Director of the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S12686P

Working Title Director of the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Department CAES-Coastal Botanical Gardens

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, Evening and Weekend work.

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 09/19/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 11/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy SE District

EEO Policy Statement

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

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.



Position Information

Classification Title Agriculture/Forestry/Marine/Aeronautics Manager

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

This position serves as the Director of the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (CGBG) and is responsible to lead and oversee all operations for CGBG. This includes management to the operations and delivery of Extension programs offered at the CGBG. This position is under the direct supervision of the Southeast District Extension Director and coordinates program delivery with the Chatham County Extension Office and Southeast District Extension Agricultural and Natural Resources Program Development Coordinator. The Director is responsible for personnel, facilities, budget, programs and public relations.

This includes administrative activities related to CGBG's ability to provide necessary services to guests; fiscal oversight to include managing budgets to fund operations and associated reporting; implementing and ensuring policy compliance; the oversight of the buildings, grounds, and equipment; and supervision and personnel management. The Director will also provide direction and implementation to private fund raising efforts and grant writing. The Director serves as a liaison with the Chatham County Extension Office, Chatham County Manager's Office and The "Friends of the Gardens", an independent 501 © 3 that provides private funding support to CGBG.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Experience in facility management and personnel supervision
• Experience in educational program delivery
• Experience in fund development through private gifts and grants
• Demonstrated expertise in managing budgets, fiscal compliance, associated reporting, and strategic planning.
• Effective leadership, relationship-building skills and oral/written communication and customer service skills are essential.
• Ability to work in a team setting, manage a team, and work independently as directed.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Supervisory experience including hiring, training, supporting, evaluating, and directing the work of others
• Ability to review statements, reports, and data to monitor efficiency and improve operations
• Ability to direct multiple projects
• Ability to prepare word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
• Ability to work with online reservation, enrollment and event management systems
• Ability to develop an appreciation and understanding of the history of the CGBC at the Historic Bamboo Farm
• Obtain and maintain certifications as necessary to support the operation the CGBG.
• Knowledge of plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals used in grounds work

Physical Demands

• Access to a reliable private vehicle for official duty travel.
• Lift 50 lbs. or more, but not excessive for this position.
• Working in various weather conditions.
• Walking and standing for various lengths of time to inspect the gardens and tour guests around the grounds and facilities.
• Frequent evening and weekend work.
• Driving as needed to perform job related duties.

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? Yes

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes

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

• Ensures that all programs meet the highest academic standards and that all programs and services are delivered in the highest professional manner
• Provide visionary leadership to the programs and development of the facilities and horticultural gardens
• Represent the CGBG at Southeast District Extension meetings, represent the GCBG at Chatham County Commission Meetings, represent the CGBG as needed to promote and develop positive relationships with donors and stakeholder groups
• Serve as the liaison with the "Friends of the Gardens" in order to strengthen and encourage their involvement for physical improvements, and program enhancements at the CGBG
• Meet with potential users/customers to promote and encourage the use of the Facilities and program offered at the CGBG
• Develop promotional materials and create greater awareness of offerings at CGBG through social media and maintain up to date web presence

Percentage of time 35 Duties/Responsibilities

• Ensure the historical preservation of the facilities, the botanical collections including but not limited to irises, orchids and bamboo, the bamboo collection, and other historical documents related to the history of the CGBG
• Participate in the management of design & construction projects at the CGBG
• Serve as CGBG representative and clearly communicates CGBG interests and needs to architects, engineers and contractors so that they can successfully perform their task to enhance the CGBG vision and goals
• Work with UGA Extension to develop research and demonstration opportunities for UGA Horticulture and other UGA faculty and County Extension ANR Agents in the southeast Georgia area

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

• Hire, onboard, train, provide ongoing training requirements, employee certifications, and other personnel related matters and communication
• Provide direct supervision of Horticulture Manager, the Event Coordinator and the Operations Manager
• Manage the annual performance review process and support personnel matters associated with the employees
• Oversee volunteer recruitment and management

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

• Oversee the fiscal operations of CGBG. Approve non-routine purchases and guide processes used for routine purchasing via p-card, payment request, or purchase order
• Create reports as necessary, to study the revenue and expenses of the departmental sales and service account
• Prepare documentation for seeking external funding as appropriate, i.e. from grants, state and County funds, private gifts, etc.
• Work with Chatham County Manager and Southeast District Extension Director to determine funding sources for payroll, projects, and purchases

Percentage of time 20

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 Cheryl Poppell

Recruitment Contact Email 912-478-8983

Recruitment Contact Phone



Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Public Job Posting
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Agency Referral
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Personal Referral
   • Website
   • Other

Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents