal / inclement weather

Cross-Office Collaboration:

• Communicate and coordinate with the principals and other staff
• Build strong collaborative relationships with onsite property management team and the administrative team to carry out responsibilities
• Create and maintain budgets in collaboration with the Finance department
• Liaise with Finance on all budget management and invoices

Qualifications:

• A degree (bachelors or associates) in the fields of environmental sciences, eco-land management, or horticulture
• A minimum of 10 years of proven, confirmable experience working in the fields of landscape maintenance, landscape installation, landscape nursery or horticulture. Substantial (5+ years) and documented real world field experience is valued just as strongly as a degree
• Deep respect and knowledge of ecological principles, the native landscape, and strong appetite to know more.
• In depth knowledge of planting with strong familiarity of the local flora and its plant communities; both native and invasive plant ID - trees down to herbaceous plants.
• In depth knowledge of IPM programs
• Experience with GIS mapping
• Experience operating heavy machinery: tractors, skid steers, and other large equipment
• Skilled and competent with a chainsaw
• Strong planning skills from concept development to implementation and project outcome assessment
• A friendly and positive attitude, and a can-do teamwork-oriented personality
• Strong time management and attention to detail are mandatory
• Proven and documented experience working with (Zones 6 through 7) plant material, including shrubs, perennials, and trees
• Commitment to the organic removal of invasive species (no herbicide/pesticide), and an overall holistic approach to habitat restoration
• Highly organized and detail oriented with exceptional commitment and dedication to daily responsibilities
• Proactive attitude and approaches problems with a sense of possibility
• Exceptional communication skills including, but not limited to, speaking, interpersonal, and written correspondence
• Courteous, extremely discreet, honest, non-obtrusive, and exhibits a responsible character
• Ability to frequently reach, bend, kneel, and crouch for extended periods of time
• The ability to lift or move heavy items (30-50 lbs.)
• Ability to work in all weather and temperature conditions including heat, humidity, cold, damp, and freezing temperatures
• All Family properties are smoke-free environments
• Ability to travel to New York City as needed
• Legally eligible to work in the United States at time of hire

Compensation package includes base salary, plus medical insurance, PTO, and generous 401(k) match.