Position Description:
About the San Antonio Botanical Garden
For over 45 years, the San Antonio Botanical Garden (SABG) has been enriching lives through plants and nature. The Garden is a world class garden recognized for outstanding horticulture displays, botanical diversity, education, conservation, and experiences that connect people to the natural world. The San Antonio Botanical Garden embraces the sense of place that makes San Antonio unique and features over thirty-eight acres of nature space located deep in the heart of San Antonio, has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors, and has over 13,000 member households. For more information, visit www.sabot.org
The TREES Initiative (www.sabgtx.org/trees) is a long-term ecological restoration program established to restore native riparian forests throughout the Guadalupe River watershed following catastrophic flooding. Working alongside community partners, landowners, volunteers, and conservation organizations, the Initiative focuses on collecting native seed, growing locally adapted trees, and restoring healthy river ecosystems throughout the Texas Hill Country.
Position Summary
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Conservation Technician to support the TREES Initiative through hands-on restoration, nursery production, and field conservation activities. This entry-level position plays an important role in every stage of the restoration process—from collecting native tree seed in the field and propagating seedlings in the nursery to planting and maintaining trees at restoration sites.
The Conservation Technician will spend much of their time outdoors collecting seed, caring for thousands of native seedlings, preparing trees for planting, maintaining restoration sites, and assisting with volunteer workdays. The position will work closely with the Director of Conservation and other conservation staff to ensure the successful production and establishment of native trees used in large-scale restoration projects.
Primary Responsibilities
Nursery Production and Plant Care
- Propagate native trees from seed and cuttings using established nursery protocols.
- Pot, transplant, and maintain container-grown trees through multiple stages of production.
- Water, fertilize, weed, prune, and monitor plant health.
- Install and maintain irrigation systems.
- Scout for pests and diseases and assist with integrated pest management.
- Maintain clean and organized nursery, greenhouse, and work areas.
- Assist with moving plant material throughout the nursery.
Seed Collection and Processing
- Participate in native tree seed collection
- Collect, label, transport, and document seed collections following established protocols.
- Clean, sort, process, and prepare seed for storage and propagation.
- Maintain accurate records of seed collections and inventories.
Ecological Restoration and Field Operations
- Assist with tree planting projects at restoration sites.
- Prepare planting locations and install tree protection materials, mulch, and erosion-control measures.
- Water and maintain newly established restoration plantings.
- Assist with routine monitoring and maintenance of restoration sites.
- Operate and maintain field equipment, trailers, and tools.
Volunteer Support and Program Assistance
- Assist conservation staff in coordinating and supervising volunteers during nursery, seed collection, seed cleaning and restoration activities.
- Prepare tools, supplies, and materials for volunteer workdays.
- Maintain field equipment and work vehicles.
- Perform additional duties in support of the Garden's conservation mission.
Qualifications:
- Associate or bachelor's degree (or coursework) in horticulture, forestry, botany, ecology, conservation biology, science, natural resources, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working in horticulture, landscaping, forestry, agriculture, restoration, or nursery production is desirable but not required.
- Interest in native Texas plants and ecological restoration.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to perform physically demanding outdoor work.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Valid Texas driver's license (or ability to obtain one).
- Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of plant identification and plant care.
- Familiarity with plant propagation or nursery production is desirable.
- Ability to safely use hand tools, pruners, shovels, irrigation equipment, and basic power equipment.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, skid steer and mini-track loader operations
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Skill in use of four-wheel drive vehicles.
- Ability to work effectively with volunteers and diverse groups of people.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new techniques.
- Ability to follow written protocols and work safely in field environments.
Physical Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
- Walk long distances over uneven terrain.
- Bend, kneel, squat, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks.
- Work outdoors for extended periods in heat, humidity, sun, rain, wind, and uneven terrain.
- Operate hand tools and small equipment safely.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily outdoors at nursery facilities, restoration sites, and field locations throughout Central Texas.
- Frequent travel to restoration sites within the Guadalupe River watershed.
- Occasional weekend work during volunteer events, seed collection season, or restoration activities.
- Position requires flexibility to accommodate seasonal workloads, particularly during seed collection, propagation, and planting seasons.
Schedule and Compensation
- Full-Time: 40 hours per week with occasional weekend work during volunteer events or seasonal restoration activities.
- Compensation: Hourly wage commensurate with experience.
